Therapeutic Recreation Internship

Employment period: Summer Seasonal: June – September 2025

Location: Forest Grove, Oregon (~35 minutes west of Portland)

Benefits: $1500 stipend + optional free housing (June 15 – Aug 23)

Experience: Entry level

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a small non-profit with a big mission! Our team is passionate about providing opportunity and adventure to all people, regardless of ability level, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. AWL adventures are inclusive, adaptive, and community-oriented! We believe that everyone should have access to the mental, physical, and social benefits of time spent outdoors. Our programs aim to inspire personal growth, instill confidence, develop peer relationships, and enhance awareness of the natural environment through whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, climbing, and camping trips. Our community is wide and diverse; we work with individuals with disabilities, seniors, youth, school groups, people experiencing poverty, nonprofit partners, and corporate groups alike from Forest Grove and the greater Portland Metro area. At AWL, we value an inclusive atmosphere that encourages shared growth and learning among both staff and participants.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

The Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program consists of 15 weeks with a total of 600 hours under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The program is designed to align with the NCTRC curriculum requirements for students completing a Therapeutic Recreation Internship including the NCTRC job analysis areas. The intern will work with AWL staff in planning and facilitating recreational programs for people with disabilities in a variety of outdoor adventure settings and will also get the opportunity to observe Recreational Therapists in the clinical setting as well.

Education/Qualifications:

• Obtained necessary educational requirements through a Therapeutic Recreation program at a university or college, per NCTRC Standards.
• Verification of enrollment at current university
• Certification in First Aid and CPR (or ability to obtain upon selection)
• Experience working with adults and youth with disabilities. Experience working with youth and adults from varied backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

• Follow all procedures and policies of AWL and maintain a safe environment for all.
• Plan, lead, and manage a major project in consultation with the internship supervisor.
• Attend weekly meetings with the internship supervisor.
• Complete work assigned by the university and AWL.
• Assist and lead trips as assigned, including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programs

Adventure Program Interns will work alongside AWL guides and staff to deliver safe, instructional outdoor recreation trips to a range of diverse participants including but not limited to: individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, school groups, seniors, corporate groups, and more. Trips include outdoor recreation activities such as whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.

A typical summer intern’s weekly schedule usually involves three or four days on trips and one day in the office or working in the gear warehouse. Applicants should be available to work weekends and/or overnight trips as needed. Interns often have the autonomy to identify objectives they hope to achieve along the way. Oftentimes interns will have the ability to lead and instruct groups, learn from experienced guides, and receive professional development, experience, and networking opportunities in the outdoor industry and adaptive recreation community. The most successful applicants have had a strong connection to our mission and a passion for sharing outdoor recreation with underserved communities. They are ambitious, adaptable, and able to learn independently and contribute meaningfully.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Assist staff in providing fun, safe, and educational programming in some or all of the following activities: flatwater kayaking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding, climbing, hiking, camping
• Work with participants experiencing a range of disabilities and think critically to meet their needs
• Load, unload, manage, and care for equipment and gear
• Work independently on a project of your choice that will grow your skills and mission of AWL
• Work long days in a variety of outdoor settings under a range of weather conditions
• Be an ambassador for Adventures Without Limits and uphold and model the community values of the organization

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Dedication and passion for working with diverse populations
• Experience in at least two of the following: 1) flatwater paddling (kayak, canoe, SUP);  2) whitewater rafting; 3) hiking and/or camping; 4) rock climbing, and 5) teambuilding/facilitation/experiential education.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR (or ability to obtain upon selection)
• Clean driving record for applicants over the age of 21

WE ALSO REALLY LOVE TO SEE: 

• There will be a priority given to applicants with rafting and kayaking experience
• Certifications in outdoor recreation (WFA, ACA, SRT-1, SPI, Lifeguard or similar)
• Bi- or Multi-lingual, particularly Spanish-speaking ability or American Sign Language
• Ability to meet essential eligibility criteria for trips with or without accommodation. Physically capable of lifting large, heavy equipment, kneeling, swimming, and reaching overhead.

TRAINING & IMPORTANT DATES:

• Required Training June 9th – 13th & June 16th-20th, 2025
• Must be available to work between June and September 2025 including weekdays and weekends

WHY AWL? 

Diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values at AWL. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply. No matter who you are, if providing accessible recreation makes you giddy, we want to hear from you!

IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE:

Internship Stipend ($1500 upon completion)
Optional no-cost shared housing available within walking/biking distance of warehouse for 10 weeks of internship

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a resume, cover letter, and references to: guide@awloutdoors.org, with “Therapeutic Recreation Intern Application” in the subject line.

Priority deadline: March 19th, 2025 by 11:59 pm PST

Interviews: March 2025

Offers: March + April 2025

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Adventures Without Limits is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core values at AWL, and applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives are highly encouraged to apply. We are prepared to provide an interpreter for the interview process. Additional arrangements may be arranged as needed.