IN THE SPOTLIGHT

With a focus on adventure-based instruction, the staff at The Leadership School at Kieve works with thousands of middle school students on skills in teamwork, conflict resolution, relationships, leadership, communication, decision-making and positive risk-taking. Teachers facilitate classes throughout the day, deliver meaningful and powerful experiential learning experiences and mentor interns. Interns and Peer Resident Overseers (PROs) are integrated closely into all aspects of Kieve programming, supervise the residential aspects of the program, organize afternoon activities and orchestrate evening teambuilding programs. Interns must make a commitment of ten months beginning in March or late August (with the summer off); while PRO positions are available either during the spring or fall, with semi-flexible start/end dates. Teacher salaries start at $18,000 (plus health insurance); Interns receive a stipend of $10,000 (with health benefits available); and PROs earn $200 per week. Benefits for all staff members include housing in cabins, meals, laundry facilities, computer and wireless Internet access, health club membership, access to the recreational building and a spectacular Maine waterfront location. Interns must be college grads seriously considering an educational career; at minimum, PROs must be 18 and have graduated high school. All applicants must be compassionate, caring people with lots of energy to work within a residential program.

• Working as an intern or teacher at the Leadership School at Kieve is a great opportunity for anyone who wants more experience working with middle school students, learning more about youth group facilitation and understanding the power of experiential education in an environment that is both challenging and nurturing.

ALASKA JOBS more

Imagine traversing over sky bridges perched along the forest line and gliding through hemlock and spruce trees over cables hung between platforms. As the first company to bring the thrill and excitement of zipline canopy tours to the Alaskan rain forest, Alaska Canopy Adventures operates its zipline expedition tours with daily ship excursions from Herring Cove, Ketchikan and Douglas Island, Juneau. Whether you want to spend your summer high above the ground, on the water or at the docks, seasonal job opportunities include canopy (zipline) guides, tour coordinators, marine personnel/deckhands, boat captains and driver guides. Preference is given to those who can commit from mid-April through the end or September (although there is wiggle room in dates); and you can expect to work 6-12 hours per day with a day off each week. Benefits include one of the most competitive pay rates in Alaska, a seasonal bonus program based on performance and commitment, and gratuities. Some positions require experience and/or specific skills and licenses, with paid training available. If you love the outdoors and working with people, view detailed job descriptions, download the online application and begin your journey high in the sky.

• Looking to fly high on the ultimate eco-adventure work experience this summer? The Alaska Canopy Adventures team provides once-in-a-lifetime rainforest canopy challenges for guests with the help of ziplines, suspension bridges, off-road vehicles and jet boats.

As a stepping stone to the greater world of guiding and backcountry recreating, Chilkat Guides—based in the picturesque town of Haines, Alaska—will teach anyone with the aptitude and interest how to guide themselves and others safely in and out of the wild. Whether activities include trail hikes, float trips, wilderness safaris or river expeditions, summer guides, trip leaders and naturalists get participants excited about the great outdoors. Their annual guide school (beginning mid-April for those without guiding experience) is by invitation only and is free of charge to accepted applicants. All invitees successfully completing the guide school are offered employment as guides from May through the end of September. Compensation starts at $10/hour for straight guiding with added incentives for trip leaders and naturalists (expect overtime which is paid at time and a half). Applicants must have the desire to work long and hard (usually 6-12 hours per day) in sometimes unpleasant conditions, be athletic and have a love for people. In addition to guide positions, active seniors are also needed to work as commercial bus drivers (with training provided). Applications are available online.

• Chilkat Guides summer staff have the opportunity to lead these unique adventures: the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Trip, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari or the Tatshenshini and Alsek River Expedition.

MONTANA JOBS more

Through horseback-guided, off-the-beaten-path trail adventure vacations, family-owned Swan Mountain Outfitters connects their guests to the hidden treasures of Glacier National Park. Operating out of three unique locations—Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier—Trail Ride Wranglers are responsible for leading 1-hour to full day park-approved trail rides in the back country while captivating guests with the extensive history of the Park. In addition to acting as park interpreter, maintaining the condition of the trails and daily care of the horses are also critical components for this position. Opportunities are available from May through mid-September, and special arrangements can be made for highly qualified candidates that must leave earlier due to school schedules. The days are long and the work is hard (usually 12-hour days; 6 days a week). Compensation consists of a monthly salary, tips, room and board. The top earners are those who can talk it up while making the trail ride experience the highlight for each park guest. If you love and have experience working with horses, entertaining and educating people and are honest, hard working and in great physical shape, fill out the online application. In addition to wrangler positions, summer barn managers, cook/house managers, packers and reservationists are hired for each location. For more information, connect with Aubrie Tabor through email or by calling 800.919.4416.

