Meet the Gaia Guides Team: Experts in Kids Outdoor Education

We Are Hiring 2025 Summer Camp Instructors

Gaia Guides Kids Camp is hiring instructors for our 2025 season! We are looking for teachers, youth coaches, environmental educators, and outdoor adventure leaders who love working with kids and spending time in nature. If you enjoy paddling, leading group activities, and fostering a love for the outdoors, we’d love to have you on our team! Positions are available full-time and part-time from June to August.

- Assist the lead instructor in creating a fun, educational, and safe camp experience.
- Teach stand-up paddling and kayaking to kids of varying skill levels.
- Lead longer adventure paddles in the Bay while ensuring camper safety.
- Develop and lead engaging activities, science projects, and games both on and off the water.
- Ensure that campers, interns, and junior staff follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Monitor weather and water conditions to plan safe and exciting daily activities.
- Maintain and care for camp equipment and the site.
- Be flexible to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
- Experience working with kids or a strong background in outdoor adventure programs.
- Ability to work positively with campers, staff, parents, and the community.
- A strong understanding of risk management, group management, and safety in outdoor settings.
- A passion for teaching and inspiring kids to enjoy nature and adventure.
- A self-motivated, team-oriented attitude with leadership potential.
- Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal
- Pay: $16.50 - $20.00 per hour
- Work outdoors in a fun and supportive environment.
- Gain experience in youth programming, outdoor education, and leadership.
- Flexible schedule with professional development opportunities.
- Be part of a team that inspires kids to connect with nature and adventure.
- Comfortable in open water and a strong swimmer (San Francisco Bay experience is a plus!)
- Physically fit and able to lift/carry equipment (up to 45 lbs).
- Ability to stand, walk, paddle, and be active for extended periods.
- CPR & First Aid (Required)
- Open Water Lifeguarding (Preferred)
- ACA Level 1 SUP Certification (Preferred)

How to Apply: Email us with a copy of your resume at info@gaia-guides.com or call us with any questions about the positions available at (415) 448-6640

Gaia Guides Kids Camp is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share our love for outdoor education and adventure.

Apply Today

Our Story

At Gaia Guides, formerly known as Adventures 4 Kidz, we honor the spirit of Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of Earth, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love and appreciation for the environment through immersive, eco-friendly outdoor adventures. From our enriching kids’ summer camps in Alameda to future global nature-focused travel experiences, we guide participants of all ages through breathtaking landscapes while fostering a deep connection to the natural world.

As a small, women-owned business with strong roots in Alameda’s South Shore community, Gaia Guides offers over 20 years of expertise in outdoor education. Our team has extensive experience in paddling, sailing, and kiteboarding along the San Francisco Bay, giving us unmatched local knowledge of Alameda’s unique marine ecosystem. Our owner and program director have dedicated their careers to working with kids, leading outdoor adventure programs, and creating safe, engaging spaces where children can learn, grow, and build confidence.

Our kids’ summer camps are designed to blend hands-on learning with exciting outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and marine biology exploration. Campers also enjoy art projects, mindfulness exercises, and water safety training, ensuring a well-rounded experience that balances fun, education, and environmental stewardship. With small camper-to-instructor ratios and a commitment to safety, parents in Alameda and the surrounding Bay Area can trust us to deliver an unforgettable adventure for their children.

Whether you're searching for the best kids' summer camps in Alameda, kayaking and paddleboarding lessons near Oakland, or eco-friendly outdoor programs in the Bay Area, Gaia Guides is your top choice. Join us this summer to help your kids connect with nature, build lasting memories, and explore the magic of Alameda’s beautiful waters with a team that knows and loves this community.