Expedition & Challenge Course Instructor

About Us

We believe every young person is capable of more than they know. Through immersive outdoor experiences, we help youth develop the courage, character, and leadership to thrive in school, in their communities, and for life.

What We’re Looking For

We're hiring purpose-driven, growth-minded Challenge Course Facilitators for our Washington, DC team. You'll lead 1-day Challenge Course and team-building programs, guiding students through purposeful activities, centered around predetermined outcomes, and guiding reflective discussions to drive transference of learning beyond our programming.

Location

Baltimore, MD

Schedule

Full-time, seasonal (Spring–Fall), includes multi-day expeditions & 1-day programs

Compensation and Benefits

• Per diem- $120.00 training; $144.00 after training
• Seven (7) days of Paid Sick Leave
• Up to eight (8) weeks of paid Family/Medical leave
• 401(k) with a match
• Pre-tax Commuter/Transit Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other Perks
• Room and basic Board, if you elect to live in CBOBS' staff house
• Discounted rates for Staff Invitationals at other Outward Bound bases during the off-season

What You’ll Do

• Facilitate 1-day and multi-day courses (Challenge Course, backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, rock climbing and wilderness living) with a strong education focus - not just technical instruction.
• Design and adapt curriculum and session plans toward clear outcomes: Belonging, Courage, Physical Engagement, and Reflection.
• Craft daily progressions, reflection prompts, and debriefs to those outcomes, adjusting for student needs and partner goals.
• Assess student learning by using group feedback tools, facilitated debriefs, and end-of-day reflections to transfer course learning into take-home skills and commitments.
• Coach students through tough moments by leading through humility, resilience, and openness - and helping them turn challenge into growth.
• Co-lead with a partner instructor to manage group dynamics, logistics, and risk.
• Participate fully in onboarding, expedition prep, field support, and course debriefing.
• Uphold safety policies and procedures and contribute to an emotionally and physically safe course environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum Qualifications: 21+ years old, Must clear a federal and state background check, Adult CPR and First Aid, with EpiPen training, Experience with youth (ages 12–18 in schools, mentoring, camps, or community programs), Comfort with camping, backpacking, or wilderness living (training provided), Commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with diverse populations, Able to work long, variable hours in high-stress, team-based, and outdoor environments for single-day and multi-day experiences, Ability to carry a 45–65 lb pack, hike 5-15 miles a day in uneven terrain, supervise students 24/7 on expedition, and remain emotionally regulated under pressure, Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record (preferred, not required).

Success Looks Like

• Students report a stronger sense of self-confidence, trust, and teamwork because of their Outward Bound experience
• You build meaningful, trust-based relationships with students and peers
• You demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and reflection, modeling calm, reflection, and follow through
• You commit to and complete at least one full season (March–November or June-November preferred)
• You grow as a facilitator, teammate, and changemaker

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Make real-time impact: Enable students to build courage, empathy, and self-trust, one challenge at a time
• Grow alongside others: Join a tight-knit, passionate community that values learning, feedback, and purpose
• Gain professional tools: Facilitation, trauma-informed care, group management, risk management and emotional intelligence - all transferable to future careers in education, counseling, or social impact
• Step into purposeful growth: If you enjoy pushing yourself to the edge of your boundaries - emotionally, physically, and professionally - and believe people grow through challenges, you’ll feel at home here
• This work can include extended field weeks and quick turnarounds. We design experiences to be demanding for growth, and we prepare you to lead them well - with training, mentoring, clear safety systems, and a supportive team
• Our aim is to set honest expectations, provide the tools to succeed, and recognize your impact

Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at CBOBS

We serve students across the DMV - Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and communities throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia - and welcome young people from around the world in the summer. We believe every student deserves access to safe, challenging, and joyful outdoor learning close to home. We’re building a team that reflects the populations of the communities we serve. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including multilingual staff and educators with deep ties to Baltimore and D.C. communities.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation

CBOBS provides equal employment opportunity and will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees. If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, or to perform the essential duties of this role, please contact jobs@outwardboundchesapeake.org. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis consistent with the ADA and applicable law.