• If you love to entertain, educate and relish in a job as a park interpreter, Swan Mountain Outfitters trail ride wranglers lead wilderness adventures by horseback to magical spots in Glacier National Park.

NEW YORK JOBS more

Ready to make a splash in New York City this summer? Guaranteed to keep you in top physical condition while helping keep millions of New Yorker's safe, 1,200 NYC Parks & Recreation Lifeguards are needed at seven beaches and 53 outdoor pool facilities in the five boroughs. After completing a qualifying test (minimum age of 16, excellent eye sight and the ability to swim 50 yards in 35 seconds), your training to become a New York City Lifeguard begins—and it isn't easy. The Municipal Lifeguard Training Program is a state-certified program that will teach you the critical skills of CPR, first-aid, and techniques for saving a swimmer in distress. After successful completion of the training program, you will be guaranteed a full-time job for the summer. Opportunities are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 48-hours per week. You will be compensated $12.55/hour (or approximately $600/week). While not on duty, you can dive into the excitement of the Big Apple—take in a Yankee's game, catch a Broadway show, or simply devour a huge slice of NYC pizza. To see if you're whistle worthy, check out testing sites, dates and times at www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311 (in New York) or 212-New-York.

VERMONT JOBS more

With programs designed to foster personal growth, self-reliance, cooperation, confidence, and a sense of community in people of all ages, Hulbert Outdoor Center offers school programs, wilderness trips, Elderhostel experiences, leadership training workshops, and public events in Vermont's Upper Connecticut River Valley. Whether working as an outdoor educator, trip leader, assistant leader or rock specialist, staff opportunities blend elements of wilderness travel, outdoor skill development, teamwork, sensitivity to the environment, and personal growth. During the summer, a 3-month commitment is ideal; however, trip staff are contracted per course. During the spring and fall, outdoor education instructors are hired on a seasonal basis with an opportunity to return for multiple seasons. Updated wage information is available online; all positions include room, board and paid staff training. The staff at Hulbert form a unique community of educators that values dedication, creative problem solving and hard work. If this sounds like you, applications can be found online.

• Are you an energetic, talented and dedicated individual who has the desire to live, learn and work in an intense and positive environment? Check out the opportunities with Hulbert Outdoor Center.

WASHINGTON JOBS more

Connecting adventurers to the least developed and least visited shorelines in the San Juan Islands, Anacortes Kayak Tours offers four unique trips: a 1.5 hour Deception Pass trip, a 5-6 hour Outer Island program, a 3 hour trip directly off Fidalgo Island, and multi-day kayaking adventures. Prior to leading guests on the water, summer sea kayak guides participate in a 3-day formal training program along with a fairly intensive in-house program. You will learn how to use high-end paddling equipment, handle currents, read weather, and find wildlife—all while razzle-dazzling your guests. Guides must commit to at least a mid-June through the end of August timeframe, in addition to pre-season training activities. Interns and office/logistics staff are also hired each year. Wages start at $10/hour and go up to $14/hour. There is a fee for the training course, but much of this is reimbursed upon completion of the season. Hardworking, outdoorsy-type folks with a sunny outlook on life will thrive here.

• With one of the most comprehensive guide training programs in the region, Anacortes Kayak Tours is looking for professional, mature and fun people who are looking to work and play in the great outdoors.

MULTI-STATE • NORTH AMERICA JOBS more

Are you professional, fun, outgoing, good with students and love to travel? As a Tour Leader for Tin Cup Adventures, you'll hit the open road and drive the Pioneer Living exhibit from school to school in one of nine regions throughout the U.S. Six different learning centers, historical displays and hands-on stations truly turn the gym into a pioneer settlement. Tin Cup Adventures is currently heading into their busy fall season and each tour will be departing at a different time between September and November. Monthly salaries range from $1,720 to $3,225, with benefits that include a weekly lodging allowance of $420, rustic sleeping accommodations built into each truck, weekends off, reimbursement for visits to museums, historical sites or tours, free time to visit interesting places and a chance to meet lots of great people. With each day bringing a different set of challenges, applicants who can think quick, problem solve with confidence and maintain a good attitude are a perfect fit for the position. At minimum, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and preference is given to college grads or those with interesting life experiences.

