It's time to blend a little excitement with your career for a summer, season or year-round! An adventurous lifestyle means to grow through passion, challenge and risk taking. It's about learning to look at the world through curious eyes — to wonder what's on the other side of the mountain — and allowing wanderlust to become your guide. You'll work hard and you'll play hard; the intimacy of your adventurous pursuits will allow you to see, hear, taste, and smell more intensely. Whether you love the water (canoe guides, kayak guides, white-water rafting guides, river guides, fishing guides, boat captains, sailing instructors, cruise ship staff), the land (cycling guides, horseback guides, natural history guides, safari guides, tour leaders, trail staff and zipline guides), the mountains (climbing guides, mountaineering guides, ski guides) or outdoor adventure (outfitting staff, outdoor educators, tour guides, trip leaders, wilderness specialists), you'll find plenty of adventure education jobs here! More to Explore |
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Do you believe in the power of wild places? Lead high-quality, adventure-based, outdoor education programs in backcountry environments throughout the mid-Atlantic region! Nestled in the heart of Appalachia lies Experience Learning, a 400-acre high preserve located just below the base of the highest mountain in West Virginia — Spruce Knob. With minimal trail systems and a million acres of the Monongahela National Forest, Instructors will lead participants on adventures they never knew possible. Experience Learning programs serve students in the 5th–12th grades, and include both residential and wilderness field courses based out of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center campus. Facilitating beyond the classroom wilderness learning programs, Outdoor Field Instructors help students gain the confidence, experience, and appreciation for our natural world through lessons and activities that include hiking, backpacking, camp craft, orienteering, caving, environmental education, rock climbing, canoeing, and survival skills. In addition, Instructors tailor courses to meet the thematic goals for each school served, leading students in discussions and initiatives around leadership, communication, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and creative problem solving. 2025 Outdoor Field Instructor Work Options Pay ranges from $65-$115/day DOE, shared housing, meals during programming, access to pro deals, 1 day of paid health leave/month, and opportunities for organizational advancement. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience with current WFA/CPR certification (an onsite WFA/CPR class is offered during the spring and fall). If you are a Jack or Jill-of-all-trades with a curiosity of our natural world, passionate about teaching and leading young people, and have a strong work ethic and keen judgment, fill out the online application or contact Katrina Weyland for more information. |
Work in hand constructed yurts on the highest point in West Virginia! View a taste of the beyond-the-classroom learning experience. • Blending adventure and learning together in a rigorous and challenging environment, Experience Learning programs highlight physical, emotional and intellectual growth through outdoor learning and discovery. Field Instructors will find hard work is balanced with a tight community of adventurous, dedicated and conscientious professionals who work hard to make positive change in our world. |
Incredible Adventures is an environmentally conscious outdoor travel company specializing in small group tours from San Francisco — with destinations including Yosemite National Park, Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country, Big Sur, and Lake Tahoe! Now seeking enthusiastic Tour Guide/Drivers who are reliable, safety-driven, organized, and desire adventure. On single day trips, Guides will pick-up and drop-off passengers at San Francisco hotels and provide informational narrative throughout the tour. On multi-day adventures, Guides will arrange daily logistics, outdoor and evening activities, sightseeing excursions, and teach sustainable travel, camping etiquette and cooking skills. Guides for the 2025 season will either be based out of San Francisco (day or short multi-day trips with ideal work availability from March/April through October) or SF-based remote (Overland Guides— experience required, with ideal availability from May/June through October). Wages are per trip, with half-day wages starting at $85 and full-day wages ranging up to $300/day, not including tips. Wages for overnight, multi-day tours are per trip and range from $275-$525, plus tips. Additional daily bonus provided to German-speaking guides on select trips. A seasonal performance and safety bonus is available for all guides who complete a full season. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age, have or be willing to obtain a Class C Commercial Driver's license with Passenger Endorsement (training provided for the right candidates), a clean driving record, high energy, excellent people skills, and be available to work weekends and holidays. If you have a customer-service-oriented disposition, a fun and outgoing attitude, and enjoy interacting with people from all over the country and the world, read through the Guide FAQ or fill out the online application! |
