Cohort 4 Junior Counselor Application

Application Deadline: January 18th, 2026

Course Dates: June 19 – July 3, 2026

APPLication open

We are accepting applications for the Ríos to Rivers Paddle Tribal Waters Cohort 4 Junior Counselor

The Paddle Tribal Waters Junior Counselor role is a leadership development opportunity for returning Paddle Tribal Waters students who are ready to mentor others, support program delivery, and contribute to a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Junior Counselors work closely with Paddle Tribal Waters staff and instructors to help deliver lessons, support logistics, and model leadership for Cohort 4 students.

This role emphasizes mentorship, responsibility, initiative, and teamwork. Junior Counselors are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, uphold Paddle Tribal Waters community values, and maintain the highest level of respect for all students, staff, and partners.

Dates

Application Due Date: January 18, 2026
Position Dates: June 19 – July 3, 2026

Junior Counselors must be available for two preparation Zoom meetings and pre-course assignments in May/June.

  • Friday, June 19: Arrive at 5:30pm for staff orientation dinner

  • Saturday, June 20: Staff Training

  • Sunday, June 21: Staff Training & Course Preparation (Morning); Student Arrival / Course Start (Afternoon)

  • Friday, July 3: Cohort 4 course ends

Application and position description

Application link HERE
Position Description link HERE

Please reachout to PTW@riostorivers.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Roles and Responsibilities

Mentorship & Leadership

  • Mentor and support Paddle Tribal Waters Cohort 4 students throughout the course.

  • Maintain a supportive, patient, and encouraging presence during lessons, meals, and group activities.

  • Model professionalism, timeliness, and positive leadership at all times.

  • Develop and present one leadership-focused lesson prior to the course; deliver the lesson during the program.

Program Support & Participation

  • Help rally students to be on time and prepared for lessons, kayaking sessions, and meals.

  • Attend and actively participate in all lessons, including kayaking, leadership, and cultural. Set the example and also seek to be a life-long learner. Consider if you could teach a lesson and have the goal to learn different teaching techniques and information so that you can support with information sharing.

  • Support daily gear management, including organization, distribution, and care of equipment.

  • Assist in daily camp responsibilities, including setup, clean-up, and assigned chores.

  • Support with daily photos of each student for program communications and documentation.

  • Assist with three day raft trip as needed—this may include rowing, helping lead cook crews, or other tasks.

  • Stay flexible and prepared—be ready for anything that supports the team and course goals.

Meetings, Training & Communication

  • Attend regular check-ins with your designated Junior Counselor mentor to review goals, tasks, challenges, and progress.

  • Participate in all Junior Counselor instructor and leadership development meetings.

  • Attend two pre-course meetings with your JC mentor to discuss expectations and assigned responsibilities.

  • Maintain clear and timely communication with the Paddle Tribal Waters staff team.

  • Complete all required forms, including the pre-course goals sheet, post-meeting debrief, and the JC feedback form at the end of the course.

Professional Expectations

  • Demonstrate respect and professionalism toward all Paddle Tribal Waters students, staff, community partners, and instructors.

  • Show consistent timeliness, accountability, and willingness to take initiative and receive feedback.

  • Engage actively in new learning, opportunities, and responsibilities.

  • Support the creation of a safe, inclusive, respectful environment for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  • Payment is contingent upon successful completion of the internship and upholding all outlined responsibilities. This position $1,200 pays for the period of worked days June 19 through July 3, 2026 as an employee of Ríos to Rivers.

  • Anyone who has attended a Paddle Tribal Waters course is welcome to apply!