Summer Adventure Trip Leaders

Since 1976, 10,000+ students from over 48 US states and 40 countries have enjoyed AAVE. Summertime is for you; time to be bold, laugh out loud, set out into the wild inspired by self-discovery with a like-minded group to share the journey. Our "All About Visiting Earth" community consists of teenagers who choose active participation, individual responsibility and who respect and care about one another.

Each teen and each parent has unique goals. For teens we deliver a fun and worthwhile summer. For parents we deliver a challenging ACA Accredited learning experience that is safe and successful. The core is simple, we teach skills which will lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship, enjoyment and personal growth.

Position Overview:

AAVE Trip Leaders

... are highly motivated role models with extensive experience working with teenagers in adventure environments and are certified in the highest levels of first aid, CPR and lifeguard training. Many Trip Leaders continue to work with AAVE for six or more years. AAVE is an equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion or age.

Each of our adventure groups is an autonomous group of 12-16 teenagers and 2-3 adult leaders. Trip Leader trainees are paired in a co-leadership position with an experienced Senior Leader. Your responsibilities include successfully teaching teenagers to take initiative in learning camp skills, facilitating positive group dynamics, as well as teaching minimum impact camping techniques and map and compass skills. AAVE contracts professional outfitters to join your group for most skill activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, horseback riding, white water rafting and kayaking. You do not need to have expert knowledge in all activities, however, you will oversee and be responsible for campers at all times.

Staff training orientation begins on June 22 at 8:00 am in Golden, Colorado. and is the time to assess skills and pull together to get this complex, demanding job done. Employment is anywhere from four to nine weeks, ending around August 22. Eighty percent of all AAVE first year jobs are in the United States.

Qualifications:

• 21 years old by June 22, 2010.
• College graduate, or in the process of completing a degree.
• A maximum of 1 moving violation on your driving record in the past 3 years.
• A minimum certification by June 1 of Wilderness First Responder or Advanced Wilderness First Aid is required. Lifeguard training is highly recommended.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working hard to provide a positive experience for teenagers.
• Previous work experience and responsibility with teenagers.
• Ability to work effectively and responsibly in a team situation.
• Patience, enthusiasm, safety consciousness, organizational skills and flexibility.
• Possess proven decision making skills.

All trips include one male and one female trip leader who are at least 21 years old. Our average age is 26 years old with a return rate of more than 50 percent each summer. Our hiring process is competitive, resulting in what we believe to be the most professional, safe and experienced leaders in the industry.

We conduct an in-depth interview, check references and do a background check of all potential trip leaders. Organizational skills, sense of humor, and an ability to teach teenagers about leadership and adventure travel, are the qualities we value most. On most international trips, we employ a local guide fluent in the local culture and language.

To Apply: 

Please apply on our website.