B’hootz: Outdoor Jewish Youth Mentor for Grades K-5

September 2018 - May 2019

Part-time, contract role

B’hootz is a Sunday school in the woods for grades K–5 that runs 15 Sundays September 2018 – May 2019 in the East Bay parks. This Wilderness Torah program integrates nature-based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and ethics. More than 350 kids of all levels of Jewish identity and practice have participated in this beloved program since it began in 2010. We sell out each year with a wait list and appeal to families seeking alternatives for their kids: unplugged time in nature and learning by doing, with a post-denominational, big-tent philosophy.

We seek educators experienced with Jewish and nature-based education for Shoreshim (roots), grades k-2, and Etzim (trees), grades 3-5,  groups at B’hootz next season. Our Shoreshim group takes place Sundays 10 am – 1 pm, and Etzim takes place 10 am – 2 pm.

About the Position:

As a youth mentor, you and another mentor will work with a group of 10-12 kids either in grades K-2 or 3-5 (we typically have 3 cohorts of kids per grade range,) participate in curriculum planning, and interact with families. You will receive in-depth training in Wilderness Torah’s award-winning curriculum, building your skills as an educator, while working with a wonderful team of passionate people.

About the Organization:

A six-time Slingshot award winner as one of the nation’s most innovative Jewish nonprofits, Wilderness Torah’s mission is to awaken and celebrate the earth-based traditions of Judaism to nourish the connections between self, community, earth, and Spirit. See our website atwww.wildernesstorah.org.

Founded in 2007, Wilderness Torah has served more than 12,000 participants with programs that reconnect Judaism to nature, including multi-generational land-based holiday festivals; outdoor Jewish education for grades K-12; year-round Jewish offerings including Shabbats, High Holidays, and Jewish learning; and young adult leadership training.

Wilderness Torah is growing rapidly, with sold-out programs and double-digit growth each year and has won regional and national awards for Jewish education.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years experience working with children in grades K-2 or 3-5 in Jewish and/or outdoor programs

• Knowledge of the Jewish calendar, holiday cycles, stories, and values

• Naturalist knowledge and wilderness skills

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team of youth mentors

Responsibilities:

• Off-site

• Collaborative curriculum planning under guidance of lead mentor

• Program prep and communication with staff and families as laid out by lead mentor

• Attend Wilderness Torah training days and team meetings

• On-site

• Lead a group of 10-12 youth in programming on 15 Sundays, September 2018 - May 2019

• Mentor and guide youth

• Maintain safety and health of all participants

• Supervise teen mentors

• Attend staff meetings before and after program day (1 hr before, 45 mins after)

Compensation:

Pay is commensurate with experience; this is a part-time, contract role.

To apply:

• Send a resume (two pages maximum), two references and cover letter (one page) toyouth@wildernesstorah.org

• Include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject heading

• Read thoroughly on our web site about the program(s) to which you are applying

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled, final deadline to apply is June 4.

Wilderness Torah is an equal opportunity employer. Local candidates only. Must be able to lift 20 pounds. Thank you!

Organization Details