Trail Blazers hires staff from throughout New York City, across the country, and around the world. Our teams are comprised of people committed to putting the needs of our campers first, and who believe in Trail Blazers’ values of showing care and respect for themselves, others, their communities, and the environment.
Our school-year and summer camp programs offer multiple opportunities for crossover. We provide comprehensive training before and during programs to ensure you are getting feedback, building upon your skills, and growing in your capacity as a youth development professional. If you love children, care about the environment, love being outside, and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and in your community, join us!
Many of our staff members describe Trail Blazers as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences that they have ever had. Our programs are designed not only to support camper growth, but to provide our staff teams with continuous opportunities for growth and professional development – all while working and playing in the great outdoors!
We are a group of deeply kind and dedicated folk who share a belief in the value and power of our unique program. We are committed to putting the needs of our campers first, and we believe in Trail Blazers’ values of showing care and respect for ourselves, others, our communities, and the environment. We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure that our process and practices promote equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.
As a Trail Blazers leader, you will collaborate in developing challenging goals, and think strategically about how to attain them. You will support and be supported by a team of passionate individuals working hard towards a common purpose.
Our staff leaders are the most important resource for the success of our programs and our mission. We apply the principles of respect, honesty, trust and commitment to nurture and develop our teams for the benefit of each individual and our organization. Our shared values mirror the four values that underpin our program as a whole.
I show care and respect for myself:
I am proud of my professional language, behavior, and appearance
I understand my role, and seek the knowledge and skills I need to improve
I embrace opportunities to be challenged, to learn, and to grow
I show care and respect for others:
I build strong relationships with and among Trail Blazers leaders and campers
I respond to the expressed and unexpressed needs of the members of my team
I show appreciation and acknowledgement to others
I show care and respect for our community:
I proactively make space for diversity of people, viewpoints, and spaces
I share a collective responsibility to address issues affecting our community
I follow through on the commitments that I make
I show care and respect for our environment:
I am aware of the environment around me and adjust my actions and behaviors to fit
I leave spaces better than I found them
I create a safe and healthy environment for myself, my co-workers, and our campers
These values are woven through every aspect of the staff experience. They are the foundation of our training and coaching, and they create a shared language throughout the entirety of the organization.
Group leaders and gardeners, specialists and supervisors – we all work in service of Trail Blazers’ vision and mission:
We envision a world where all people have opportunities to go outside and grow within.
Through outdoor experiential programs, accessible to all, Trail Blazers equips and empowers youth to build values for life.
Our vision statement isn’t a lofty goal. As a member of the Trail Blazers team you’ll develop a vision for your work that drives our overarching vision forward. What will you do as a group leader, a team supervisor, an administrator, that moves us closer to giving all people opportunities to grow in the great outdoors? How will your work and your actions empower the campers we serve to develop values that guide them through their youth and beyond?
These are important questions; you have a very important job.
In building out our teams, we look for people who:
Are eager to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to succeed
Are motivated by challenge
Have experience relevant to their role and a desire to gain more of it
Are equipped to provide and receive feedback
Care deeply about the social and emotional development of children
Believe in the power of outdoor education
Possess high levels of kindness, enthusiasm, and patience
Are fully committed to Trail Blazers’ staff shared values
If this sounds like you, please apply!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our hiring processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Join our Team!
We’re searching for the kindest, most playful, most enthusiastic people out there to join our summer camp team! Trail Blazers Day Camp operates in Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, and Morningside Park in Manhattan. We are a FULLY outdoor program – the fun and games are on, rain or shine!
Hiring is ongoing!
Apply here: 2023 Trail Blazers Day Camp Staff Application
Questions? Email us at jobs@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Join our Team!
We’re searching for kind, creative, and enthusiastic people to join our summer camp team. We are a FULLY outdoor program – the adventure is on, rain or shine.
Trail Blazers is located on 1000 acres of forest in Northwest New Jersey. (Below you’ll see a photo of our lake – one of the many beautiful spots on camp!) You’ll work hard this summer and in turn be rewarded with personal growth, life-long friendships with folks from around the world, and pride in knowing that you’ve made an impact in the lives of your campers.
Hiring is ongoing!
Apply here: 2023 Trail Blazers Overnight Camp Staff Application
Questions? Email us at jobs@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Join the Team!
Our after school program inspires youth to make connections to the world around them through hands-on environmental activities, outdoor play and exploration, games and songs, team building, and daily reflections. We operate in elementary schools around Brooklyn, and are more than just childcare!
