Northwest Passage is seeking talented and caring interns whose passion for nature and experiential education are matched only by their motivation to help children. Serving over 350 children per year, Northwest Passage has been a leading non-profit youth mental health treatment organization since 1978. But don’t let our age fool you. We implement some of the most dynamic and innovative youth programmings you’ll find anywhere.

Our nature based experiential program is at the core of our mission. We create opportunities for youth to immerse in nature and benefit from its inherent therapeutic qualities. With a focus on individualized care and adaptive program design, we tailor our experiential program to be inclusive of youth with a wide variety of emotional and behavioral abilities.

Northwest Passage is seeking dedicated interns who want to learn how to design and implement innovative experiential programming, and become part of the mission itself.

• Directly assist with implementation of programming
• Assist in maintenance and management an outdoor adventure gear outpost
• Potential to design and implement your own nature-based experiential program
• Work alongside experienced and talented staff
• Participate in formal staff training and discussion sessions on a weekly basis.
• Assist in day-to-day operations of a residential treatment facility.
• Assist with special projects and events as necessary.

• Exemplary, professional communication skills with youth and adults
• Ability to connect with youth from highly diverse backgrounds
• Comfort working both independently and in an intense team environment
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Knowledge of Natural History Interpretation
• Proficiency with outdoor adventure equipment and use, maintenance, and repair
• Proficiency in and a desire to instruct one or all of the following physical skills:
• Canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and/or rock climbing

Schedule:

• This 12-week internship will take place during the summer of 2019.

Benefits

• Free housing
• Stipend of $800 per month
• Training and mentorship from skilled leaders and innovators
• Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming

Northwest Passage has been a leading non-profit residential mental health organization since 1978, serving a diverse range of youth including those who identify as LGBTQ, youth of color, youth who are neuro-diverse, and those who have been misunderstood by their own communities. We believe that every child possesses profound strength and potential and is capable of thriving. While blending traditional mental health treatment with arts and nature-based therapy, we create conditions that unleash inner strength, ultimately empowering our clients to re-write their inner narratives through a lens of hope. We also believe that relationships are the key element in a healing journey; our kids re-connect and re-engage with their life through meaningful, authentic relationships with our staff.

Though the problems facing children and teens have evolved since 1978, the fundamental needs for self-respect, trust, relationships, and steady guidance remain the same. And while Northwest Passage has grown in size and sophistication, we’ve never lost sight of the foundations all children need to be successful. Above anything else, Northwest Passage’s goal is to restore hope in our clients.

Northwest Passage’s facilities are nestled within the wild landscapes and idyllic small towns of Northwest Wisconsin. Your "office" might include a northern Wisconsin prairie, a yurt in the woods, a running river, a horse pasture, or underwater with a camera!