Description

Our Recreational Therapy Internship offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to work at one of the top outdoor
centers in the Midwest, serving youth and adults with disabilities and complex medical needs in a residential
camp setting. Interns will gain practical experience with the APIED process, camper care planning, adaptive
recreation programming, and medical/personal care procedures. Interns will help facilitate a variety of camp
activities, such as ropes courses, creative arts, nature, archery, aquatic activities, adaptive sports and many
more. Interns will also assist in planning and leading specialized therapeutic programs for leadership
academy campers with cancer and craniofacial anomalies. Interns will be supervised by a Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and will receive comprehensive training in disability awareness,
universal design, and leadership development, while building strong professional connections with
organizations like Riley Children’s Foundation and other nonprofit organizations.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
- Current certification in CPR and First Aid is required prior to the start date of employment (online
only course do not count- there must be an in-person component to the course)
- Must be completing internship to fulfill NCTRC requirements.
- Open-minded and eager to acquire new skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
- Demonstrate flexibility in meeting changing needs, schedules, and environments.
- Maintains a calm and patient demeanor, especially in challenging or high-stress situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- This position requires a high level of physical mobility and active engagement throughout the day.
- Duties may include lifting, pushing, and assisting with transfers and equipment, requiring physical
strength and stamina.
- The role is both physically and emotionally demanding, with long hours, including night shift
rotations, as part of our residential care responsibilities.
- Listens actively and follows directions accurately to ensure consistency and safety across program
areas and cabin life.
- Ability to create a maintain a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all campers and staff
members.
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to accurately evaluate the needs of both participants and staff to ensure a supportive and
responsive environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and respond quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
- Must be able to make quick, effective decisions in situations where conditions can change rapidly
and without warning (i.e. weather, camper behaviors, etc.)
- Capable of expressing needs, providing feedback, and asking questions in a clear, effective, and
professional manner.
- Fluency in both written and spoken English is required, as all roles include assisting with personal
care and transfers, where clear communication is critical.
- Ability to understand, retain, and apply a substantial amount of information related to camper care
instructions.
- Exhibits maturity, responsibility, and self-accountability in all aspects of the role.
TRAINING
- Attend mandatory L-Team/Intern, CHIPS, and Full Staff training sessions prior to camp and
participate in all in-service trainings during camp.
- Acquire CPR and First Aid certification before arriving at Bradford Woods.