Summer Job FAQ's

What if I don’t have a lot of outdoor experience?

• We only ask that our staff come with a strong desire to empower kids to choose active, outdoor lifestyles. If you are passionate about our mission, we have designed our training to provide you with the technical skills needed to competently and confidently instruct our campers. Of course, if there are areas you know you would like to work on ahead of time we strongly encourage seeking out opportunities for development, whether that’s visiting your local climbing gym or borrowing a friend’s bike for a short trail ride. We do however require a basic understanding of several skills. We would like staff to know how to ride a bike, change a bike tire, and belay safely using the P-BUS method before arriving at training.

What minimum certifications do I need to work for Avid4 Adventure day camps?

• CPR: All staff must have a CPR certification that is valid through the end of our season.
• First Aid: Requirements vary by position.
• Camp Directors are required to have a Wilderness First Responder or higher.
• Camp Assistant Directors are required to have a Wilderness First Aid or higher certification.
• Instructors (most) are required to have a Community/Basic First Aid certification.
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Do Avid4 pay for required certifications?

• Camp Directors: YES! We reimburse 50% of the cost for WFR immediately and then reimburse the other 50% after completion of your second summer as a Director.
• Assistant Directors & Instructors: We do not pay for the certification 
• CPR: No. We do not pay for this certification.
• Community First Aid: No.  We do not pay for this certification.
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Van Training/Paddling Certification: Yes! We provide these valuable certifications FREE to you! Please note that you are not paid during these training days (just like you are not paid when you are attending your first aid or cpr course).

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Does Avid4 pay for transportation to and from camp?

• Yes! To encourage our core value, Live Environmentally Connected,  we reimburse our staff for all public transportation fares to and from work!

Does Avid4 pay for use of personal vehicle to/from camp?

• No, we do not pay for your commute to/from camp via a personal vehicle. If you are asked to use your personal vehicle during work hours after arriving at camp, we will reimburse mileage based on our current policy.

What other paperwork does Avid4 Adventure need from me if I am hired?

• The documentation we need from staff varies based on your position and the state you will be working in. Once you sign a job offer, you will receive a login to our paperwork system, which will clearly outline all of the documentation you need to provide.

What are the dates of the camp season?

• Staff training is mandatory for all staff. Training dates are included on your employment letter.
• Staff training begins in mid- May through early June depending on location and camps run through late July/early August.

I cannot make the mandatory training dates - is that ok?

• While we ask that you do everything in your power to attend the mandatory training week, we do have an alternative late-hire process that will have you train at an operating camp. We have a limited capacity to run these late-hire trainings, so it is important to try to make the first round of training if at all possible.

Am I paid for training?

• Yes! Training days are paid at minimum wage for the location in which the training is held.

How and when do I get paid?

• Staff are paid via direct deposit on a bi-weekly basis. Pay periods are Sunday – Saturday and deposits are available 10 days after the end of the pay period. Once hired, you will be given access to our Staff Help Center which has detailed information around pay dates and policies. If needed between pay periods, you will have access to an automatic advance of up to 50% of your pay for a fee of $3.99.

Do you provide housing?

• We don’t provide housing for our day camp staff. However, we totally understand that this can be a BIG question for some of our staff. So, through various connections, we have ways to make it easier for you to find and get housing! Don’t worry – we will be a resource for you! Check out our housing resources.
• We do provide housing for staff that work with our overnight camps in Colorado.  You may want to consider positions with this program area instead.

How many hours should I expect to work? Do I get time off during the summer?

• SEE OPEN JOBS & APPLY for specifics on hours, as they vary between positions.
  

Does my child get a discount on camp?

• Yes! Seasonal Staff receive the following discounts:
• • 25% off when registering in advance
  • 75% off when registering the week before the camp session begins. 

Do I need a car?

• For some positions, we have 15 passenger vans that are used during the day to transport staff and campers to recreation sites. We do ask that you have reliable transportation to get you to camp on time each morning, which could be a friend, the bus, a bike, or other modes of transportation. One of our core values is Live Environmentally Connected! So, for staff that take public transportation to and from camp, Avid will reimburse the fare.
• For other positions it is very helpful for staff to have reliable transportation. Finding a position that works for you based on your transportation needs is a part of our interview process!

How am I assigned camp programs?

• Your Staffing Specialist will work with your Camp Director to assign you to specific programs based on the position you were hired for, your skill set, camp needs, and when possible, your preference. While we try to have instructors work within their unique skill set and interests, it is important to understand that all instructors should expect to work some programs that they were not specifically hired to work. In order to provide full-time work over the summer we ask that our staff are flexible in the camp programs they work and the camp location they work. We also expect staff to work at least a couple of weeks at a location outside of their primary camp. Having the opportunity to work in different settings and with different age groups can be one of the best parts of camp!

What is the camp alcohol/drug policy? How is it enforced?

• Avid has a zero tolerance policy for being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs while at work. We do not have mandatory drug tests prior to work or during the season. We do, however, reserve the right to request a drug test if there is suspicion of being under the influence while at work or while operating an Avid vehicle. We also often partner with schools and operate on school grounds where even legal substances are not allowed. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing anything questionable to work with you. We expect you to abide by our zero tolerance policy whenever you are traveling to or from a work location, at work, or when using Avid branded gear. As you are an ambassador, we expect you never will be visibly intoxicated, impaired or conduct yourself in a way that is unprofessional while wearing Avid branded clothing outside of work.

How far in advance will I know my schedule?

• Your Manager will send out a first draft of your schedule at least 2 weeks prior to the date you are scheduled to work. This schedule will be updated as you move through your summer with us. Our Managers and hiring team are happy to work with you to find a summer schedule that meets your needs! Weekly schedules will be sent out via email by your Camp Director no later than the Friday before the week of camp. Due to many variables, please know that these schedules are tentative and may be changed at any time. Approved time-off requests will be honored.

Do you hire international staff?

• Yes! We strive for diversity in all ways at Avid. All international staff should SEE OPEN JOBS & APPLY. We hire international staff for our overnight camps in Colorado and housing is provided. If this interests you, please indicate that on your application.If we decide that you are a good fit for a position, then we will get you set up with an agency that can guide you through the visa and travel arrangements. International staff will need to personally cover the additional expenses for visas and travel. Please note for day camp positions, we do not provide room & meals. 

I am only available for part time or part of the summer. Should I still apply?

• Yes! View our jobs page here to learn more and you can discuss your availability during the interview. 

What position or location should I apply for?

• Avid4 Adventure values your unique abilities and skill sets and will work with you to find an optimal role. Just pick the position and location that feel the most right to you. Throughout the interviewing and onboarding process we will work with you to determine which available positions best compliment your abilities and professional goals.

Am I a good fit for Overnight Camps?

• Avid4 Adventure’s Overnight Camps hire staff each summer who we consider are the best at living our camp culture and creating a home-away-from-home for our campers. Working at our overnight camps, you will live on-site and mentor campers 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We look for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the life of a child, who believe strongly in the positive benefits of outdoor experiences, who come to the job with technical skills in outdoor sports, and who find energy and joy in creating an amazing experience for campers. 

What if I don’t have much outdoor experience?

• Our number one goal at Avid4 Adventure is to inspire kids to have a life-long love of outdoor activity and to teach them to be environmental stewards. Overnight Camp staff come with a wide range of experiences and skill sets relating to the outdoors. It is not a requirement that you are expert in all of our sports, but we are looking for candidates who have a solid foundation in some of the sports and experience in the backcountry trips. Individuals that don’t have much outdoor or camp experience but still want to work at camp could be a great fit for some of our camp support positions. 

Do you hire International Staff?

• Yes! We strive for diversity in all ways at Avid. All international staff should fill SEE OPEN JOBS & APPLY. If we decide that you are a good fit for a position, then we will get you set up with an agency that can guide you through the visa and travel arrangements. International staff will need to personally cover the additional expenses for visas and travel.

What are the dates of staff training and the camp season?

• Staff training starts in late May/early June, depending on your position.
• Details will be on your employment letter, once hired. The camp season runs through early August.

What can I expect at staff training?

• All staff will participate in a mandatory pre-season training. Topics will include youth development strategies, risk management, learning age group characteristics, team building, facilitation skills, leadership techniques, adventure sports teaching, backcountry skills and much more! Of course, staff training is also about bonding and having FUN, and becoming oriented to one of our incredible camp locations you’ll call home for the summer. Throughout the summer, team development continues through regular meetings to discuss areas for program improvement and strategies to ensure campers grow and have the most intentional learning experience at camp as possible. Accommodations and food are provided for you during training.

What certifications do I need?

• All staff working directly with campers (i.e. Instructors, Activity Supervisors, Camp Leadership) must have CPR and a basic first aid certification. Some of our instructors are required to have a WFA or WFR depending on the amount of time they spend in the backcountry. 
• Expedition Instructors are required to have a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.
• Nurses are required to have a current Colorado RN license or a compact RN license with privileges to practice in Colorado

Do you pay for the required certifications?

• WFA/WFR: We do not pay for the certification but we do provide you with a lump sum payment to help cover the cost.
• CPR: No. We do not pay for this certification. We do have a list of providers in the area that you can contact.

We understand that sometimes the upfront cost of the basic certifications you need can be costly but Avid4 will work with staff on a case-by-case basis to assist you in obtaining these certifications.

Do I need a car?

• Not at all! Your meals, lodging, health needs, and fun are all provided at camp! At Avid, we want to create as low a carbon footprint as possible, so we HIGHLY encourage staff to carpool when they have time off. You can usually get a ride into town with another staff member when you have scheduled time off. However, Avid4 vans cannot be used for personal use.

How do I communicate with the outside world?

• At our overnight camps, we have a landline that may be used at specific times, for short periods of time. We do have very spotty cell phone reception at camp and encourage you to use your cell phones only on time off. Staff usage of these items is a privilege that is not available to campers, so staff must use discretion with them. We have a handful of laptops available for staff to use, however many staff bring their own laptops to camp. Wireless internet is available in the camp office for access to email and digital calls but not available for personal streaming (i.e. Netflix, Hulu). We ask that you use your computer at specifically designated times only and never in the cabin. Staff members assume all risks associated with bringing expensive items to camp.

How much are staff paid and when?

• Our competitive wages are determined by qualifications, years of service, and your role.In addition to your pay, overnight camp staff are provided with meals, lodging and health services. Staff are paid bi-weekly during the season via direct deposit. Deposits are available 10 days after the end of the pay period.  

Does Avid4 Adventure offer staff any other perks? Do I get any time off during camp?

• We want staff to be at their best all the time, so time is allotted to relax and recharge. Scheduled time off varies from week to week and usually amounts to at least 24 hours off each week.

Where do I sleep? Shower? Do laundry? Are meals provided? What if I have a dietary restriction?

• Yes! Meals, while you are on-site, are a part of your compensation. Our chefs bring versatile skills and menus to camp and are trained to accommodate a majority of dietary restrictions or preferences. Please be sure to let your Camp Director know of any dietary needs prior to staff training to ensure they are prepared.

Can I bring a pet with me to camp?

• Seasonal staff pets are not able to be accommodated at camp.

What is the camp alcohol/drug policy? How is it enforced?

• Avid has a zero tolerance policy for being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs while at work. We do not have mandatory drug tests prior to work or during the season. We do, however, reserve the right to request a drug test if there is suspicion of being under the influence while at work or while operating an Avid vehicle. We also often partner with schools and operate on school grounds where even legal substances are not allowed. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing anything questionable to work with you. We expect you to abide by our zero tolerance policy whenever you are traveling to or from a work location, at work, or when using Avid branded gear. As you are an ambassador, we expect you never will be visibly intoxicated, impaired or conduct yourself in a way that is unprofessional while wearing Avid branded clothing outside of work.

