Outdoor Education Programs and Camps Supervisor
Evergreen Outdoor Center – Hakuba, Nagano, Japan
Lead Transformative Outdoor Education in Japan's Northern Alps for 2026 and Beyond!
Evergreen Outdoor Center, a trusted leader in Hakuba since 2000, is seeking a dedicated Outdoor Education Programs and Camps Supervisor to oversee our growing portfolio of youth-focused outdoor education initiatives.
Based in the breathtaking Northern Japanese Alps, you'll coordinate and elevate our signature summer camps, international school programs, group retreats, and multi-activity outdoor experiences that inspire confidence, leadership, teamwork, environmental awareness, and a lifelong love for nature.
This senior role combines strategic program management, hands-on team leadership, and exceptional guest service. You'll work closely with the Camps Manager, guides, counselors, and operations team to deliver safe, high-quality, English-language programs for kids, teens, school groups, and private/family groups—ensuring every participant leaves empowered and with unforgettable memories.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Planning & Coordination: Design, schedule, and oversee seasonal outdoor education programs, including 5-day summer camps (Nagano Ninjas for ages 7–8, Water Wizards & Mountain Masters for 9–12, Japan Alps Leadership for 13–16), international school trips, multi-day group adventures, team-building retreats, and tailored ski/multi-activity camps in winter—customizing content to client needs, age groups, educational goals, and Hakuba's seasonal opportunities.
- Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, mentor, and support a diverse team of certified guides, instructors, camp counselors, and support staff; manage scheduling, performance feedback, conflict resolution, and group dynamics; assist in recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training on activity delivery, group management, child safeguarding, customer service, and safety best practices.
- Guest & Client Experience: Act as the primary point of contact for school coordinators, group leaders, parents, and participants; deliver outstanding service, handle inquiries/special requests (e.g., dietary needs, accessibility), resolve concerns promptly, and gather/analyze feedback to continuously improve programs.
- Safety & Risk Management: Lead safety oversight across all programs; conduct thorough risk assessments, enforce company and local regulations/protocols, ensure compliance with certifications (e.g., first aid, activity-specific rescues), and maintain incident reporting and emergency response readiness.
- Logistics & Operations: Coordinate end-to-end logistics including transportation (e.g., Tokyo pickups/drop-offs), equipment procurement/maintenance, meals (tracking allergies/dietary requirements), venues (hotel stays, camping sites), accommodations, and vendor partnerships to ensure seamless execution.
- Budget, Finance & Reporting: Develop and monitor program budgets; prepare accurate quotations, invoices, and expense tracking for groups; produce regular reports on performance metrics, guest satisfaction, revenue, operational outcomes, and improvement recommendations.
- Training & Staff Development: Facilitate and contribute to staff training sessions on outdoor education principles, age-appropriate facilitation, inclusivity, behavior management, and best practices in youth programming.
- Marketing & Promotion Support: Collaborate with the marketing team to promote camps and group programs; provide content ideas, photos, testimonials, and updates for website, brochures, social media, and email campaigns to attract schools, families, and international clients.
- Community & Partnership Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders, schools, tourism partners, and community organizations to enhance outdoor education offerings, support sustainable practices, and foster long-term collaborations in Hakuba.
- Operational Support & Adaptability: Contribute to overall center operations during peak seasons; handle dynamic challenges (e.g., weather adjustments, group changes) with proactive problem-solving; occasionally assist in on-program supervision or guiding as needed.
Additional Duties
In the dynamic environment of outdoor education, you may be asked to perform other tasks or support different areas as directed by management, including stepping into operational or guiding roles during high-demand periods.
Requirements
To thrive as our Outdoor Education Programs and Camps Supervisor, you should bring:
- Proven experience in outdoor education, camp management, youth programming, or adventure tourism supervision (minimum 3–5 years preferred), ideally with kids/teens and group/school settings.
- Strong leadership and people management skills; experience supervising teams of instructors, counselors, and guides.
- Deep knowledge of outdoor activities (e.g., rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, SUP, team-building) and relevant certifications (Wilderness First Aid/CPR, activity-specific instructor/rescue quals highly desirable).
- Excellent organizational, logistical, and multitasking abilities in fast-paced, variable outdoor conditions.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills—fluent English required; Japanese proficiency beneficial for local partnerships and school groups.
- Passion for youth development, outdoor education, safety-first culture, and creating inclusive, transformative experiences.
- Proficiency in budgeting, reporting, and basic admin tools (e.g., scheduling software, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace).
- Physical fitness to participate in/observe activities and handle fieldwork as needed.
- Valid driver's license (Japanese or International) and eligibility to work in Japan (appropriate visa/status).
- Upbeat, resilient personality with adaptability, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
What We Offer
- Lead impactful programs in one of Japan's most stunning alpine settings—Hakuba Valley, with access to world-class rivers, lakes, forests, and peaks.
- Join a respected, international team with a strong safety ethos and 20+ years of delivering high-quality outdoor education.
- Opportunities for professional growth: skill development, leadership advancement, and contribution to program innovation.
- Supportive environment focused on fun, learning, and making a real difference for young adventurers from Japan and around the world.
- The chance to shape unforgettable experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a connection to nature.
If you're a passionate, organized leader ready to supervise and elevate outdoor education at Evergreen, apply now for this rewarding role!
(For more about our programs, visit: https://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/outdoor-education and https://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/summer-camps)
