POSITION SUMMARY

Pathfinders Guides are equal parts educator, camp counselor, and adventure leader. As a Guide, you will be assigned to a consistent group of up to 6 children. Our groups are organized by age (TK–K, 1st–2nd, 3rd–4th, and 5th–6th grade), though cohorts often share adventures, explore side-by-side, and enjoy daily opportunities to connect across age levels. You’ll serve as a trusted adult, mentor, and learning facilitator—responsible for supervising, engaging, and encouraging your group through hands-on learning in both urban and natural environments.

You will collaborate with fellow Guides, our Program Director, and our Curriculum Director to bring Reggio Emilia-inspired, place-based curriculum themes to life, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, creative problem solving, and real-world inquiry. This is a highly relational, active role perfect for those who love being outdoors, working with children, and thinking outside the box.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Duties

• Supervise, guide, and care for a consistent cohort of 6 students

• Travel with your group (on foot, in vans, or public transport) to various field locations across central San Diego

• Facilitate developmentally appropriate lessons, projects, or group experiences in alignment with our curriculum themes

• Support students in transitions, emotional regulation, and social interactions with a calm and grounded presence

• Participate in daily team meetings and reflections

Learning Facilitation

• Spark curiosity and discussion through open-ended questions and hands-on experiences

• Document learning through photos, observations, and reflection notes

• Support both individual and group learning goals, adapting your approach as needed

• Co-create learning environments with children—valuing their voices, interests, and discoveries

Safety & Communication

• Maintain awareness of each student’s emotional and physical well-being at all times

• Follow safety protocols when in transit, on field trips, or engaging with the public

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, the Program Director, junior guides, and fellow staff

• Help manage minor conflict and behavior challenges using trauma-informed, strengths-based strategies

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• At least 3 years of experience working with children in educational, camp, or recreational settings

• Genuine passion for working with children and supporting holistic, experiential learning

• Reliable, adaptable, and calm under pressure

• Comfortable spending 3–6 hours outdoors each day, walking, playing, and facilitating activities

• Able to work Monday–Thursday between 8:00am–4:00pm (flexible depending on age group assignment)

Preferred

• Background in early childhood education, elementary education, recreation, or outdoor education

• Familiarity with or genuine interest in Reggio Emilia, Montessori, place-based, or forest/nature school models

• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to become certified before start date)

• Spanish/Mandarin fluency or second language a plus

WHO YOU ARE

You’re warm, patient, and quick to kneel down and listen to a child’s story. You believe that mud, museums, and curiosity all belong in a child’s daily life. You’re energized by field learning, deeply care about equity and inclusion, and can hold the line with love and consistency. You don’t just want to "watch" children—you want to grow alongside them.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

• Monday–Thursday. Hours vary by assignment but generally between 8:00am–4:00pm.

• Pathfinders basecamp is located in Bankers Hill, with frequent off-site excursions throughout San Diego.

• Staff meeting/training time will occasionally take place outside normal program hours (with advance notice)