Calleva is located 20 minutes outside of DC and a perfect launching point for wild and wonderful West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The three main campuses include Riley’s Lock (C&O Canal National Park—great for water-based programs like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing); the Calleva Farm (located in Dickerson, Maryland—the hub for agricultural education and horseback riding programs), and the new 250+ acre Madeira site in Virginia (the riverfront property has rock climbing on site, a full ropes course, and access to some of the best whitewater on the Potomac River). Calleva staff will get the best of both worlds—city life and working in the country.
Ready for an adventure? 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. 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. Calleva values people with diverse life experiences who seek adventure in their personal lives. Positions are available from April to November with varied start/end dates. Learn more at Calleva.org.
2025 Seasonal + Year-Round Job Openings!
Calleva is actively recruiting seasonal Instructor/Facilitators to begin work this April (with the option of working continuously through mid-November) AND summer camp staff. Learn more and apply here.
Also seeking a year-round, full-time Business Manager AND Gear Manager. Learn more about these hot jobs here.
The school is located in a scenic but relatively isolated environment with a mile long private beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Off-campus entertainment opportunities exist just twenty minutes away in Chestertown, home to Washington College. Chestertown is a majestic colonial town with over 300 years of history.
Become a Residential Teacher/Naturalist or Intern for Echo Hill Outdoor School and enjoy being an integral part of a community which stresses genuine concern for others, cooperation, integrity and enthusiasm for life. The training you will receive at Echo Hill is truly a reward. Throughout the program year, five weeks of comprehensive training and professional development in all curriculum areas is provided. You will gain insight into diverse educational philosophies, participate in program development and teach classes from all curriculum areas. The seasonal staff will also be engaged in natural sciences and local history, adventure course facilitation and training, residential life, and individual and group guidance. Benefits include a $340-$400/week starting salary (depending on experience and certifications), full room and board, a staff medical plan, comprehensive training and professional development. Starting contracts range from three to four months, with opportunities for longer-term employment possible (positions generally begin in mid-March or late August). Motivated, energetic and creative individuals who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience will thrive in this environment. Applications are welcome year-round.
Spring 2025 Naturalist Job Openings • Accepting applications for Residential Teacher/Naturalists to begin work this spring (mid-March to June). Also seeking year-round Captains and a Historic Fleet Director.
With ten DC metro program locations currently spanning from Gaithersburg and Crownsville, Maryland to Centreville and Fredericksburg, Virginia (and points in between), Natural Leaders is a small, but ambitious and fast-growing organization with a vision to continuously grow and expand their small-group outdoor adventures model, team and impact! Focusing on nature discovery, wilderness survival and primitive skills, storytelling, water play, games and more, programs are offered during the summer months as well as the academic year.
Do you enjoy working with kids, spending time in nature, and a passion for to learning? Come provide adventures and personal growth for the next generation in the DC Metro region!Natural Leaders is seeking Guides to lead youth in outdoor adventures, develop character and wilderness survival skills, and grow into leaders. Responsibilities include facilitation of dynamic nature-based outdoor-leadership programs with a mixed-age group of 6-10 students (mostly ages 7-14). Hiring staff on an ongoing basis; academic year programs (September 4th–June 9th, 2025) meet weekdays from 10am-3pm, while the summer format (June 16th–August 22nd, 2025) has longer days (9am-4pm). Compensation starts at $175/day and goes up from there, with highly qualified staff potentially earning considerably more within a few years. Individual rooms are available for staff to rent at a convenient location. Desirable qualifications include experience with primitive skills, tracking, wilderness awareness and survival programs, CPR/first aid certified (WFA better, WFR+ ideal), studied at the Tracker School, BOSS, Outward Bound, NOLS, Kamana Naturalist, or similar program, a background with Waldorf education, Montessori, Acton, experiential outdoor education or other teaching experiences, and an appreciation of character development and personal growth for yourself and students. If you have a passion for sharing nature with children, send a brief cover letter (noting your work term availability, where you are located, and how this position fits in with your aspirations over the coming year) and resume to Nick Grenier.
The Natural Leaders program has become the cornerstone of the kids' homeschool experience — view one family's experience.