Trip Leaders

Work at Bold Earth

Summer trip leader positions

Bold Earth trip leaders facilitate safe, fun, and meaningful summer experiences for teenagers from all over the globe! In the process, we get to explore the outdoors and new cultures, surf, contribute to local communities, learn new languages, and sail and snorkel in some of the world’s most beautiful places. This position involves a unique combination of role modeling, leadership, laughter, games, and hard work. We hear over and over again that a summer with Bold Earth is the most fun and rewarding outdoor job in the world.

Bold Earth seeks to partner with trip leaders who will carry on our solid, hard-won reputation for excellence; we hire leaders who are highly motivated role models with previous experience working with teenagers. Organizational skills, a sense of humor, and an ability to teach teenagers about leadership and adventure travel are the qualities we value most. We conduct multiple in-depth interviews, check references, and do background checks on all leaders.

Bold Earth trips have approximately 13 teenagers with two to three trip leaders. New trip leaders are always paired with a returning trip leader. Employment ranges from three to nine weeks and ends no later than August 16. Language skills and travel experience are considered during trip placement.

Bold Earth is now accepting applications for the 2024 summer season! If you meet the qualifications below, please email a copy of your resume to staffing@boldearth.com.

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Minimum requirements
  • 21 years old by June 15, 2024
  • Must be legally allowed to work in the U.S.
  • College graduate, or in the process of completing a degree
  • Proven successful leadership experience with youth
  • Wilderness First Responder and adult CPR training
  • High energy, and good judgment and decision-making skills
  • No more than four points on your driving record in the past three years
  • Clean background check
  • Ability to work with little to no time off and limited personal time
Application Deadline

Bold Earth hires trip leaders for our teen summer camps on a rolling basis. We do not have an application deadline. However, the sooner we receive your application, the better!

Trip Leader Responsibilities and Expectations:
  • Co-leading an adventure that exceeds the expectations of participants and families
  • Maintaining high energy to provide the most fun and exciting experience of a teenager’s life
  • Overseeing safety at all times and in diverse environments
  • Having the foresight and focus to avoid unsafe situations before they occur
  • Ensuring that safety is understood by all involved in every activity
  • Successfully teaching teenagers to take initiative in learning skills
  • Facilitating positive group dynamics
  • Connecting with every participant in your group
  • Cultivating cultural and environmental respect and awareness
  • Fostering leadership, self-reliance, and self-confidence

Bold Earth contracts professional outfitters to join each group for skilled activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, whitewater rafting, or kayaking. Trip leaders do not need to have expert knowledge in all activities; however, leaders oversee and are responsible for participants at all times.

Apply Now

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Staff Training

Bold Earth staff training takes place from June 17 to June 25 in Denver, CO; this paid orientation is mandatory for every trip leader. All accommodation, meals, and transportation are included once you have arrived in Denver. Bold Earth has an airport shuttle for those arriving by plane.

Although all Bold Earth leaders are mature adults with rich skills built over a lifetime, Bold Earth staff training offers a new and challenging course in youth leadership. The Bold Earth team uses training to teach and assess skills so our leaders are fully ready for the complex and demanding task of youth leadership.

In accordance with Federal law, Bold Earth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Trip Leaders