Careers with Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute

Jobs that Inspire Wonder

Our mission is to to foster a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and stewardship for Washington’s youth.

We accomplish that by weaving together outdoor survival, science, and indigenous culture and perspective to provide all youth regardless of income, an opportunity for learning about outdoor science, connecting with nature.

Wa-Ya conducts summer camp opportunities in the greater Olympia area geared towards providing services to youth ages 6-17 years old. We spend our days in diverse and stimulating outdoor landscapes where students learn outdoor survival, environmental sciences like biology, geology, climatology, performing and visual arts, and learn native teachings. We focus on immersive hands-on and experiential learning, in small group environments. Our camps are entirely outdoors and are composed of mixed age groups where campers can learn from instructors as well as each other. Through all of our camps, we build not only knowledge and understanding, but also resiliency and a sense of community, as well as an appreciation and joy for the natural world. 

And when camp is over, and only memories remain; our campers will carry their resilience forward with them, to the changing seasons... and beyond.

Our staff are motivated, energized, smart and driven - we support a team of inclusivity and creativity.

Non Discrimination Policy 

Wa-Ya does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and campers.

Overtime Eligibility

Wa-Ya is proud to be a registered Charitable Organization in Washington charged with child care responsibilities engaged primarily in the development of character, promoting health and physical fitness, and providing recreational opportunities for young people (RCW 46.46.010(3)(i)). Wa-Ya employs individuals in delivery of our teen adventure camps who may spend a substantial portion of the work week while “off-site” residing with campers in remote locations and subject to call while leading trips (RCW 46.46.010(3)(j)). Wa-Ya strives to provide a balanced and reasonable work schedule common to outdoor recreation summer camp; our Summer Camp seasonal positions are not overtime eligible per exemptions in RCW 46.46.130.