Trail Blazers Academy
For full information on our Academy program: Click Here
To apply to take part in the Academy program: Click Here
Group Leaders
You will be responsible leading hands-on activities, participating in songs and games with your campers, and creating space for unstructured play. You will make sure their after school time is fun and meaningful.
Team Supervisors
You will directly supervise 3-4 program groups within a school. You’ll be on the ground daily to support groups and provide coaching as needed, particularly in the areas of group dynamics and challenging behavior.
To See Full Job Descriptions: Click Here!
To See a Map of Our Current Partner Locations: Click Here!
Compensation and Position Details
Dates: September 13 – June 23
Hours: Between 2pm – 6pm, depending on the school
Hourly Pay Rate:
Hiring is ongoing!
Apply here: 2022-2023 Trail Blazers After School Staff Application
Questions? Email us at jobs@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Join the Team!
As our Environmental Educator, you will develop environmental education lessons for middle school students while receiving ongoing professional development and support from the Program Director throughout the spring 2023 semester.
To See Full Job Descriptions:
Compensation and Position Details
Dates: January 1- May 20
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2 pm – 5 pm
Additional hours:
Pay Rate: $22/hour
Hiring is ongoing!
To Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to jborkin@trailblazers.org addressed to Josh, with the subject line “Environmental Education Intern”.
Questions? Email Josh at jborkin@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.
Join the Team!
School Year
Site Directors manage the administration and operations of a school program site. School program sites range from 4 – 10 small groups of campers (about 30 – 100 children), with 10 – 30 staff members. Site Directors have the ultimate responsibility for the safety and quality of their program.
Summer
Site Directors manage the administration and operations of one of our Brooklyn Day Camp sites in Prospect Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park. This portion of the job is similar in responsibility to the school year portion, but the days look a lot different. You will be in the park Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm/6pm, covering a lot of ground as you supervise the program leaders around the park.
Full Time Compensation and Position Details
Starting Hourly Pay Rates for Part Time Directors: $22-24
Essential Functions
● Supervise Team Supervisors, who in turn work directly with 3-4 smallcamp groups
● Facilitate schedule of staff leadership meetings for check-ins and program planning
● Identify need for in-service training and develop in conjunction with the Assistant Dirctor(s)
● Oversee staff and program evaluations
● Cultivate effective working relationships with parents and school administrators
● Ensure timely and accurate completion of records/paperwork
● Ensure that school sites maintains SACC compliance, and that summer programs are run in accordance with DOH regulations
Specifications
● Minimum 3 years of experience working with elementary age youth
● Minimum 2 years of experience supervising or leading peers
● Minimum 1 year experience in program management
● CPR/First Aid Certification required – reimbursement is available
● Monday – Friday availability required
● Experience with SACC strongly preferred
● Must complete all SACC background clearances, fingerprints, medical exam and TB tests
● High level professional communication skills, oral and written
● High levels of enthusiasm, kindness, patience, and flexibility
● Ability to be on your feet for 10 minutes at a time
● Ability to safety ascend and descend stairs
● Ability to run, bend, and change directions while moving
● Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
● Willingness to work and play outdoors in all weather, including cold and snow
● Camp and after school experience preferred but not required
Hiring is ongoing!
To Apply:
Questions? Email us at jobs@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups
Join the Team!
The primary responsibility of the Assistant School Programs Director is to oversee compliance for Trail Blazers’ school programs. This includes managing DOH and SACC licensing and staff employment compliance. They will also oversee a small team of Site Directors, which includes weekly supervision meetings, ongoing coaching, scheduled evaluation, and site visits. A typical week includes office-based program management in the mornings, and afternoons that are split between office time and school site visits. Although this role does not entail direct program implementation, a passion for youth development is required!
The Assistant Director works closely with a small program administration team, including the School Programs Director (their direct supervisor), a second Assistant Director, and the Director of Programs, whose charge it is to ensure School Programs are consistent with other Trail Blazers program offerings.
In order to be successful in this position, a person must be eager to collaborate in problem solving efforts. They should be energized by feedback and committed to holding themselves and the people that they supervise accountable for their performance. Because operational compliance is so vital, meticulous attention to details is required. This job description is non-exhaustive, and subject to change at any time.
Compensation and Position Details
Essential Functions
Job Specifications
Hiring is ongoing!
To Apply:
Questions? Email us at jobs@trailblazers.org!
We believe that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups