Who We Hire
Our Trip Guides hail from all over the world and represent a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and skills, but they share a few key qualities in common:
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21+ years old
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Passion for the outdoors and youth development​
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Previous experience working with youth in an education or recreation setting
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Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate proactively
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Open-minded and respectful of others' viewpoints, opinions, and ideas
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Creative, flexible problem-solvers
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Strong group management skills
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Committed to creating safe, inclusive, and playful learning environments
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Previous experience as an outdoor guide or educator is preferred but not required.
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Current WFR/WFA Certification & Lifeguard Certification (or willingness to be certified prior to staff training)
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Physically able to work long hours in the field and lift/carry heavy objects over difficult terrain
The Role
Trip Guide
Trip Guides serve a special role within the Project Foxwood community, blending our unique camper-led programming model with outdoor adventure to provide trip participants with an unforgettable camp expereince.
Trip Guides lead our multi-day wilderness adventures for campers ages 7-17, including backpacking and canoeing expeditions on South Manitou Island, North Manitou Island, and along the Manistee River.
Trip Guides are responsible for the following duties:
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Uphold and model Project Foxwood's core values, including collaboration, playfulness, and non-competition
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Facilitate "voice and choice" for trip participants; support campers in planning their trip itinerary, including meals and activities, utilizing our “camper-led” programming model
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Support trip participants in co-creating group culture norms, expectations, and boundaries to ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all
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Ensure the safety, development, growth, and general well-being of all trip participants throughout their session
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Mediate camper disputes and behavioral interruptions as they arise
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Know, enforce, and follow all camp safety guidelines
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Know and understand all emergency camp procedures
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Assist in maintaining accurate program records, including trip reports and incident reports
All Trip Guides receive extensive safety training with existing Project Foxwood staff prior to leading any of our trips. If hired, you'll be notified of your required training dates.
Benefits
Trip Guides will receive the following benefits:
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Base salary of $4,500
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Regular time-off; staff receive approximately 1 day off during each camp session
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Work alongside kind, inclusive, and adventure-loving peers
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Provided housing; when not in the backcountry, guides stay at one of our residential camp locations
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Provided meals; camp staff eat alongside campers on the trail or in our residential camp dining hall; we can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences
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Opportunity to gain experience working with children of varying ages, needs, backgrounds, and interests
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Develop transferrable skills for a wide variety of career fields
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Opportunity to secure high-quality references and recommendations for future employment opportunities
Where You'll Work
Our Trip Guides lead expeditions on North Manitou Island, South Manitou Island, and along the Manistee River. When not in the backcountry, Trip Guides live and work from one of our two residential camp locations:
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55 Bass Lake Road
Traverse City, MI
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1310 Buena Road
Frankfort, MI
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Explore Other Roles
We hire adventure trips staff and paid interns, too! Check out our other roles below to find the fit that's right for you.
