Adventure Instructor Jobs in Indianapolis, IN (NOW HIRING)

The Office of Student Life is focused on building a strong foundation to ensure every student's Indiana University (IU) experience is positive, safe, healthy, and meaningful. The Office of Student Life staff and multiple departments aim to help students navigate their time at IU, providing the tools they need to be successful in school and after graduation. Students are our priority, and their health, safety, and overall well-being are our core mission.
Bradford Woods, a proud department within the Office of Student Life, offers a unique blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth. For over 65 years, we have provided recreational, educational, and leadership development opportunities to youth and adults from all walks of life. Our mission is to promote learning and respect. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and truly knows they belong at Indiana University.
Want to make an impact? We are excited to announce several anticipated part-time positions for Summer 2027, including roles in leadership, program implementation, and cabin life. Our team is looking for energetic and passionate individuals to join us in creating unforgettable summer experiences!
Job Summary
The Bradford Woods specialist positions have unique functions that work collaboratively with the other camp positions to create a well-rounded and supportive camp experience ensuring that campers' nutritional needs are met, memories are captured, and operational logistics run smoothly. These positions live in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assist with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not participating in position-related responsibilities, specialists will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Nutrition Specialist
  • Responsible for designing and implementing dietary accommodations and nutrition-focused programming that support the needs, interests, and goals of campers.
  • Has a significant food service component and can be used as an internship with approval from the Assistant Directors of Recreation Therapy and the student's college/university.
  • Please note that while this role offers valuable nutrition experience, Bradford Woods does not have a Registered Dietitian on staff.
  • Develops written recipes and meal plans, work closely with the Dining and Catering Services Manager to create healthy meal alternatives for campers and staff, and contribute to the development of new, healthier menu items for Bradford Woods.
  • Gathers dietary needs from campers and families to guide kitchen production, on check-in days.
  • Supports camp programming through preparing and distributing pack-out meals for Challenge Day and hosting food-related activities such as Cupcake Wars.
  • Tracks calorie counts, gathers nutritional data on camp meals, and assists with other food service-related tasks that enhance camper health and wellness.
  • Engages with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
• Media Specialist
  • Responsible for overseeing all media needs during the summer camp program, ensuring that memories and moments are captured and shared.
  • Photographs campers in activities and uploading photos on Tuesday evening and Friday to an online platform where parents/guardians can view and creating a slideshow for the closing campfire.
  • Collaborates with the Logistics Coordinator to create a camper photo roster by cabin for the nursing team, on check-in days.
  • Works closely with the Logistics Coordinator and the Bradford Woods IT Manager to maintain and develop media systems throughout the summer.
  • Assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor and contributes to the overall camp community.
• Operations Specialist
  • Responsible for ensuring that campers and staff have the transportation, supplies, and resources needed for a successful camp experience.
  • Transports campers, staff, and supplies to and from program areas.
  • Delivers and maintains full water coolers at designated sites.
  • Makes supply runs as needed to support camp operations.
  • Works closely with cabin staff to assist campers in their daily activities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in camp life.
  • Engages with campers in their assigned cabin group, supporting their physical, social, and emotional well-being while contributing to the overall camp community.

Qualifications
EDUCATION
Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

Preferred

• Some college

WORK EXPERIENCE
Required

• Experience in media and nutrition or other related fields

Preferred

• Bradford Woods camp experience or similar medical camp, or experience in special education or nursing

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certifications upon date of hire

SKILLS
Required

• Clear and effective communication
• Experience guiding or mentoring youth, with a passion for inspiring growth and development in others
• Ability to think critically and resolve conflicts or unexpected situations calmly and efficiently
• Ability to design engaging, fun, and educational activities that adapt to different age groups and abilities
• Strong organization skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced camp environment
• Ability to work effectively with other staff members, fostering a positive, cooperative environment
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and responsibilities, ensuring smooth operation of activities and programs
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of participants
• Ensure each participants' safety
• Willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment

Working Conditions / Demands
This is an active, hands-on role that requires physical mobility and stamina. This includes frequently moving about the workspace and the ability to move up to 50 pounds. A person in the role requires the ability to move and transfer equipment, as well as adapt to a position that is both physically and emotionally engaging. Positions require working both indoors and outdoors in potentially high or low temperatures with loud noises at times. Some overnight duties are required due to the residential nature of our camps. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
It is a condition of employment that employees live on-site.
Additional Information
During the average week, summer camp staff can expect to put in long, but rewarding hours, which will often include evening shifts. While days will be busy, some flexible time off can be organized with your supervisor to catch up on some well-deserved rest.
Room and board provided in addition to salary
Explore detailed descriptions of each role on the Bradford Woods Website.
Work Location
Martinsville, Indiana
This is an in-person position
Advertised Salary
$500.00 per week
Flat weekly rate of pay is prorated for any missed days.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Part Time Employee
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Part Time Employee
Job Family: Part Time Employee
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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