Volunteer for Hostel Adventures!

Hostel Adventures would not be possible without the work of dedicated staff and volunteers. HI-USA Golden Gate Council is currently seeking volunteers as well as paid Naturailst staff to help provide outdoor, cultural, and/or community education programs for youth.

Current volunteer/intern positions offered:

Programs Committee Member, Hostel Adventures
Speakers Bureau Member, Hostel Adventures
Educational Programs Assistant, Hostel Adventures

Current paid staff positions offered:

Staff Naturalist, Outdoor Hostel Adventures

Programs Committee Member
Hostel Adventures

The Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International is a nonprofit network of 10 affordable accommodations in Northern California. Since its founding in 1958, the Golden Gate Council has developed programs that encourage environmental exploration and cultural exchange for people of all ages. As that Council enters its 50th year of service, we are committed to further expanding our programs to international and Northern California communities.

In order to better support the development of these programs, the Golden Gate Council has established a Programs Committee—a body of community members who are working to ensure that our programs remain academically relevant, culturally responsive, and capable of sustainable growth. Current program offerings include Outdoor Hostel Adventures, Cultural Kitchen, the Community Walls mural project, and World Travel 101.

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE GENERAL PURPOSE
The Programs Committee is to serve as the common ground upon which members from Northern California communities will provide direction, development, and support to the mission-driven programs of Hostelling International USA, Golden Gate Council. The primary objectives of this committee are to influence Golden Gate Council programs in such a way that they remain academically relevant, culturally responsive, and capable of sustainable growth. In the pursuit of these objectives, the Programs Committee will maintain a demonstrated commitment to: fostering leadership development within the community, committee membership representative of the community’s diverse population, and fair and open dialog.

COMMITTEE MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to the evaluation and adaptation of existing programs
Support outreach to new youth groups
Create and implement fundraising initiatives
Plan and manage community events
Attend no less than 8 of 12 monthly meetings

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate is an active member of the Bay Area community, who is interested in the further development of youth programs throughout the area. Teachers, business owners, students, youth organization leaders, artists, etc. are encouraged to apply. Youth and seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS
Benefits include free Hostelling International membership, free overnights at Golden Gate Council hostels, invitations to Council functions, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on thousands of students and hostellers from around the world.

TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications to:

Erin Harvey, Programs Committee Chair
HI-USA Golden Gate Council
425 Divisadero Street Suite 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-863-1444 ext. 310 (phone)
415-863-3865 (fax)
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Speakers Bureau Member
Hostel Adventures: Travel Education

Are you a passionate and seasoned traveler who wants to help to provide first-time travelers with the travel skills necessary for fun, safe and rewarding trips?

The Speakers Bureau is a body of seasoned travelers in Northern California brought together by their passion for intercultural exploration and their commitment to sharing their experience and advice with those new to budget travel.

The Speakers Bureau is currently accepting applications for new members who are knowledgeable about budget travel to present travel education workshops for adult groups, students, or seniors. Volunteers should have previous travel experience using hostels, and should enjoy public speaking.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Become familiar with standard workshop format and content, including the history and mission of Hostelling International, intercultural communication components, and budget travel tips.
Deliver Travel Education workshops, enriching standard workshop content by incorporating firsthand travel knowledge and experiences.
Assist with workshop marketing, publicity, and community outreach.
Assist in identifying new audiences and venues for travel workshops.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Public speaking and presentation skills, or a strong desire to learn and a comfort with public speaking.
Recent international budget travel experience including (ideally) one trip of at least two weeks.
Familiarity with hostels and hostelling.
MUST embrace travel "the HI Way."
Enthusiasm for responsible travel (i.e., intercultural appreciation, awareness, and respect).
Ability to present to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings.

REQUIRED TRAINING/PREPARATION

Thorough review of the World Travel 101 Tool Kit.
Participation in a presenter training session, if appropriate.
Observation of workshop sessions with council staff or volunteers.
Practice session(s) delivering Travel Education content.

Reports to: Educational Programs Coordinato
Location: HI-USA Golden Gate Council hostels and other locations in Northern California

TIME COMMITMENT
At least three 3-hour workshops per year, plus pre-workshop prep time.

BENEFITS

Complimentary HI-USA membership after delivery of two workshops.
Reimbursement of travel expenses related to position.
Free admission at council special events.
Public speaking experience; professional development.

