Outdoor Trip Leader

Apogee offers summer outdoor adventure camps for middle and high school-aged students. We provide students with well-designed hiking, biking, community service, and writing programs varying in length from one to four weeks in spectacular locations throughout the North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

We travel in small, supportive, mixed-gender groups led by dynamic, responsible, and well-trained leaders. In this environment, Apogee’s primary goals are for students to experience a strong sense of community, build their confidence, and to gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors, all while having lots of fun. We want our students to return home with a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that carries over into all aspects of life - and we strive for our staff to gain as much from these experiences as our students.

Positions are available to lead hiking, backpacking, bike touring, community service, and writing programs, which include a variety of work environments ranging from camping in remote wilderness settings to indoor front country accommodations. In any setting, trip leaders must serve as excellent role models while fostering an atmosphere that is safe and welcoming to bring out the best in each student.

Excellent decision-making, adaptability, risk management skills, and the ability to work effectively in a shared leadership position are important prerequisites. Previous experience working with youth and in leadership positions is also required. Trip-specific technical skills and experience (e.g. backpacking, bike touring, etc.) are encouraged but not required. Limited positions as Support Leaders are also available. Support Leaders shadow our long distance bike trips to provide support with mechanical, logistical, and medical issues.

Support Leaders carry the same prerequisites listed above.

Please visit the Work with Apogee page on our website to learn more.

• Age 20 or older by mid-June, 2026
• Responsible, motivated, adaptable, and hard-working
• Excellent decision-making and risk management skills
• Prior positive leadership experience
• Prior positive experience working with young people
• Eager to work and live in the outdoors
• Dynamic, adventurous, and an outstanding role model
• Meets Apogee’s essential eligibility criteria
• Current, valid driver’s license is required for most Outdoor Trip Leader positions
• Prior to arrival at Leader Training, Apogee requires all staff members to be certified in CPR and either Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, depending on the position. Certain positions will also require a Lifeguarding or Wilderness Lifeguarding certification, as well. Please note that you are not required to hold these certifications to apply. Apogee will provide certification opportunities during Leader Training or will provide reimbursement for required certifications prior to the summer.
• Working with Apogee is a full summer commitment, beginning in mid-June and concluding in early- to mid-August.