Summer Jobs Leading Teen Adventure Trips

Wilderness Programs Seek Experienced Instructors

Article and photo by Erica Rounsefell

Hiking is a popular summer camp activity and nature trip leader jobs are available worldwide.

Summer wilderness programs for teenagers continue to expand both domestically and abroad, and tour companies are eager to hire responsible, enthusiastic trip leaders and instructors.

Eligibility requirements vary by program, but most require experience working with teenagers and certification in First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Responder. Programs involving marine expeditions often mandate SCUBA or sailing experience, while opportunities abroad frequently require language skills and experience in the host country. Most successful applicants have previous outdoor leadership experience. Some programs require training prior to departure. The majority of positions are filled by March or April for the following summer.

The following companies hire wilderness trip leaders or instructors for overseas destinations, many of which change on a regular basis:

ActionQuest(Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Dutch West Indies, Ecuador, France, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Italy, Monaco, and St. Kitts and Nevis.).

Adventure Teen Travel(Brazil, Canada, China, French West Indies, Greece, and Malta.).

Adventures Cross Country(Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Dutch West Indies, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Italy, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, U.S., and U.S. Virgin Islands.).

Bold Earth Teen Adventures(Fiji, Bali, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, South Africa, France, Spain, Thailand, China, U.K., Hawaii, and Alaska.).

Broadreach(Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dutch West Indies, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, French West Indies, Grenada, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Hawaii.).

Moondance Adventures(Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, and the U.S.).

Where There Be Dragons(Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Guatemala, India, Laos, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru, Senegal, Thailand, and Vietnam.).

Wilderness Adventureat Eagle Landing (Cambodia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Vietnam, and U.S.).

Wilderness Ventures(Australia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and U.S.).

Erica Rounsefellteaches bilingual elementary school in Washington, D.C.