TO APPLY
Please complete and return the Volunteer Application (PDF).

Educational Programs Assistant (internship)
Hostel Adventures

The Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International seeks a creative and highly motivated individual to help run its cultural and outdoor education programs, including the Hostel Adventure Program. We are the local nonprofit affiliate of a national and international organization whose mission is to promote environmental stewardship, world peace, and intercultural understanding through ethical travel.

The Hostel Adventure Program is an environmental education program that introduces underserved urban youth to the excitement of the natural world. Each year more than 1,500 youth ages 5-18 encounter wildlife, tide pools, native plants, and star-filled skies during overnight trips at three Hostelling International USA hostels: HI-Marin Headlands, HI-Point Reyes, and HI-Point Montara Lighthouse. The hostels are located in unique coastal settings that provide diverse habitats for hands-on learning and discovery. More than 19,000 youth have participated in the program since it was established by HI-USA Golden Gate Council in 1986.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and implement environmental education curricula for K-12 youth
Assist in creating and implementing outreach programs for California youth workers
Maintain communications between youth group leaders and HAP program coordinators
Secure placement of HAP listings in local online and print media
Assist in grant research and writing
If assigned, complete employer-provided outdoor education training
Other duties as assigned by the Educational Programs Coordinator

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Very strong written and oral communication skills
Attention to detail
Proficiency in MS Word and in conducting research online

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Interest in working in the nonprofit sector
Prior experience working with inner-city youth
Knowledge of flora and fauna located at Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Point Montara)

Reports to: Educational Programs Coordinator
Location: 425 Divisadero Street Suite 307, San Francisco

HOURS
20 hours/week
Minimum three-month commitment required.

COMPENSATION
This is an unpaid internship. Benefits include free hostel overnights, free Hostelling International membership, and a monthly $45 Commuter Check voucher for public transit.

TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume to:
Educational Programs Coordinator
HI-USA Golden Gate Council
425 Divisadero Street Suite 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax: 415-863-3865
No phone calls, please.

HI-USA Golden Gate Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Staff Naturalist (on-call)
Outdoor Hostel Adventures

Outdoor Hostel Adventures is an environmental education program that introduces underserved urban youth to the excitement of the natural world. Each year more than 1,500 youth ages 5-18 encounter wildlife, tide pools, native plants, and star-filled skies during overnight trips at three Hostelling International USA hostels: HI-Marin Headlands, HI-Point Reyes, and HI-Point Montara Lighthouse. The hostels are located in unique coastal settings that provide diverse habitats for hands-on learning and discovery. More than 19,000 youth have participated in the program since it was established by HI-USA Golden Gate Council in 1986.

The Hostel Adventure Program seeks on-call Naturalists to plan and lead outdoor, environmental education programs for K-12 students in the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Point Montara). Naturalists are assigned on an as-needed basis to conduct day and overnight programs which introduce students and adults to the hostelling experience, while helping students to develop:

An appreciation and respect for nature through sensory awareness
A sense of place for the areas that they are in
An understanding of the principles of ecology, and the relationship between the natural and the urban worlds
An awareness of the human impact and dependence on the environment, and a sense of stewardship that promotes responsibility in their own lives
Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead groups of 10-20 students, grades K-12, in day hikes, night hikes, and interactive environmental education activities
Develop program materials
Plan and implement programs according to group needs
Work with other naturalist staff to plan and lead large group activities
Administer program forms to teachers and group leaders
Lead classroom presentations, as requested

GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

Provide a safe experience for students; handle emergencies responsibly
Provide a FUN and ENGAGING experience, for both students and group leaders
Meet the goals and expectations of the teachers/group leaders
Provide an inclusive environment for all students

QUALIFICATIONS

Outdoor education/naturalist experience: training or experience in implementing a wide range of environmental education activities focusing on ecological concepts, team building, sensory awareness, and environmental awareness
Experience working with youth ages K-12, with particular experience working with students in grades 3-6
Ability to plan and develop curriculum
Flexibility in adapting to various group sizes and developmental abilities
CPR and Basic First Aid certification
Knowledge of flora and fauna located at Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Point Montara) preferred
Prior experience working with inner-city youth preferred

Reports to: Educational Programs Coordinator

HOURS
This is a part-time, on-call position.

COMPENSATION
$140-$160/day and evening program

Naturalists also receive free overnights at HI-USA hostels and free Hostelling International membership.