• The team at Incredible Adventures is an adventurous group who thrive on being in a casual and laid-back workplace that is offset by challenging and dynamic jobs. The staff loves to travel and all are huge advocates of preserving our natural resources through green business practices. All guides can expect to become experts in popular travel destinations and build a career in the outdoor travel industry. |
NCOAE is seeking exceptional individuals to join their team of outdoor adventure-based educators! With courses taking place in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Ecuador and beyond, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor and adventure education provider for people looking to challenge themselves physically and academically — by combining rigorous academics with personal growth and professional development. Field Instructors manage the safety of students during multi-day courses while leading NCOAE’s hands-on, experiential core curriculum that focuses on the educational principles of leadership, risk management, environmental ethics and outdoor skills including kayaking, canoeing, whitewater paddling, backpacking, rock climbing, backcountry camping, map & compass navigation, and more. Through these lessons, Instructors help students improve their self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Experiential education is merged with good, old-fashioned fun to offer an unrivaled path to insight, joy and drive. Instructors also manage risks and assure effective courses, while serving as an educator and a role model. Instructors must be able to teach NCOAE’s curriculum, complete course documentation, and participate in pre/post-trip meetings. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group process and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and engaging tone for students to follow. Starting pay ranges from $80-$145/day (DOE) with opportunities for advancement. Perks include staff housing, food pantry, travel reimbursements, and industry discounts. Current WFA/WFR & CPR certification and successful completion of NCOAE’s 14-day Instructor Course is required prior to employment. Seasonal positions available from April to October, with occasional opportunities to continue employment into the winter. If you have a passion for outdoor education, take pride in your work, embrace change, and enjoy positively impacting the lives of others, learn more about becoming an NCOAE Instructor!
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View a group of NCOAE students exploring Patagonia during an outdoor educator & environmental sustainability course! Who is NCOAE looking for? |
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Ready to change young people’s lives and be part of one of the best student and staff communities in the industry? Adventure Treks offers multi-week outdoor adventure travel programs that help teens build life skills for future success—all while making life-long friends, exploring the most stunning landscapes, and having incredible amounts of fun along the way. Being a Field Instructor at Adventure Treks is a unique and incredible opportunity—seeing students immersed in nature, fostering a community, and building their confidence and leadership on the trail! Instructors are deeply familiar with the demands of operating on the sun's clock and sleeping in a tent for weeks at a time with peers and students relying on them. In the highs and lows of a trip, they're always engaged, bringing fun to any situation, staying motivated, and working hard. Instructors are in charge of safety, satisfaction, and success. It's not always easy, but it's so rewarding! Not only do Instructors build fantastic student communities, but Adventure Treks is home to one of the strongest Instructor communities in the industry. With wilderness-based programs in British Columbia, Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, North Carolina, Scotland, Norway and Peru, Instructors lead activities like backpacking, rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, and whitewater kayaking & rafting. On each adventure, the four- to six-person instructor team works together to create fun, growth-oriented, and community-minded experiences and coordinate all aspects of the trip like managing group dynamics, teaching outdoor skills, maintaining equipment, and handling medical issues. Compensation starts at $4,000–$4,200 for the summer plus all-inclusive employment (accommodations, meals, outfitted activities…), travel reimbursements, fall opportunities to work in North Carolina, professional development scholarships, and pro-deal access to hundreds of outdoor brands. See the qualifications page to learn more and apply!
