The Outdoor Education Fellowship is a year-long immersive program that blends hands-on teaching with professional growth. Fellows gain 400+ hours of direct teaching experience leading experiential and inquiry-based classes while receiving mentorship, peer support, and ongoing training. This experience fosters a growth mindset, community collaboration, adaptability, and more—valuable skills for careers in environmental education and beyond.

Program Overview

Fellows at Eagle Bluff develop the skills, knowledge, and mindset to become effective facilitators in outdoor and environmental education. Through hands-on instruction, graduate-level seminars, and mentorship from experienced professionals, they deepen their understanding of student-centered learning while refining their teaching, facilitation, and leadership abilities. A strong feedback culture fosters critical thinking, resilience, problem-solving, and collaboration, ensuring that fellows leave not only with practical experience but also with a mindset of continuous learning—preparing them for impactful careers in education, outdoor leadership, and beyond.

Program Highlights

• Option to earn up to 10 graduate-level credits through Hamline University.
• Gain practical experience instructing over 20 different classes across adventure, science, and cultural history topics to diverse audiences.
• Apply BEETLES’ student-centered pedagogy to enhance curiosity, inquiry, collaboration, and deeper learning.
• Gain skills in caring for and incorporating animals into educational programs to promote learning and engagement.

Teach: Inspire Learning Through Hands-On Experiences

As their primary responsibility, Fellows spend much of their time leading hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based classes using BEETLES teaching methods. They gain experience working with diverse students from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, who bring a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Classes are typically one-and-a-half or three hours long and cover topics such as outdoor adventure, environmental science, natural history, and challenge skills. Fellows work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, with a mix of teaching, training, and program support. They also lead one-hour evening Naturalist Programs once or twice a month, often featuring live animals.

Learn: Expand Your Skills with Training, Mentorship, and Graduate Coursework

The Fellowship community serves as a graduate seminar cohort, with Fellows participating in over 400 hours of intensive training, graduate seminars, and one-on-one teaching observations throughout the year. These experiences build skills in teaching techniques, natural history, program development, and interpretation while complementing hands-on instruction. All Fellows attend and benefit from the seminars, with the option to receive graduate-level credits* through Hamline University at a reduced rate. The full Environmental Education certificate (10 credits) is available at a reduced rate of approximately $2,850—about half the typical cost of Hamline’s graduate-level credits. The course list includes:

• ENED 7030: Fundamentals of Environmental Education
• SCED 6003: Natural History of Southeast Minnesota
• ENED 6061: Principles of Interpretation*
• ENED 7633: Introduction to Program Design

*Individuals must have a college degree to receive the graduate credits, though this is not required to fully participate in the Fellowship. 

**During the Principles of Interpretation course, Fellows may also choose to earn a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certificate through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) for approximately $150.

Guide: Lead Students in Stewardship & Connection

When school groups visit Eagle Bluff, Fellows serve as their primary point of contact—building relationships, guiding meaningful experiences, and ensuring a smooth visit. More than just managing logistics, liaisons foster a culture of stewardship, encouraging students to take responsibility for themselves, their peers, and the environment. Whether leading conservation challenges, facilitating discussions, or offering overnight support, Fellows help shape students’ connection to the natural world and their learning community.

Thrive: Be Part a Supportive Community

Life at Eagle Bluff offers a unique balance of professional collaboration and personal connection. Beyond gaining professional experience, they form strong connections with peers and other staff, sharing ideas, supporting one another, and growing together as educators and professionals. Whether working side-by-side in the classroom, collaborating on projects, or reflecting after a full day of teaching, Fellows contribute to and benefit from a supportive environment that prioritizes learning, teamwork, and personal growth.

Living at Eagle Bluff offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Southeast Minnesota’s scenic Driftless Region while building lasting friendships with your cohort. Fellows reside in a private wing of the dormitory, with individual bedrooms and shared suite-style bathrooms, plus access to common spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and outdoor recreation right outside the door. Evenings might include exploring the campus trails, sharing meals with housemates, or gathering in town for a local event. 

Benefits: Support for Your Work, Growth, and Well-Being

We believe that supporting our team members translates into a stronger, more positive learning experience for the students we serve—and a more fulfilling experience for you. For full details, check out our benefits package here or on the employment page of our website. Fellows receive:

• Monthly pay: $1,000 per month to support living expenses and apply toward the cost of graduate credits or certifications.
• Generous paid time off: Enjoy up to 15 flexible PTO days, plus a two-week paid break in December/January and 7 additional paid holidays throughout the year to recharge and explore.
• Room and board: Private bedroom in a staff dormitory wing, sharing a bathroom/suite with one other person, plus a shared living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry facilities (valued at $5,250)
• Meals and groceries: Meals provided when visiting groups are on campus, food staples for the staff kitchen, and a small communal grocery stipend (valued at $3,000+)
• Celebrating you: Enjoy your birthday off as a paid holiday
• Mental health support: Financial assistance for counseling, wellness apps, and fitness memberships, along with a dedicated mental health day for the entire team
• Staff events and gatherings: Regular opportunities to relax, connect, and have fun—from seasonal celebrations to outdoor adventures with your coworkers
• Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling when possible (for things like doctor or therapy appointments) and a culture that values time away
• Extras that make a difference: Professional purchase discounts, personal voicemail, internet access, staff gear, and use of Eagle Bluff’s recreational equipment

Minimum Qualifications & Skills: 

• able to commit to August 11, 2025 – August 7, 2026.
• Be 21 years of age by August 11th, 2025.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to live on-site in a dormitory communal setting with 11 other Fellowship members.
• Interested and excited about facilitating positive, outdoor experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds
• Shows awareness and respect for cultural diversity; able to work and communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences.
• Demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with others, adapt to feedback, maintain a positive attitude in dynamic situations, and embrace professional growth and self-reflection.
• Comfortable in moving water and able to hike long distances. Willing to operate and participate in adventure activities such as high ropes courses, canoeing, rock wall, etc.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start date) from a nationally recognized provider (AHA, ARC, ASHI, NSC). Must include instructor-led skill session.
• Computer, radio, and audio-visual equipment literacy.
• Consistent attendance and dependability for scheduled responsibilities, including occasional weekend or evening commitments.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• B.A. or B.S. degree or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
• Related experience as a naturalist, interpreter, camp counselor, trip leader, or other leadership
• Previous experience teaching, facilitating, or working with youth in educational or recreational settings.
• Experience operating high ropes courses, rock climbing walls, canoeing, and other outdoor recreation activities.
• Experience in public speaking, public relations, and customer service.

Work Environment, Physical Requirements, and Employment Conditions

Application Details:

The Fellowship program runs from August 11, 2025–August 7, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from February to May for the 2025–2026 cohort. Positions remain open until filled. You can find more specific information about the program on the fellowship webpage.

To Apply please:

1. Email your resumé to: Cheryl Krage, Business Manager, cherylk@eaglebluffmn.org
2. Contact three professional references and direct them to our Online Reference Form (found on our website). It is your responsibility to make sure the references are completed in a timely manner.
3. Answer and submit the online application questions, also found on our website.