Summer Intern AmeriCorps VISTA
Position Description
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Do you have passion for the outdoors and teaching others about it? This is the job for you! Spend your days hiking and
canoeing while teaching children in a beautiful setting right on the Wisconsin River. This position is a great way to
broaden your skills by teaching environmental education programs, outdoor recreation, as well as helping in many
aspects of program management and delivery.
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center is a 4-H camp and environmental center operated by the University of
Wisconsin-Extension and located on the magnificent Wisconsin River, two miles north of Wisconsin Dells. The center
rests on 310 acres of forested land including Black Hawk Island, a 210-acre designated State Natural Area. The rock cliffs,
shady canyons, caves and sandy beaches feature a variety of flora, fauna and unique geologic and cultural history.
About AmeriCorps VISTA:
AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program. Authorized in 1964 and founded as Volunteers in Service to America
in 1965, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993. VISTA has been on the front lines
fighting to strengthen communities in America for more than 45 years.
By serving through VISTA, you’ll gain new skills, friends, and experiences—plus you’ll get the satisfaction that comes
from helping others. During your service, you’ll also receive a living allowance, housing and health care, among other
benefits, and educational award upon completion of your VISTA service.
Dates:
June 24 – August 19, 2014; the first day of the position will be spent in Madison at a statewide summer VISTA training.
We are interested in offering our Summer Intern VISTA member pre-service employment from June 2-23 to attend our
Upham Woods staff training and start building capacity for our early June groups. See the compensation section of this
position description for more information.
Specific Responsibilities:
Provide critical support for our summer camp educational and community outreach programs. By providing this
assistance, you will be helping thousands of youth learn, grow, and explore in the natural environment. Specific
responsibilities will include:
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Teach environmental and adventure education classes in a variety of outdoor settings to 4-H summer campers
and community outreach groups
Feeding and care of our educational animals which include reptiles, amphibians and raptors
Work with group leaders to facilitate meals including teaching about healthy living choices
Support our trip program including check out, clean up and check in of gear, and gear transport
Optional lifeguarding opportunities (if certified) include swim tests, swimming, and canoeing/kayaking
Several times a month facilitate an overall positive clientele experience as visiting group liaison
Qualifications:
Ability to work in a team setting with enthusiasm and creativity and the desire to teach environmental education to
summer camp and community outreach groups. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A number of our programs are
conducted on or near the Wisconsin River, so lifeguard certification is desired. Preference will be given to applicants
with training and/or experience in environmental education, natural resources or youth development. A background
check will be performed on selected applicants and is a requirement of the position.
Compensation:
$928 per month plus an additional educational award of $1194 to apply to higher education, along with valuable resume
building experience.
To help with staff and program continuity, Upham Woods is also offering the opportunity to begin working for us
beginning June 2. From June 2-23 we would pay $260-$290 per week, depending on qualifications. During this time, you
would participate in our staff training and then begin fulfilling the same responsibilities as the Summer Intern VISTA
position.
Housing is provided. The Summer Intern VISTAs will have private rooms in the staff duplex. Meals are provided when
groups are on site. A kitchen in the staff duplex is available for storing and preparing personal food.
To Apply:
First contact Upham Assistant Director Toby Grabs at toby.grabs@ces.uwex.edu to let him know you are interested and
to check the status and availability of the position. Next, create a log in at My AmeriCorps at
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do. Search for the Upham Woods summer VISTA position and complete an online
application. Even if you have submitted a resume for our review, you must also complete the online VISTA application. If
selected, there will be a variety of other forms that must be completed through this website. Keep your login
information in a safe place as you’ll use it often.