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Why work with Adventure Treks? Meet the faces of Adventure Treks and take a glimpse into Instructor Orientation. Whether climbing snowy Mount Shasta or teaching canoeing in British Columbia, Adventure Treks Instructors will lead teenagers in diverse outdoor settings that will be challenging, rewarding, and fun. Best of all, you'll get the opportunity to work with other talented and experienced staff and have the chance to make a positive impact on your student's lives. |
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Do you have what it takes to outfit adventure adrenaline junkies in fulfilling their outdoor dreams? Come join the dynamic team at Windigo and travel to some of the coolest places in North America! Specializing in customized small group camping and lodging tours, Windigo is seeking energetic leaders to guide multi-week adventure tours throughout North America. Guides are responsible as both drivers and guides who direct custom itineraries of international clients traveling in a 15-passenger van while overseeing the day-to-day logistics for tours. These routes feature many of the continent’s most iconic National Parks, but the focus is on more than just the sites. The Windigo team of outdoor professionals is passionate about their role as environmental stewards. They lead with purpose to advance the positive impact of adventure travel while celebrating the many vibrant and diverse cultures that constitute our beautiful continent, relishing every opportunity to establish meaningful connections between travelers, the land, and one another. Responsibilities include destination research, providing daily briefings, handling group dynamics, maintaining equipment, meal preparation, and ensuring a safe, fun experience for travelers. Compensation ranges from $125-$180/day plus tips and commission. Accommodations and most food while on tour are included, as well as access to pro deals, bonus options, and the opportunity to travel to enticing and off-the-beaten path destinations. The operation season runs from April to late October with contracts available for a partial or full season. If you are at least 23 years old (21 for Canadian applicants), have a clean driving record, an adventurous spirit, strong people, leadership and organizational skills, love the outdoors, and are looking for an exciting challenge, apply to join the Windigo team today! |
Join the adventure! View the Windigo Guide experience » • Do you want to hit the open road, enjoy an adventure of a lifetime, and get paid for it? Join a team that is passionate about organizing and delivering high-quality tours for people from all over the world. Meet new people from different cultures and provide unforgettable experiences to grateful travelers. It's not a job opportunity, it’s a lifestyle. |
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Share your passion of hiking, nature, travel, and adventure while introducing guests to the magic of the outdoors! The Wildland Trekking Company offers small group, multi-day backpacking, llama/mule supported trips, day hikes, campground and inn-based hiking trips for adults and families looking to experience unforgettable hiking vacations in majestic landscapes. Guests can expect delicious meals and extraordinary guides who can turn a great get-away into an unforgettable, inspiring adventure. Now seeking Guides to lead trips from April or June through September/October for nine stunning regions across the U.S.—from Washington to Maine (and beautiful destinations in between). Guides manage all aspects of the trip: you’ll prep gear and food, cook meals, teach guests the basics of backpacking and camping, provide interpretive information, manage risk in varied environments, and facilitate social dynamics and guest satisfaction. Benefits include a fun, supportive work environment with high quality people, competitive wages, paid training, post-trip gratuities, 401(K), pro-deals and opportunities for professional growth into management positions or work in different branch location over time and more! Applicants must be at least 21 years old to guide/drive, have previous guiding or outdoor leadership experience, WFR/WEMT certification (or willingness to obtain), strong technical skills, cooking, interpretation and teaching skills, strong local knowledge (or willingness to learn), and a customer service-oriented work ethic. If you have a high level of fitness, excellent written and verbal communication, enthusiasm for being outside, superb customer service and people skills, complete the online application. Explore more at WildlandTrekking.com! |
Learn about the Guides who lead Wildland's award-winning trips! • Leading meaningful and unforgettable hiking and backpacking vacations into spectacular landscapes as a profession is a dream come true for Wildland Trekking Guides. Many Guides spend 50-150+ nights in the backcountry annually—and they wouldn't have it any other way! |
