What Are Orienteering Jobs at Summer Camp?

Orienteering Jobs at Summer Camps

Orienteering jobs at summer camps are a fantastic fit for outdoor educators, map enthusiasts, and competitive orienteers who want to share the thrill of navigating off-trail with eager young adventurers. From traditional sleepaway camps offering weekly orienteering electives to specialty adventure residential camps running serious courses across hundreds of acres, orienteering instructors lead one of the most analytical and rewarding outdoor programs of the summer.

As an orienteering instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach map reading, compass use, pace counting, route planning, and terrain analysis while running courses, time trials, and team challenges. You’ll design and maintain on-property courses, manage controls and equipment, and partner with adventure and nature staff on integrated outdoor programming. Many co-ed residential camps blend orienteering into broader adventure programs, giving multi-discipline instructors a varied and rewarding summer.

What does an orienteering instructor at summer camp do?

You’ll teach map reading, compass use, and route planning while designing and running courses. Most sleepaway camps with orienteering programs include daily activities throughout the summer camp season.

What background works best for orienteering jobs at sleepaway camps?

Competitive orienteering experience, outdoor education credentials, scouting backgrounds, or strong navigation skills are ideal. Comfort working with kids and basic course design experience matter most at residential camps.

Do summer camps have permanent orienteering courses?

Many do. Larger residential camps maintain mapped courses with permanent control markers, while smaller sleepaway camps may set temporary courses each session. Course scope varies widely by camp.

What does the pay look like for orienteering jobs at summer camps?

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and credentials. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.

Is orienteering usually combined with other outdoor roles?

Often yes. Many co-ed residential camps blend orienteering with adventure, hiking, and nature programs. Multi-discipline outdoor instructors are especially valued at sleepaway camps with deep outdoor education offerings.