Trip Leader + Adventure Staff

Seeds of Peace Camp; Brunswick (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing provided

Experience in natural settings

Training opportunities

Job summary

A respected educational camp is seeking Trip Leader & Adventure Staff to guide young people through transformative wilderness trips and instruct adventure programming. Candidates will be responsible for planning trips, teaching outdoor skills, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a Wilderness First Responder Certification, and have a valid driver's license. This role includes residential responsibilities with on-site housing provided.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass Criminal Background Check.
• Experience in outdoor or experiential education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead youth on transformative wilderness trips.
• Teach applicable technical and interpersonal skills.
• Connect with campers prior to departure.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Teaching outdoor living skills

Community building

Education

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Do you believe that the best classroom has no walls? Are you energized by paddling into the unknown, guiding young people through meaningful challenges, and building joyful community in wild places? Camp Chewonki is seeking Trip Leader & Adventure Staff to lead unforgettable backcountry expeditions and support dynamic adventure programming!

Trip Leader & Adventure Staff are at the heart of the Chewonki experience. This dual-role position combines leading youth on transformative wilderness trips with instructing adventure-based programming at camp. You’ll be a mentor, educator, risk manager, and cheerleader—modeling kindness, empathy, and enthusiasm while creating safe, challenging, and deeply impactful experiences.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare for assigned trips; this includes:
  • Finalize itinerary, potential resupply dates, and all other logistics.
  • Pack food and gear appropriate for discipline and duration of trip.
  • Familiarize self with potential evacuation locations and scenarios.
• Connect with campers prior to departure to prepare them for their trip. This may include:
  • Teaching outdoor living skills.
  • Leading watercraft lessons.
  • Facilitating community building activities, including low and/or high ropes elements.
• While leading assigned trips, effectively implement the following:
  • Hold the risk management and group management for the duration of the trip.
  • Teach applicable technical and interpersonal skills.
  • Professionally represent Chewonki while in the field.
  • Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants; this includes:
  • Develop healthy and appropriate relationships with participants.
  • Manage risk and maintain the safety of participants.
  • Provide direct supervision of participants as assigned.
  • Develop a positive co-leader dynamic between other Trip Leader and Adventure Staff and/or Cabin Leaders.
• Support other camp programs when not in the field by assisting with equipment repair, food stocking, teaching watercraft lessons, driving, or other tasks as needed.
• Maintain professional presentation and communication with participants and their families, co-workers, and the public.
• Residential Responsibilities: This is a residential position. On-site shared housing is provided as part of the role and is available only while you are actively employed. Housing ends when employment concludes.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass Criminal Background Check.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record approved by Chewonki’s Insurance Carrier, must attend Driver’s Training.
• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification.
• Experience in the outdoor or experiential education field, preferred.
• Additional certifications or training in relevant fields (Registered Maine Guide, American Canoe Association Instructor, Swiftwater Rescue, Association for Challenge Course Technology, etc), preferred.
• Ability to live and work in a small community.
• Attend required onboarding and training sessions

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb at a time.
• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Able to maintain attention and a high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.