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Go further this summer.

Hiking & Trip leading jobs

Are you?

A lover of the outdoors, Adventurous, Inquisitive, Responsible

Bonus Qualifications

Gold or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, Level 3 Outdoor Recreation

Why should I teach hiking and trip leading at camp?

The US has some of the most spectacular landscapes and natural trails. If you are energetic and love hiking, then spend your summer discovering and exploring the terrain around camp, teaching others your skills and having the greatest summer adventure.

Camp Directors are looking for someone who can react quickly and will be able to confidently lead groups of all ages and abilities through various terrain. You should show confidence and talk about your own experiences which will equip you for this role.

Tell me more about hiking and trip leading at summer camp...

Let’s get wild. The great outdoors is a fundamental part of summer camp and camp life. Coming away from the city, hiking and trip leading is a fantastic way for the campers to get closer to nature and to enjoy the adventure.

From short trails and daily hikes to overnight campouts and excursions. Being a trip leader is all about making the ordinary extraordinary, observing the skill level and leading the way. From overseeing and leading trips, ensuring the safety of the campers and the maintenance of equipment.

You should bring expertise and enthusiasm. It is expected for a leader to have relevant experience and knowledge of the field. It’s about having the experience to take trip leading to the next level.

I've always enjoyed heading off on adventures, so being hired for camps Outdoor Adventure Department was the best fit for me. No day was the same.

We could be taking younger campers blueberry picking or off on overnight camping trips, to taking older campers on week long trips to Maine, or to hike Mount Washington. We would also run activities on camp, like animal care as we had bunnies and chicks, and ice cream making.

A lot of our campers live in the city, so it was awesome to be able to see them experience something new.

Rosie DB
Camp Robindel

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to be a hiking or trip leading instructor?

When you begin your application you’ll be asked to select your top skills. Make sure you choose hiking and/or adventure trip leading. Go into detail about what you’re going to bring to the role, your current experience level and if you’re already qualified. A camp director will then be able to assess if you’re a good fit and invite you to their camp.

How can I make my hiking and trip leading application stand out?

Getting the experience will make all the difference for hiking jobs abroad. Look to volunteering or head out yourself and plan a trip - anything you can write about in your application is going to give you that all-important boost.

What is the hiking skill level of the campers like?

The campers will be coming with a wide range of abilities. Some hikes will just be an hour jaunt whereas others range from an overnight excursion to a 5 week cross country adventure*. You’ll be working in a team but when out on the routes it’ll usually be just you and a few supporting counselors. You’ll rotate trips and adapt to campers skill and stamina level.

*Depending on camp and camp programming.

Why Stop There? | A Quick Guide to Planning Your Post-Camp Trip

Find out how far you could go this summer
Spend your summer adventure trip leading at camp.