I cannot make the mandatory training dates - is that ok?

• While our goal is for every staff to be able to attend all of the training, we know that life events sometimes can conflict. Some exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis during the interview process.

What if I have a previous engagement during the summer that I would like to attend?

• We will work with staff to be able to participate in family events, previous engagements, etc. 

Can I bring my family/children with me to camp?

• We strive to be a family-friendly workplace for all staff and in all ‘office’ environments.  We know that families have unique needs, and we know that Overnight Camp is a unique ‘office’ and living environment. During the interview, we can discuss your individual needs to determine if any accommodations can be made, however, bringing your family for a full summer is generally not a solution we can support. 

Am I a good fit for your Expedition Programs?

• Do you like taking kids’ depth in technical skills- backpacking, biking, climbing, etc- to the next level?  Are you comfortable living out of a tent all week? Do you prefer to be living in the back country than the front country?  If you can answer each of these with a solid, “YES,” then you are likely a great fit for Expedition Programs.

Do you hire international staff?

• Yes! We strive for diversity in all ways at Avid. All international staff should SEE OPEN JOBS & APPLY. If we decide that you are a good fit for a position, then we will get you set up with an agency that can guide you through the visa and travel arrangements. International staff will need to personally cover the additional expenses for visas and travel.

What can I expect at Staff Training?

• All staff will participate in a mandatory pre-season training. Topics will include youth development strategies, risk management, learning age group characteristics, team building, facilitation skills, leadership techniques, adventure sports teaching, backcountry skills and much more!

• Accommodations and food are provided for you during training.

I cannot make the mandatory training dates - is that ok? What certifications do I need?

• Expedition Program staff are required to have Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications. 

Do you pay for the required certifications?

• WFR for Directors: YES! We reimburse 50% of the cost for WFR immediately and then reimburse the other 50% after completion of your second summer as a Director.
• WFA/WFR: We do not pay for the certification but we do provide you with a lump sum payment to help cover the cost. Please view our compensation page for specific pay increase information.
• CPR: No. We do not pay for this certification. 

We know that sometimes the upfront cost of the basic certifications you need can be a burden. Avid4 will work with staff on a case-by-case basis to assist you in obtaining these certifications.

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Do I need a car?

• No, but having a car for time off might be nice.

How do I communicate with the outside world?

• Well, sporadically.  Service is certainly limited at the various parks that you will visit.  However, you will be off from Friday evening to Sunday morning each week to take care of personal needs.  

How are we paid and when?

• Our competitive wages are determined by qualifications, years of service, and your role. In addition to your pay , overnight camp staff are provided with meals, lodging and health services. Staff are paid bi-weekly during the season via direct deposit. Deposits are available 10 days after the end of the pay period.  

Does Avid4 Adventure offer staff any other perks?

• YES! Our staff are the core of who we are and we want to make sure that we take care of them. Check out staff perks on the compensation page.

What is my scheduled time off during the season?

• You will work with your expedition team to build a schedule for your summer. We require that all staff take at least one week off to recharge. The minimum amount of weeks you need to commit to as a new staff is 3! 

Where do I sleep? Shower? Do laundry?

• Sleep… under the stars.  Shower… in lakes, rivers, and streams.  Laundry… at the laundromat between trips. 

• During your time off, you are responsible for your own lodging and meals.

Are meals provided? What if I have a dietary restriction?

• Yes! Meals are a part of your compensation for program days. You will cook with the kids during trips.

Can I bring a pet with me?

• No, we are unable to accommodate pets.

What is your alcohol/drug policy? How is it enforced? What if I have a previous engagement during the summer that I would like to attend?

• We will work with staff to be able to participate in family events, previous engagements, etc.