What Are Outdoor Jobs at Summer Camp?

Outdoor Jobs at Overnight Camps

Outdoor jobs at summer camps cover a wide range of roles for naturalists, outdoor educators, and adventure pros who love spending the season under the sky. From hiking, paddling, and climbing at traditional sleepaway camps to multi-day expeditions at specialty wilderness residential camps, outdoor staff create some of the most formative experiences of any camper’s summer. If you live for time outside and want to share that love with kids, outdoor camp work is uniquely rewarding.

As an outdoor staffer at an overnight camp, you’ll lead activities like hikes, canoe trips, climbing, fishing, and outdoor cooking while teaching skills in navigation, Leave No Trace, and group safety. You’ll often partner with adventure, nature, and farming staff on integrated outdoor programming. Many co-ed residential camps build entire departments around outdoor work, giving multi-discipline staff a varied and meaningful summer.

What does an outdoor staffer do at a summer camp?

You’ll lead hikes, paddles, climbs, fishing, and outdoor cooking while teaching navigation, Leave No Trace, and safety. Most sleepaway camps with outdoor programs run daily activities throughout the summer camp season.

What certifications help when applying for outdoor jobs at sleepaway camps?

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the typical baseline; WFR is preferred for trip-leading. Activity-specific certs (ACA, AMGA SPI, USAC) and Leave No Trace credentials are highly valued at residential camps.

Do outdoor staff lead overnight trips?

Often yes. Many co-ed residential camps run regular overnight trips as part of their outdoor program, while specialty wilderness camps may run multi-day expeditions throughout the summer at their sleepaway camp.

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

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, and many provide gear stipends — which adds real value beyond the base summer camp pay.

Do I need my own outdoor gear for the job?

Camps typically provide group gear like tents, stoves, ropes, and boats. You’re usually expected to bring personal items — boots, sleeping bag, daypack. Many residential camps offer pro deals to help support staff.