California Expedition Camp Instructor

For almost 20  years, Avid4 Adventure has empowered kids to live active outdoor lifestyles through our unique outdoor programming.  From teaching youth to ride a bike for the very first time to guiding experienced campers through multi-day backpacking expeditions, our Summer Instructors lay the foundation for a lifelong love of adventure. In turn, our team members gain invaluable mentorship and training in outdoor sports, youth development, leadership, and Leave No Trace principles. If you are seeking meaningful work as part of an inclusive community of outdoor enthusiasts, we invite you to join us this upcoming summer!

We are hiring Expedition Camp Instructors for our Orinda, California location.

Our visa window is closed and we are no longer able to accept candidates that require sponsorship. Candidates that require a visa sponsorship may be put on a waitlist in the event opportunities do become available.

In this role you will

• Guide a 5-night overnight experience, from Sunday to Friday weekly.

• Provide 24-hour support with guidance, supervision, safety and comfort for participants during all activities.

• Co-lead daily outdoor programming including mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, SUPing and Leave No Trace principles. 

• Follow and educate campers on safety protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants

• Serve as a role model and guide campers by exhibiting appropriate behavior, attitudes, and activities

• Provide exceptional customer service to parents and all participants in our programs.

• If you are a trained Driver, transport up to 13 campers to and from program areas with company passenger vans.

• Candidates with increased experience in one or more of our core sports may serve as a program area expert (i.e., as a Specialist) either supporting multi sport camps or instructing single sport camps in: climbing, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, or survival skills.  

Your Background 

• Must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible for a Driver position. Driver eligibility required for most positions. 

• 1+ years of experience leading kids on multi-day camping or backpacking trips.

• Passion for outdoor expeditions! Must be comfortable with multi-day camping excursions and the 24-hour supervision expectations of this position. 

• Demonstrated personal and/or professional experience in one of our core sports is required for Specialists.

• By start of training, must have an active CPR certification + either a Wilderness First Responder (WFR, EMT, or W-EMT) or Wilderness First Aid certification depending upon position.

Important Details

• Work Schedule: Sunday morning - Friday afternoon.  Scheduled time off is Friday evening and all day Saturday.

• Position Duration: Training begins May 18 with Backpacking Specialists beginning May 14; Colorado programs run June 2 through August 9. California programs run June 16 through August 9.

• Compensation: Pay is determined based on position, additional responsibilities, relevant certifications, and staff tenure. Starting hourly are below: 

  • Instructors: $796.20 - $915.60/week

  • Specialists: $955.50/week

  • Camp Drivers: additional 3% pay increase conditional on completion of training. 

  • Relevant Certification Bonuses: $125 - $400 per certification (up to $1,000) 

Our Interview Process

After you submit an application, here is what you can expect next: 

• Step 1: Complete a one-way video interview

• Step 2: 20-minute live virtual interview and submit three references (personal and/or professional)

• Final decision!!

This process moves quickly so be ready to hear from us shortly after you submit your application.

Why Avid4 Adventure?

• We were again voted by Outside Magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work.

• We are the only summer camp in the world that is a Certifi