Wilderness Trip Leader (PAID Internship Available)

Lead Real Adventure. Climb Mountains. Paddle Wild Rivers. Change Lives.

Camp Winnebago is seeking 6 Wilderness Trip Leaders to guide unforgettable backcountry expeditions across Maine this summer.

This is not a “camp counselor” hiking around the woods.

• This is summiting Mt. Katahdin.
  This is backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail.
  This is paddling the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the Penobscot River, and the St. Croix River.
  This is leading boys to the tops of Maine’s most beautiful mountains.

If you’re looking for a summer that pushes you, builds your leadership résumé, and surrounds you with real wilderness — this is it.

What You’ll Do

As a Wilderness Trip Leader, you will:

Lead multi-day backpacking and canoe expeditions

Teach backcountry skills, navigation, campsite setup, and outdoor safety

Help campers (ages 11–15) build confidence, resilience, and teamwork

Manage group dynamics in challenging outdoor environments

Create meaningful, transformative wilderness experiences

You will be entrusted with real responsibility — planning, guiding, and mentoring in some of the most iconic landscapes in the Northeast.

Who We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who:

Has strong backpacking and/or canoe tripping experience

Feels confident in backcountry leadership

Loves working with middle school–aged boys

Stays calm, capable, and positive in challenging environments

Wants hands-on leadership experience

Outdoor leadership certifications (WFA/WFR, lifeguarding, etc.) are a plus, but mindset, maturity, and wilderness competence matter most.

What We Provide

✔ Competitive summer salary
✔ Travel to and from camp covered
✔ Room & board for the entire summer
✔ Days off between trips
✔ Gear support and logistical backing
✔ A tight-knit, mission-driven outdoor team

Why Camp Winnebago Trips Are Special

Our trips are a cornerstone of camp culture. For many campers, summiting Katahdin or paddling the Allagash becomes the defining experience of their childhood.

As a leader, you’re not just guiding a route — you’re guiding growth.

You’ll leave the summer with:

Real expedition leadership experience

Strong professional references

Deeper outdoor skills

Stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life