• As a tour leader for Tin Cup Adventures, I am able to have a positive impact on hundreds of kids every week while traveling extensively throughout the country. The job combines performing, teaching, curating and interaction with kids of all different ages and backgrounds to create a wholly unique and fulfilling work experience. It also gives me a chance to visit tucked away parts of the country that I might easily overlook on any other trip. Ultimately, there is a great sense of freedom from the travel that enhances all of the satisfaction that I get from being a tour leader.
—Christopher Konopka, Tour Leader

Are you ready for adventure? With programs designed to teach leadership, teamwork, creative problem solving, self-responsibility, confidence building, community living and outdoor skills, Adventure Treks provides unique outdoor experiences for teens, ages 13-19. In the summer months, 15-29 day adventure program destinations include Alaska, Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and the Canadian Rockies; while in the fall, wilderness programs are offered for up to a week for school students in the mountains of North Carolina. This allows a summer employment season of up to two months (in the western U.S.), and a fall employment season in North Carolina from September 1st thru November 1st. Doubling as teacher, role model and trip coordinator with five other leaders, instructors manage group dynamics, coordinate trip logistics, maintain outdoor equipment and teach outdoor skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, sailing, mountain biking, cooking and orienteering. Benefits include a salary dependent on trip length, a summer travel reimbursement per trip, room and board while training and working, pro-deal purchases and the opportunity to work with incredible students in a dynamic work environment. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (college graduate preferred), certified in WFR/CPR or WEMT, have several years experience working with teens and/or leading wilderness programs, solid outdoor skills in a variety of activities and the ability to work long hours with little or no time off.

• Adventure Treks instructors building a totem of self-motivation, self-esteem, and relationship-building—some of the key ingredients necessary for leading teenagers throughout North America.

With a 128-acre base camp in southwest Colorado, Deer Hill Expeditions engages young people in wilderness adventure, community service projects and native cultures in the southwestern U.S. (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) and Costa Rica. Experienced and motivated summer Field Leaders will teach minimum impact wilderness living skills, lead outdoor activities (from rafting and kayaking to rock climbing and mountaineering), assist with community service projects and serve as mentors for participants. Applicants must be certified in CPR/WFR (or EMT/WEMT), have previous outdoor education experience and possess solid technical skills. Benefits include a wage based on course length and experience, fantastic meals, base camp housing and pro deal purchases. In addition to summer field staff openings, 3-5 month paid internships are available year-round. Interns are fully immersed behind-the-scenes and will learn about administration, risk-management, marketing and logistical operations required to support the entire program—with the potential for advancement to a field staff position. Grab an application online!

• Offering a unique and powerful blend of wilderness expeditions and community service programs in the southwestern U.S. and Costa Rica, Deer Hill Expeditions summer field leaders facilitate the adventure side of the program, while year-round interns learn the ropes behind-the-scenes.

Through innovative adventure-based experiential education programming, Project Adventure (PA) seeks to develop responsible individuals, productive organizations and sustainable communities. With offices in Beverly, MA and Covington, GA, services include open enrollment workshops, youth and college programs, custom trainings, consulting, publications sales, challenge course design and installation, and catalog equipment sales. PA is always seeking experienced Adventure Facilitators for their Youth & College Programs in the Northeast and Southeast regions. Through experiential activities—including ropes course facilitation and/or top rope climbing, cooperative games and problem solving initiatives—facilitators will help empower youth to experience and practice leadership, teamwork, problem solving and conflict resolution while making positive choices, gaining self-confidence and learning skills that are critical to their lifelong development. Facilitators work on an as-needed basis, with the busiest months between April and November. Benefits include a per diem rate of $115-$150, a dynamic work environment, diverse work opportunities and discounts on PA resources and products. Applicants who have a strong facilitation background along with comfort and talent working with diverse groups of school-aged populations will thrive in this environment. To begin the application process, email or mail your cover letter and resume to your preferred region:

Northeast Jobs Tara Flippo Director of Staff Development Project Adventure 701 Cabot St. Beverly, MA 01915

Southeast Jobs MB Buckner Training Manager Project Adventure P.O. Box 2447 Covington, GA 30015

• Through ropes course facilitation, top rope climbing, cooperative games and problem solving initiatives, Project Adventure Facilitators help empower youth with learning skills that are critical for lifelong development.

