Description

The Office of Student Life is focused on building a strong foundation to ensure every student's Indiana University 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. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and truly knows they belong at Indiana University.
Are you ready to make an impact? We are excited to announce several anticipated part-time positions for Summer 2026, 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

Program Instructors at Bradford Woods are responsible for designing, implementing, and leading inclusive, adaptive programming tailored to the interests and abilities of campers. These roles span a variety of focus areas including adventure challenge, creative arts, music therapy, nature exploration, recreation, and evening programming and are grounded in a commitment to camper engagement, safety, and personal growth. All positions require active participation in the camp community, including living in cabins, assisting with camper personal care and medical procedures, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Department Specific Responsibilities

• Creates written activity plans, adapt programming in collaboration with cabin teams, and lead both daily and camp-wide activities such as Challenge Day and evening events.
• Adventure Challenge Instructor
  • Responsible for organizing, leading, and supervising a variety of adventure-based programs that follow the "Challenge by Choice" philosophy and are designed to meet the needs of all participants. Activities may include ground-based initiatives, low and high challenge courses, climbing towers, zip line, and other recreational camp activities.
  • Conducts and documents pre-and post-inventories of adventure challenge equipment.
  • Performs regular equipment checks to ensure safety.
  • Reports repair or replacement needs in a timely manner.
  • Follows all policies and procedures regarding the use of elements and equipment as developed by Bradford Woods.
• Creative Artis Program Instructor
  • Responsible for creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Some activities may include painting canvases, working with air-dry clay, making perler bead creations, or creating emotion monsters, among many others.
  • Assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor.
  • Runs a Challenge Day station (tie-dye or friendship bracelets).
  • Engages with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
• Evening Program Instructor
  • Responsible for written activity plans and collaborating with the Logistics Coordinators to assign program staff and interns to support evening activities.
  • Works closely with Logistics Coordinator to delegate responsibilities.
  • Ensures nightly programs run smoothly and inclusively for all campers.
  • Hosts an opening campfire on Sunday night and a closing campfire on Thursday night.
  • Other evening programs include talent shows, scavenger hunts, minute to win it, revenge of the campers, and many more.
• Music Therapy Program Instructor
  • Responsible for creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Some activities may include rhythm circles, songwriting, drum painting, karaoke, movement with music, and many more.
  • Assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor.
  • Run a Challenge Day station.
  • Engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
• Nature Program Instructor
  • Responsible for written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Some activities may include bug hunts, rock paintings, leaf art, nature hikes, and many more.
  • Assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor.
  • Runs a Challenge Day station (popcorn making over the fire).
  • Engages with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

Qualifications

EDUCATION
Required

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

Preferred

• Some college

WORK EXPERIENCE
Preferred

• Experience or interest in specific program area
• Camp experience, Bradford Woods camp experience, or similar medical camp
• Experience guiding or mentoring youth, with a passion for inspiring growth and development in others

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required

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

SKILLS
Required

• Clear and effective communication
• 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
• Strong leadership
• 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 objects up to 50 pounds. Transfers and team movements may be provided as needed to support camper access and participation. 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

The Adventure Challenge Instructor position is contingent on attending training and passing a written and practical exam
Explore detailed descriptions of each role on the Bradford Woods Website and find the perfect fit for you.
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.

Work Location

Martinsville, Indiana
This is an in person position

Advertised Salary

$450.00 per week
Room and board provided in addition to salary.
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.