Field Instructor- Backpacking Ministry

 Field Instructor

Seeds Wilderness Therapy (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 10-week backpacking experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.

Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager!  Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness.  The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ.  Each instructor will disciple two or three students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.  Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client’s complaining ‘issues’), as delegated by the Field Director or Therapist.  Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director.  Field staff work with the Therapist to help formulate, implement, and measure therapeutic/spiritual directives.  The field staff report to the Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic disagreements.

Qualifications for all Field Instructors

• Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student


• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills

• Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual


• Clear background check by state and federal authorities


• Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others 

            If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.

• Basic first aid and CPR


• Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground


• Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)


• Must hold a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.


• Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required