Outdoor Gear Steward

Job Type Volunteer Job Location: In-person at 1010 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204 About The Center For Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) The Center for Nature-Informed Therapy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people reconnect with the natural world as a source of healing, resilience, and belonging. We train mental health professionals and helping professionals to ethically integrate nature into their work, while also offering nature-based programs that support emotional well-being in the community. Our programs include professional trainings, outdoor therapeutic experiences, grief-focused backpacking programs, resilience-building rock climbing, and accessible nature-based offerings for people who may otherwise face financial barriers to participation. Through scholarships and community partnerships, we work to make these experiences available to those with financial need and to helping professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. At CNIT, we believe the outdoors should not be treated as a luxury. It can be a place of connection, restoration, courage, and care. Volunteers help us carry this mission forward by keeping our programs safe, organized, and accessible. About The Role Role Summary The Center for Nature-Informed Therapy is seeking a detail-oriented volunteer to help organize, inspect, maintain, and prepare outdoor gear used in CNIT’s nature-based programs. These programs include Intro to Backpacking, Grief Training Through Backpacking, Rock Climbing for Resilience, and other scholarship-supported outdoor experiences. CNIT uses this gear approximately 4–5 times per year to help reduce financial barriers for participants who may not own the equipment needed to safely take part. The Outdoor Gear Steward helps make sure our gear is clean, organized, safe, and ready for use. Key Responsibilities The volunteer may help with: Organizing CNIT’s existing outdoor gear inventoryCreating or updating a simple gear inventory listInspecting gear for visible wear, damage, missing parts, or repair needsSorting gear into categories such as “ready to use,” “needs cleaning,” “needs repair,” “retire/remove,” and “program-specific”Cleaning or airing out gear after use, when appropriateFlagging items that need professional repair or staff reviewHelping prepare gear before CNIT outdoor programsChecking gear back in after programsSewing or attaching CNIT patches to selected non-technical gear, such as bags, stuff sacks, outerwear, or other approved itemsKeeping gear storage neat, labeled, and easy for facilitators to access Requirements This role may be a good fit for someone who: Enjoys outdoor gear, camping, hiking, backpacking, or climbingIs organized and detail-orientedCan notice wear, damage, missing pieces, or cleanliness issuesHas basic sewing or repair skills, or is willing to learnIs comfortable following simple checklists and inventory systemsAppreciates CNIT’s mission of making nature-based mental health programs more accessibleCan work independently after basic guidance Compensation & Benefits Outdoor leadership experience is helpful but not required. This is a volunteer position and does not include wages or financial compensation. Volunteer benefits are offered as a thank-you for the time, care, and support volunteers bring to CNIT’s mission. For this role, volunteers may qualify for CNIT’s volunteer appreciation benefits based on their level of service. Occasional Volunteers Volunteers Who Help With One Event Or Short Project, Typically Under 5 Hours, May Choose One Thank-you Benefit After Their Service 10% off a future in-person training or public program, up to $100 off50% off a future live online trainingFree access to one on-demand workshop recording Sustained Volunteers Benefits Volunteers who contribute 5 or more hours per month for 3 consecutive months, or who support 3 or more CNIT events or projects in a calendar year, may qualify for sustained volunteer benefits, including: 25% off in-person trainings and public programs, up to $250 offFree access to up to 3 online trainings or professional-development webinars per calendar yearOne free CNIT merchandise item each yearAnnual Volunteer Spotlight feature on the CNIT website and newsletterOfficial service verification letter documenting hours and roleEligibility for CNIT’s annual Volunteer Recognition Award Volunteer benefits are non-transferable, subject to program availability, and may not be combined with other promotions. Some trainings or partner-led programs may be excluded. Benefits are subject to change as CNIT’s programs evolve. How To Apply To apply for the Outdoor Gear Steward volunteer role, please complete CNIT’s Volunteer Application Form. When completing the application, please check “Outdoor Gear Steward” in the section asking which volunteer opportunity or role you are interested in. After we receive your application, a CNIT team member will follow up with next steps. Please email info@natureinformedtherapy.org with any questions.