Generation Wild Internship

Catamount Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids to the outdoors through engaging outdoor environmental educational programs. For the past 29 years, we’ve served tens of thousands of children in the Pikes Peak Region, engaging 5,057 youth in 2025 alone. We’re seeking a full-time Mountain Campus Programs and Operations Manager who is passionate about outdoor education programming, committed to excellence, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The ideal candidate is highly organized, calm under pressure, and skilled at communication, logistics, and building strong relationships with youth, families, partners, and rental clients.

Summary:

Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak Region is a coalition of 10 local nonprofits on a mission: to make the outdoors accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all children and families, especially those in historically underserved communities in southern Colorado Springs. 

The Generation Wild Intern is a paid summer opportunity for youth and young adults who are passionate about the outdoors and making a difference in their community. Supporting Generation Wild of the Pikes Peak Region, interns assist with Catamount Institute’s summer camps, mentor campers ages 5–16, and help lead engaging outdoor activities that create inclusive, welcoming experiences for all children. 

This role offers hands-on experience in youth development, outdoor education, and nonprofit programming while building leadership and professional skills. 

Pay: $3,000 stipend (paid in two installments)

Location: Sondermann/Beidleman Campus, 740 W Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM

Employment Dates: Work period is Tuesday, May 18, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Weekends are off, as well as the period from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3, 2026.    

 

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

As a Generation Wild Intern, you’ll: 

• Teach and mentor campers ages 5–16 as a summer camp counselor assistant
• Lead fun, hands-on outdoor activities using pre-prepared lesson plans
• Attend staff training (May 18–29), weekly meetings, and planning sessions
• Support Catamount Institute staff with camp operations and logistics
• Gain behind-the-scenes experience in nonprofit management, program planning, and youth development

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily located in Colorado Springs, CO, at the Sondermann Park/Beidleman Center Campus, with potential responsibilities and programs at the Catamount Institute Westside Community Center Main Office in, Colorado Springs, CO, and the Mountain Campus in Woodland Park, CO.
• Work takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments, including natural areas, school settings, and community locations.
• Outdoor programs occur year-round and in varying weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold.
• Programs may involve hiking, setting up outdoor learning spaces, and physically active facilitation. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and engage with youth for extended periods. May also stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit on the ground as part of instruction.
• Sensory demands include visual supervision and auditory response in indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 4:45pm. Accommodations to the work schedule (such as part-time or partial summer hours) may be approved in advance by the Director of Environmental Education, provided the request is submitted prior to hiring. Must work a minimum of 240 hours and 6 weeks to receive the stipend.
• May be exposed to insect bites, allergens, uneven terrain, and cleaning materials.
• Emotional resilience and a calm, professional demeanor are required in dynamic youth program settings.

Required Qualifications:

• Live in or are connected to Southeast Colorado Springs, Fountain, or a Title 1 school in Colorado Springs
• Are at least 16 years old and currently in high school, a recent graduate or in college
• Are excited about working with kids and being outdoors
• Are dependable, energetic, and ready to learn
• Are comfortable hiking and spending time in nature
• Are interested in science, education, recreation, or environmental careers
• Have housing in the Colorado Springs area and transportation to Sondermann Park
• Are available to work full-time or part-time weekdays from May 18 to August 7, 2026
• Must work a minimum of 240 hours and 6 weeks to receive the full stipend. Accommodations to the work schedule (such as part-time or partial summer hours) may be approved in advance by the Director of Environmental Education, provided the request is submitted prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Enjoy working with youth and interest in the outdoors
• Interest in learning new skills in a high-paced environment

Note: Missing more than 3 days or frequent tardiness may affect your stipend and eligibility for a letter of recommendation. 

What You’ll Gain:

• Free CPR & First Aid certification (if not already certified)

• Catamount Institute shirts and gear

• Hands-on experience working in environmental education

• Mentorship and training from professional educators and summer fellows

• Skills in leadership, teamwork, child development, outdoor safety, and teaching

• Opportunities to network with other local organizations and leaders

• A chance to become a better naturalist:
  • • Learn local plant and animal identification
    • Practice outdoor skills like orienteering and Leave No Trace
    • Discover engaging games to teach ecology in a fun way

• And of course—hiking, climbing, caving, and other summer adventures with campers!

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Catamount Institute shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer, or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.