Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor

For over 20 years, Avid4 Adventure has empowered kids to live active outdoor lifestyles through our unique outdoor programming. We have camps based throughout Colorado, Bay Area, California; Portland, Oregon; and Bellevue, Washington. Our Candidate Help Center is here to help you find the best program, location, and position for you!

Relocation Bonuses Available!: Staff relocating from out-of-state for the summer may be eligible for an end-of-season relocation bonus. Out-of-state staff who are DRIVERS may also be eligible for an additional weekly driver bonus to cover a portion of their housing costs. Talk to your TA Specialist about local housing options.

Important Details

• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, typically 30-36 hours/week (position depending)

• Position Duration: Training begins Saturday May 30. Programs run from June 6 August 7

• Compensation: Pay is determined based on position, additional responsibilities, relevant certifications, and staff tenure. Starting rate: $23.55/hour

  • Relevant Certification Bonuses:

    • Wilderness First Aid: $100

    • Teacher's License: $200

  • Plus additional certification bonuses available! ($100-$400 per certification paid end-of-season)

Job Duties

• Survival Skills Instructors co-lead groups of up to 13 campers teaching outdoor skills including shelter building, fire making, navigation, plant and animal identification, Leave No Trace principles, teambuilding, and more!

• Survival Skills Instructors may be asked to also instruct our other core sports - paddling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. We will provide you with all of the hard and soft skills you need to succeed in this position!

• Safety is key!! You will be responsible for risk management and teaching our campers how to recreate safely

• You are a role model for our campers; you will demonstrate and guide campers in appropriate behavior, attitudes, and activities

• Provide exceptional customer service to our campers, parents, and Avid families

• Most positions require you to be eligible to drive - our Drivers transport campers to and from program areas using company passenger vans with gear and flatbed trailers in tow. You will be required to attend a driver training and pass an assessment during staff orientation (see background below for specific CA regulations!)

Your Background

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of camp for all positions

• Drivers: Must be at least 20 years of age, 3-year valid driver’s license, and have a clean driving record. Due to California regulations, in order to drive our 15-passenger vans, staff must either possess a CDL or non-CA based drivers license. Candidates who do not meet our age criteria or possess a CA driver's license will be considered for our Logistics Support roles oe nearby Day Camp programs.

• +1 years of experience working with kids in a professional or volunteer setting preferred

• Personal and/or professional experience in wilderness skills. Relevant experience includes Scouts, camping, backpacking, plant/animal identification, or just a strong passion to learn and teach others in these skills!

• Minimum of Basic First Aid, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter certification by the start of camp (and we can point you in the right direction to get this done!!)

• Specialized certifications eligible for end-of-season bonuses! $100 - $400 per certification

Our Interview Process

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

• Step 1: We review your application for qualifications

• Step 2: Invitation to complete a one-way video interview

• Step 3: 40-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.