Trip Leader

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 ’ll be a mentor, educator, risk manager, and cheerleader—modeling kindness, empathy, and enthusiasm while creating safe, challenging, and deeply impactful experiences.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.