Outdoor Adventure for DC Youth

City Kids is a seven-year, year-round youth development organization based in Washington, DC and Jackson, WY. We enroll 20 new 6th graders every year and support them through their high school graduation. During the school year, we are based in DC and provide after-school and weekend outdoor adventure programming as well as job training and college preparation programming.

In the summer we move to Jackson, WY where we run three sessions of summer camp, as well as career exploration and job training programming for our older youth. We use experiential education and outdoor adventures to facilitate learning, leadership development and self-confidence. We believe that the Wyoming wilderness and outdoor adventures provide challenging and fulfilling experiences for youth. This environment coupled with our caring staff creates opportunities for powerful community building and mutual support. 

Staff and campers live on a rustic 62-acre ranch complete with a swimming pool, log cabins, and lodge right outside of Jackson, Wyoming.  We want our campers to feel supported, to know they matter, and to realize that their feelings are important. We believe our counselors are more than instructors – they are role models and mentors to our campers. Our goal is to promote deeper self-awareness, empathy, a sense of personal power, and confidence in our participants.

City Kids' summer camp is a small and tight-knit community. Working here is a tremendous opportunity to be a part of a mission-driven youth development organization that provides year-round support to our youth for 7+ years. We work hard to ensure that our campers (and staff) have the #bestsummerever. Staff can expect to develop meaningful professional relationships with their coworkers, powerful bonds with their campers and a deep connection to the beauty of Wyoming and the City Kids ranch.

At City Kids we approach everything with a growth mindset and a focus on continuous learning - staff will have the opportunity to build on their strengths, try new things and grow personally and professionally. After a summer on Broken Arrow Ranch, our staff quickly realize that they are #CKforlife! 

Our ideal candidate is enthusiastic, energetic, and loves working with kids. Successful applicants are invested in youth development, enjoy living in community, and are committed to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.  Patience, a growth mindset, a sense of humor, and mature communication skills are a must.

Counseling and Trip Leading Staff live in a log cabin with campers and are provided a separate bedroom and bathroom within the cabin.  That room may be shared with another staff member.  Other staff positions live in shared housing, typically a shared or private room in a cabin.  Most bathrooms are shared.  We like to describe our ranch as rustic & charming!

City Kids provides all meals for staff, either cooked by the kitchen, on backcountry trips, or groceries for self-cooking between camp sessions.  All allergies are accommodated and some diets.  A vegetarian meal will always be provided.  Vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets may require supplemental food from staff members to meet nutritional needs.  

Salary: $600+/week. Additional benefits include; $350 certification stipend, $500 travel stipend, paid training, room & board, outdoor gear provided, returner bonuses, and worker's compensation insurance.  

City Kids strongly recommends that staff members drive a personal car if possible. The City Kids ranch is remote, only outdoor activities are within walking distance and there is no public transportation available.  During time off, a car is helpful to run errands, head to town, or drive to outdoor adventures! 

The closest airport is Jackson Hole. City Kids can pick up any staff at the airport.  For a more affordable option, some staff choose to fly into Salt Lake City and take a shuttle to Jackson.  City Kids provides up to a $400 travel stipend.

Jackson, Wyoming has incredible outdoor activities to offer.  City Kids is located under 1 hour from Grand Teton National Park and 3 hours from Yellowstone National Park.  We are close to exciting whitewater, climbing, hiking, camping, and biking.  The town of Jackson has many amenities, including excellent restaurants, shopping, and free events in the summer.