I CHALLENGE MYSELF, Inc.
I Challenge Myself (ICM) challenges and supports youth from underserved communities of New York City to become physically active healthy adults and skilled active citizens and leaders. By combining non-traditional school sports, like on-road and off-road bicycling and athletic trips with youth-led community health campaigns, ICM believes that high school students will develop the behaviors, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to achieve post secondary success.
Two (2) part-time athletic coaches are needed for bicycling and outdoor sports teams for youth ages 14-19 in the following 2 programs:
1. Urban Bicycling Tours
The Urban Bicycling Tours program combines distance bicycling with health service projects. These experiences are designed to promote self-development (physical, mental and social), specific bicycle touring skills, the ability to work with others and make connections to diverse communities. Youth in this program will also learn to maximize the visibility of two of their major bike tours to promote the “Challenge Yourself to be Healthy” children’s poster contest being carried out by their peers in the Urban Youth Health Ambassadors program. ICM provides students with fully equipped bicycles, helmets, gloves and cycling jerseys.
Meeting Date(s) and times: Saturdays
Location: Washington Heights
2. Bicycling Adventure Tours
The Bicycling Adventure Tours program combines bicycling, camping and rowing tours and other outdoor experiential learning experiences with health service projects. These experiences are designed to promote self-development (physical, mental and social), specific bicycle touring skills, the ability to work with others and make connections to diverse communities. Youth in this program will also learn to maximize the visibility of two of their major bike tours to promote the “Challenge Yourself to be Healthy” children’s poster contest being carried out by their peers in the Urban Youth Health Ambassadors program. ICM provides students with fully equipped bicycles, helmets, gloves and cycling jerseys.
Meeting Date(s) and times: (1 weekday after school- flexible and Saturdays)
Location: Mill Brook Community Center (South Bronx)
Major Responsibilities:
Organize, lead and supervise a training program for fifteen (15) 9th – 12th grade students to complete a 100-mile one-day cycling tour or a multi-day cycling/camping/athletic tour
Design and implement comprehensive athletic curriculum that integrates best practices in youth development
Set and measure the program’s effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative assessment tools, with an emphasis on self reflective strategies
Help maintain a fleet of 15 road bikes or mountain bikes and related equipment
Assist in the recruitment, training and support of 5-6 volunteer cycling coaches to assist in outdoor bicycle rides
Willingness and ability to work as part of a team
Assist in the strategic planning process to replicate ICM program in other underserved areas of NYC
Required Qualifications:
CPR/First Aid certification
BA in education, health, physiology, social work or a field related to youth/human development
At least two-years experience working with teenage youth, extensive cycling and athletic coaching/participation experience
Prior experience planning/designing and assessing youth sports related curricula and program
Excellent presentation, facilitation, oral and writing skills
Extensive knowledge of nutrition, health and fitness training and NYC area cycling and hiking routes and other outdoor athletic opportunities
Valid New York State Driver’s license
Available to lead Saturday training rides during school year
Preferred Qualifications:
National cycling, camping, hiking, rowing, rock climbing or other outdoor sports certification
Ability to lift weights of over 50 lbs.
Experience working with youth and sports, specifically, cycling, running, rowing, and rock climbing, camping, etc.
Self starter with entrepreneurial spirit and integrity
Lover of outdoors!
Salary: Hourly rate based on education and experience
Work Schedule: Work 6-12 hours a week from January to June 2007. Possible future full-time or part-time employment.
How to Apply:
Send cover letter and résumé with HOURLY RATES TO:
anar@ichallengemyself.org