Summer Trip Leader

Wilderness Kids Alexandria (WKA) seeks experienced and thoughtful educators to co-lead multiple programs in Summer 2026. Programs may include single-day outings and/or multi-day camping trips, up to 7 days long. Programs will all be based out of WKA offices in Alexandria, and will take place in natural areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachia. Students on these trips are from grades 7 to 12.

​ The Basics:

Our Summer Trip Leaders will:

• work with a co-leader to provide an enriching student experience involving activities such as backpacking, paddling, rock-climbing, day-hiking, camping, and more;

• Support WKA's Curriculum goals by crafting and leading meaningful group activities alongside fellow WKA staff, as well as through more spontaneous teachable moments;

• assure the physical and emotional well-being and safety of all students;

• report to WKA Leadership Staff on a regular basis.

Dates:

• Mandatory Staff Training: June 6-7, 2026.

• Trip dates: TBD, but all Programs will occur between June 13th- August 16th.

Compensation :

$185-$235/day for student contact days, $20-24/hour on non-student contact days (usually shorter, 3-6 hour prep days in Alexandria). Both ranges based on experience. Full-time staff can expect to work at least 22 student contact days and at least 6 non-student contact days.

Additional Detail:

Trip Leaders are dynamic and creative, empathetic and sensitive, adventurous and courageous. At any given moment, they may be a lesson leader, a bedtime storyteller, a shoulder to cry on, a conflict mediator, or a raucous game player.

Trip Leaders live and sleep in front-country and backcountry campsites, alongside students and fellow staff. They positively role model how to accept challenges, help students confront their own challenges, and guide the community through new experiences and activities.

Staff are expected to meet the needs of a vibrant and diverse community, and to cultivate inclusion as they foster the growth and development of their students, other staff, and even themselves.

We actively seek and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities in areas including, but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome questions and open discussion about this commitment throughout the application process.

Job Responsibilities

Leading Others

Educating, Facilitating, & Guiding:

• Work collaboratively to organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities, including hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, art, singing, games, etc;

• Plan and carry out safe, challenging and fun wilderness excursions;

• Lead group chores with enthusiasm and detail;

• Coordinate with Program Partners (e.g. Climbing or Paddling Guides) to assure a safe and fun experience for WKA students;

• Supervise students in the preparation of three meals per day.

​​Modeling Behavior & Communicating Well: ​

• Model positive behavior as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct;

• Model flexibility and resilience when plans shift due to unforeseen circumstances.;

• Communicate regularly and clearly with students, co-leaders, and other WKA staff;

• Solve problems proactively and collaboratively;

• Ensure the sites that we visit are kept clean and organized, and left better than they were found.

Safety and Wellness

• Know, understand, and implement as needed all safety, risk management, and emergency procedures associated with the Program;

• Be responsible for students’ safety and their whereabouts at all times, and provide a safe place and source of protection for our young people;

• Identify and respond to students' emotional and behavioral issues, recognizing that for many of our students this will be their first experience camping or going away from home;

• Be aware of and take care of your own needs;

• Be attentive to the health and hygiene of the students.​

Foster Community

• Demonstrate inclusiveness and respect for all people;

• Empower students and staff to express their individuality within the structure of the community;

• Be flexible in leadership style, tailoring to fit individual student and co-leader needs;

• Assume responsibility for the community by actively engaging in solving problems;

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for outdoor activities and encourage students to join activities;

• Demonstrate and encourage interest in nature, sustainability, and care for the environment;

• Set and maintain clear, appropriate boundaries with students.

Required Qualifications

• Up to date First Aid and CPR/AED certification;

• Experience working with young people, ideally in an outdoor setting, ideally with students of middle-school or high-school age;

• Enthusiasm to lead, plan, organize, and implement engaging program activities;

• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision;

• Respect for and appreciation of young people;

• Commitment to abide by and enforce WKA policies on youth safety, drug, alcohol and tobacco use;

• Good judgment;

• Willingness to take direction from WKA Leadership Staff as necessary in fulfillment of job duties;

• Sense of adventure and ability to live rustically.

Strongly preferred Skills and Experiences

• Wilderness First Aid, or the willingness to get certified. Wilderness First Responder Certification strongly preferred;

• Experience, lived or worked, among communities that have historically faced discrimination in the United States, including but not limited to BIPOC and immigrant communities;

• B.A./B.S. degree, current enrollment in a 4-year degree program, or commensurate experience preferred, for Trip Leaders; High School diploma or G.E.D for Assistant Trip Leader or intern. Education, Environmental Science, Outdoor Ed and similar majors encouraged to apply;

• Strong organizational and communication skills;

• Interest in learning and/or experience with outdoor activities (kayaking, climbing, camping, etc), games, music, and arts activities (visual, theater, etc.).

Physical Demands

• WKA staff lead and participate in activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, backpacking, camping, kayaking, rock-climbing, team building initiatives, physical games, and activities.

To Apply

Please complete this form , which takes the place of a cover letter and which will also request you to upload your resume.

Note: Background checks will be required for all staff, to ensure the safety of our young people.

Thank you for applying.