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Staff Levels and Development |
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Being an effective outdoor leader and adventure guide requires common sense, a solid skill base, good communication/teaching skills and years of experience. The OWA Staff Development Program provides a logical progression for OWA leaders to grow professionally as they move through the ranks from "Staff" to "Guide" to "Senior Guide" and beyond. We are excited by the fact that the majority of the OWA leadership staff have been with OWA for multiple years while continuing to gain experience from outside the organization during the offseason. This makes for a committed, dynamic staff that understands the nuances of OWA-style adventure. OWA is able to offer individualized instruction at all levels only because of the high quality of our guiding staff.
Listed below are the various OWA staff levels.
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Guide |
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OWA Guides are individuals with the solid overall base of knowledge, maturity, experience, and skills required to work with a variety of clientele in a backcountry setting. OWA Guides are classified as either Senior Guides or Guide Specialists. Every OWA group and activity is under the active direction of at least one OWA Senior Guide or Guide Specialist.
Senior Guide Qualifications:
- Individuals with a minimum of 2 years of guiding experience serving under another Senior Guide
- Minimum age of 23
- Minimum of Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification
- High proficiency in at least 4 OWA core skill areas that must include rock climbing, alpine climbing, and backcountry travel as well as either mountain biking or fly fishing. Proficiency is demonstrated by completion of the requirements as spelled out in the OWA Guide Checklist Program.
- Must be approved as a Senior Guide by unanimous consent of all active OWA senior Guides
Guide Specialist Qualifications:
- Individuals with a minimum of 2 years of guiding experience serving under another OWA Guide or the equivalent
- Minimum age of 21
- Minimum of Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification
- High proficiency in at least one OWA core skill area as demonstrated by completion of that section of the OWA Guide Checklist Program.
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Staff |
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Staff consists of individuals who have completed the OWA Intern program or have similar outdoor leadership experience. They assist the OWA Guides in all facets of the OWA program. Generally, there is a minimum of one Guide and one Staff with each OWA group.
- Individuals with a minimum of 2 years of outdoor leadership experience
- Minimum age of 20 (19 for OWA Intern graduates)
- Minimum basic first aid training and CPR certification
- Basic proficiency in all OWA core skill areas
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Intern |
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Individuals interested in becoming outdoor leaders with a real desire to improve their skills. Interns generally assist staff and guides in a variety of OWA programs. Interns must have completed at least one Work Crew session prior to applying to be an intern. The Intern Program is generally a two summer program. Intern 1's assist in a wide array of activities and programs with the opportunity to improve their own hard skills while developing appropriate teaching and soft skills. Intern 2's are given more responsibility and spend a lot of time out in the field in instructional situations. OWA Intern graduates have proven to be valuable, well rounded outdoor leaders.
- Minimum Age 18 (1st Year Interns) and 19 (2nd Year Interns)
- Minimum 2 OWA programs experience, or equivalent
- Written letter of application; staff application, and references required
- Must have successfully completed a session on the OWA Work Crew
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Work Crew |
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The Work Crew program is designed for individuals who have completed their junior year in high school and are ready to make the move toward the OWA staff. Crew size is generally limited to 4 per session with OWA vets receiving priority. There are typically three Work Crew sessions per summer. Participants must also attend a regular OWA program during their Work Crew Summer in order to be eligible. Work Crew members provide valuable physical support such as dishwashing, and general maintenance around the Base Camp facility with some opportunity to participate in occasional activities. This is "paying your dues" at it's most basic! Work Crew session dates are somewhat flexible and can generally be arranged according to the crew member's participation in their regular OWA program. Prospective participants should submit a letter describing their relevant adventure and work experience along with their application for a regular OWA program or expedition.
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