Specializing in international small group adventure tours, SUNTREK offers 65 lodging and adventure camping tours from 1-9 weeks throughout the U.S. (including Alaska), Canada and Mexico. Active people who love working with multi-cultural groups of people are needed as Trek Leaders. You will lead cross-country adventures along pre-planned scenic tours in a 15-passenger maxi-van, arrange daily itineraries and activities, facilitate daily camp set-up and break-down, load/unload camping gear, work with local vendors to arrange activities, organize food shopping and cooking, and proactively handle the varying dynamics and personalities of each group. You must be able to lead tours on the road for up to four months between the months of April and October and lead/drive a series of consecutive treks. Applicants must be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record; qualified applicants are asked to join a training camp where you will receive hands-on training in all aspects of trek leading and practice all the daily tasks and activities a trek leader performs. The first camp is offered beginning in mid-April, with additional training sessions offered every three weeks through July. For more information, email hiring@suntrek.com or call 707.523.1800.

• Ready to lead the adventure of a lifetime? SUNTREK trek leaders travel along pre-planned scenic routes throughout North America with small international groups of travelers.

With a unique blend of sightseeing and adventure, TrekAmerica offers walking, camping and lodging tours for a younger international crowd on a budget throughout North America. Taking to the road in 15-passenger vans, tour leaders double both as guide and driver for their group. In a day's work, leaders must be prepared to arrange daily logistics, research unfamiliar territories, organize day and evening activities, provide briefings and commentary, and lead a safe and enjoyable holiday for passengers. In addition to a 3-week training period, leaders can normally expect to work from April through mid-September, with tours that last from 1-9 weeks. Base pay starts at $1,200 per month plus tips, $125/month for insurance, $30/month for cell phone, an end of year bonus and accommodation throughout the season. At minimum, applicants must be at least 23 years of age with a clean driving record. If you think you have the skills to accommodate a diverse group of travelers—who have different needs, wants, physical fitness and English fluency levels, musical tastes, diets and expectations—obtain detailed tour leader information online. For more information connect with Vern Nelson through email or by calling 800.345.8777.

• Doubling as travel guide and driver, tour leaders for TrekAmerica take small groups on exciting adventures throughout North America.

With a focus on developing leadership, confidence, self-esteem and teamwork in participants ages 8 to 17, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers 1 to 4 week all-outdoor trips that involve everything from rock climbing and kayaking to culture immersion and environmental education. Although a majority of trips begin and finish at their base camp in New Castle, Virginia; adventures are offered as far away as Alaska, Puerto Rico, Panama and Vietnam. Job opportunities for the spring, summer and/or fall include activity instructors, wilderness trip leaders, outdoor discovery leaders, group leaders and base camp support staff (kitchen help and equipment managers). Year-round and extended seasonal positions as well as internships (room and board provided) are also available. Wages are based on experience, with benefits that include room and board, training and trip experience, use of equipment and discounted wilderness medical courses and gear purchases. If you are comfortable living out of a backpack for two weeks at a time, going without running water/showers and have a strong desire to work with and teach kids, connect with Pete Eshelman through email or by calling 800.782.0779.

Featured Job Opening. . .
• Whitewater Kayak Instructors (seasonal or year-round) must be comfortable paddling Class IV+ and leading on Class II+ rivers.

• Aside from being committed, outdoor industry professionals, the Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing team is a group of hard working, fun loving and outdoor-minded climbers, bikers, kayakers, boulderers, cavers and world travelers.

Whether by canoe, sea kayak, skis, dog sled, horse pack or backpack, Wilderness Inquiry connects people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with the natural world while inspiring personal growth. Trail staff are responsible for organizing and leading rigorous single-day events and extended wilderness adventures primarily in North America. Typically, 2-3 staff conduct each trip for 10-14 participants. Over the course of a single trip, leaders may fill the roles of pack horse, teacher, rehabilitation specialist, folksinger, chef, personal-relationship counselor, storyteller, disciplinarian, dishwasher, and bush doctor. Seasonal positions are offered from June through September and December through April. A 10-day staff training conducted in early June provides skills in canoeing, camp craft, leadership and risk management. Benefits include a per diem stipend from $45 to $110, along with meals while working and staff housing between trips. In addition to having current certification in advanced first aid, water safety and CPR, individuals with previous experience working outdoors and with people with disabilities are desired. Summer coordinator positions and year-round internships are also available—details and application materials are available at www.wildernessinquiry.org/get_involved.

• If you have a passion for discovering some of the most amazing places on earth, Wilderness Inquiry is for you. Our mission is to make adventure travel accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.

UNIQUE RESOURCES

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It's time to power up and push your vocation to its full potential. Explore Outside Magazine's life expanding work-and-play adventure plan.

Each summer, scores of students road trip along America's highways in search of something they can't find at school. Find out how you too can join a team (as a writer, photographer or coordinator) and hit the road with Roadtrip Nation. For a roadtrip pump-up, a must read is Finding The Open Road (written by the founders of Roadtrip Nation)

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