The Tour Guide position is a demanding, exciting, challenging, and rewarding position requiring a passion for the outdoors on and off the road. Do you want to enjoy an adventure of a lifetime and get paid for it? With headquarters in Las Vegas, Bindlestiff Tours specialize in single day tours in their own backyard and multi-day adventures throughout the Southwest, Northwest, Canadian Rockies, and Alaska. Extensive experience in the industry and knowledgeable, down-to-earth Guides affords Bindlestiff to create the absolute best itineraries. Tour Guides are responsible for delivering in-depth headset commentary to guests on the geology, history, flora, and fauna of the region while driving a 7 or 15-passenger van. Multi-day tours require you to be comfortable towing a 5x8-foot cargo trailer. Additional responsibilities include handling group dynamics, food shopping and cooking, planning and problem solving on the road, maintaining outdoor equipment, managing accounting and paperwork pre and post tour, and ensuring a safe and fun experience for all clients. The guiding season runs from March (sometimes earlier) through the end of October, with options for full/part-time contracts and those who wish to be on-call for ad hoc tours during the crunch season. The base rate for first year Guides ranges from $150-$205/day depending on industry experience, plus a generous seasonal bonus package and 401k. With tips and commissions, experienced Guides can earn as much as $500/day. Benefits include accommodations and meals while on tour, full training, and housing in between tours. If you have strong leadership and motivational skills, a passion for the outdoors, able to multi-task, and possess exceptional people skills, learn more at BindlestiffToursJobs.com. |
• As a Tour Guide for Bindlestiff, you may find yourself poking around an abandoned mining town in the desert southwest, atop a granite peak in Yosemite, in a raft on the Colorado River, hiking on a glacier in the Canadian Rockies, or watching bears catch salmon in a remote Alaskan river! |
The YMCA BOLD & GOLD program inspires courage, confidence, and multi-cultural leadership in diverse groups of youth ages 11-18 through wilderness experiences. The challenge and beauty of the outdoors comes together on their 1 to 3 week expeditions. Small groups (9/10 participants and 2/3 instructors) travel to some of the most beautiful and natural places in the Pacific Northwest to discover what they are capable of and build their community. Your venue will be the wild and beautiful crystal-clear alpine lakes of the North Cascades, the rugged beaches of the Olympic Coast, the rock walls of Squamish and Smith Rocks, or glistening snow slopes of Mount Baker. As a Wilderness Instructor (up to 45 openings!) you and your co-lead will be responsible for the physical and emotional safety of your group while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, mountaineering, paddling, and rock climbing. Instructors work from a set itinerary, manage the risks of backcountry travel, and facilitate a variety of workshops and activities that will help participants develop their own leadership style. In addition, Climbing Instructors (up to 12 openings!) are also needed to coordinate in-field aspects of wilderness-based programming. Positions are available each season, with multiple season contracts available. Compensation starts at $135/day plus access to discounted trainings and pro-deals. Applicants must be able to model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities as well as make the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of underserved youth. If you are a talented educator, youth worker, and/or enthusiastic outdoor professional, view all current job openings and fill out the online application for your desired position/term. |
• Do you want to make a difference in the world and have fun while doing it? Wilderness Instructors lead, inspire, and provide a physically and emotionally safe space for participants on wilderness-based expeditions. Backpackers, climbers, mountaineers, and other outdoor leaders who want to share their experience with young people will thrive in this environment. |
Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry — leading life changing outdoor experiences for people of all backgrounds and abilities! With a home base in St. Paul, Minnesota, Wilderness Inquiry sits right on the bank of the Mississippi River. From this main office and warehouse location, staff are sent to countless locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as throughout the U.S., including popular National Parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier. Whether you're an expert or beginner in outdoor recreation and education (or not particularly outdoorsy at all!) there is a place for you at Wilderness Inquiry. Like participants, staff come from all backgrounds, skillsets, and interests, with one thing in common: we are all passionate about making the outdoors a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for all. With various program models, staff can enjoy working on extended trips across the country or spend their days working locally and returning to their own homes every night. Over the course of a single trip, Leaders will embrace many roles including educator, guide, leader and more. Seasonal positions are offered from March through October, with staff training dates available each season. Compensation ranges from $19-$24/hour for day programs and $182-$232/day for overnights/extended tours. Staff housing, meals on extended trips, and professional service stipends are also provided. If you're looking for a place to make friends, participate in cool experiences, get paid to spend time outside, and work with a crew of amazing individuals where you feel like you truly belong and make a difference, learn more about the Wilderness Inquiry community.
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Take a virtual tour of the Wilderness Inquiry Apostle Islands Base Camp! • Inspiring personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment, and community integration, Wilderness Inquiry adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities—and to each other! |
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Located in one of Wisconsin's summer tourist hotspots with a stunning coastal landscape and small-town charm, Door County Adventure Center provides recreational opportunities that are fun, safe, and affordable, with adventures that include kayaking, zip lining, off-road Segway, paddle boarding, trips, retreats, corporate team building, youth camps, and more! Now seeking emerging outdoor professionals who have a passion for the outdoors and working with great people. Kayak Guides will lead multiple kayak tour locations throughout beautiful Door County, while Adventure Guides lead tours at the adventure park, multiple kayak tours, off-road Segway adventures, and multiple zip line tours. All guides are ultimately responsible for guest safety, gearing up the guest, instruction, and making the tour fun for all. This is a fast-paced job that requires you to work with an array of guests and provide everyone with a fun and memorable experience! Tours go out rain or shine, so applicants need to be prepared to work out in the elements and stand on their feet for long periods of time. The summer season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a varied 5-day work schedule (your day-to-day will be exciting and bring you to new places!). Compensation starts at $15/hour plus tips, paid pre-season kayak, zipline and Segway training, and employee discounts. Onsite rental housing with WiFi is available. While preference is given to people who have guiding experience, don’t let that stop you from applying as DC Adventure Center is willing to train the right candidate! If you are self-motivated and have a passion for outdoor adventure, people and fun, email your cover letter and resume to Jacob Pflieger. |
• Guide positions are the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, work outdoors, meet a variety of people, and build relationship—all while having the summer of a lifetime! Get to know your new team members » |
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Get paid to spend your summer kayaking and camping on Lake Superior! Based out of a historic barrel factory on the edge of Lake Superior, Trek & Trail is the original sea kayaking tour company offering trips in the Apostle Islands, the Meyers Beach Sea Caves, and the Bayfield peninsula’s shoreline. Now seeking seasonal Sea Kayak Guides to safely lead interpretive adventure trips throughout Lake Superior. Guides are expected to be experienced sea kayakers and understand sea kayak rescue procedures. Trek & Trail doesn't expect you to have all the necessary skills upon arrival as staff undergo a rigorous and challenging 2½-week paid training program that emphasizes risk assessment, paddling skills and rescue, and interpretive knowledge about the area, and includes WFA and ACA certification. The season runs from Memorial Day weekend to the weekend after Labor Day. Time off is granted with advanced notice and there may be days where you are on-call for walk-in bookings. Compensation includes $100-$200/day (based on experience, with bonuses for relevant trainings and certifications) plus guest gratuities. Limited staff housing within walking distance of the shop is available for $350/month. Trek & Trail is also an outdoor retail store, and employees are entitled to a 20% in-store discount, with pro-deals generally available. If you are hardworking, ready for a challenge, a good communicator and problem solver, have a growth mindset, and passionate about the outdoors and want to share that passion with others, fill out the online application. |
• We encourage prospective applicants to be less concerned about the hard skills of being a sea kayak guide. We work hard to provide a comprehensive training in sea kayak techniques, risk assessment, and the specific, tangible skills of being a guide on Lake Superior. —Aidan Lee, Owner |
For over 25 years, Calleva has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in outdoor education and outdoor adventure programming. Introducing kids and adults to gorgeous wilderness areas in the DC area, Calleva provides outdoor adventure, sustainable farming and nature immersion programs for groups in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Calleva's unique blend of fun, learning and challenge helps people take risks, develop confidence, learn new skills, and excel in a team environment. Instructors/Facilitators will lead land and water-based outdoor adventure programs that include canoeing, kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, surfing, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, environmental education, farming, horseback riding, and general camping. Positions are available for 3 seasons (April to mid-November), summer camp (June to August) and the fall (early August to mid-November). In addition to financial compensation ranging from $600–$1,000/week, benefits include meals for all overnight trips, 5-10 days of paid training and summer preparation, pro deal purchases, use of program equipment for personal adventures, and compensation for advanced training or certifications in specific areas. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and be passionate about sharing their love of the outdoors with children. You must also be able to demonstrate solid outdoor skills, hard skills and proficiency in the activity of your choice, and excellent all-round soft skills. Calleva values people with diverse life experiences who seek adventure in their personal lives. Learn more at Calleva.org.
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• Ready for an adventure? |
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Located just 2½ hours north of New York City in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA is a camp, retreat destination, and environmental education center offering people of all ages and abilities enriching outdoor experiences, adventure, growth, and fun. Off-site summer teen adventure programs take campers on trips to beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the Northeast as they work together to explore, problem solve, and achieve common goals. • Adventure Trip Leaders along with a co-leader supervise and care for campers as they engage in service elements and/or backpack, climb, hike, kayak, canoe, whitewater raft and sail throughout natural spaces over a two-week period. Responsibilities include preparing food and gear logistics for each assigned trip, teaching backcountry cooking skills, fire building, campsite selection and maintenance, Leave No Trace seven principles, and fostering an environment where campers can gain confidence, leadership skills, conflict resolution skills, and other interpersonal skills. Summer camp runs from mid-June to mid-August. Compensation ranges from $475-$650/week plus room, board, and the opportunity to explore the Northeast. Adventure applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a clean driving record, minimum WFR certification, and experience working with kids ages 10-17 in an outdoor setting, or a strong desire to gain experience in such an environment. View all current summer job openings and apply online. |
View the Frost Valley Y adventure camp experience » • Are you looking for a fulfilling job where you can make a difference in the world? Whether on an adventure trip to beautiful and awe-inspiring places in New York or on a service learning trip, Frost Valley YMCA's adventure programs are all about character building, challenging yourself, making lasting friendships, and experiencing first hand the difference you can make. |
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Kroka Expeditions is a non-profit wilderness expedition school based on a year-round, organic farm in Marlow, New Hampshire. The Kroka staff community is a diverse group of people from all ages and backgrounds who share a commitment to living simply and purposefully, while working together to share skills, knowledge, and values in a transformative way through high-quality outdoor education programs. Wilderness Leaders envision, design, and execute wilderness expeditions and farm-based programs for highly motivated students ages 9-19. Spring and fall season responsibilities include multi-element programs (including farming, adventure, sustainability, and wild-crafting skills), ocean canoe expeditions, moving-water canoe trips, backpacking adventures, farm-based programs, and more! During the summer months, Leaders facilitate 7-21 day expedition programs within Kroka’s seven adventure schools: rock climbing, caving, whitewater paddling, ocean expeditions, mountain biking, wilderness skills, and rites of passage. Scheduled weeks alternate between expedition & program teaching and base camp support, including farm and kitchen work, driving, and facilities maintenance. 2025 positions run from April 1st to October 31st. Compensation is based on experience and meets or exceeds that of other guides in the outdoor education industry, plus simple and beautiful Kroka Village housing, meals while you are on campus or traveling for Kroka, extensive training opportunities in adventure sports and wilderness skills, one-week paid vacation in between seasons, pro deal purchases, and being part of a forward thinking and energetic community. If you have a love for teaching and mentoring children and youth, previous wilderness expedition experience in remote environments (or an excitement to learn), adventure sports expertise, a college degree (and/or equivalent life experience), WFR certification, and a commitment to personal fitness, diversity, equity & inclusion, ecologically conscious living, and simplified personal needs, apply online. |
• Join Kroka’s international group of guides and educators this year as a full-season Wilderness Leader. Staff live and work in community and practice what they teach. They are visionaries, risk-takers, and role models. They are committed to mastery of their skills and to awakening consciousness and altruistic will in young people. |
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