Learn About Our Teen Leadership Training
Empowering Teens to build confidence as Leaders
Gaia Guides’ Teen Leadership Training in Alameda is designed for motivated teens ages 13–16 who are ready to step up, take initiative, and build real-world leadership skills. Over three inspiring days, participants learn teamwork, communication, risk management, and problem-solving through hands-on adventure activities both on and off the water. The program also includes CPR and First Aid certification
Dates coming soon for 2026. The program takes place over one weekend in April, giving teens a hands-on learning experience.
Days: Friday - Sunday
The program is on Friday 4:00pm - 7:30pm and Saturday–Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm, combining skills building and CPR/First Aid Certification
Time: 9am - 4pm
Designed for teens ready to step up as leaders. Once they complete the program, they can apply for our internship.
Ages: Teens Age 13 - 16
Held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, CA, perfect for paddling, learning, and leadership adventures on the San Francisco Bay.
Location: Alameda, CA
Includes all paddling equipment, professional instruction, and CPR & First Aid certification. Provides teens with valuable real-world skills.
Price: $499 w/ Certification
Teens earn CPR and First Aid certification as part of the program, learning emergency response skills and confidence that prepare them for future situations.
Certification: CPR and First Aid
What skills will my teen learn during the Leadership Training?
Through scenario-based activities and hands-on practice, your teen will grow their confidence and leadership abilities while having fun in a supportive environment. The program covers a wide range of essential skills, including:
Coaching and Managing Groups: Trainees will learn how to coach and lead individuals or groups of all ages, both on and off the water.
Risk Management and Emergency Response: Participants will understand the importance of risk management and how to handle emergency or medical situations effectively.
Customer Service: Your teen will develop fundamental customer service skills, which are invaluable in any job setting.
CPR and First Aid Certification: Trainees will earn a Red Cross certification in CPR and First Aid, equipping them with the skills to handle medical emergencies.
Why is the Leadership Training valuable for my teen’s future?
The program offers a unique blend of personal and professional development opportunities. We focus on developing:
Resume Building: The experience gained in our training provides a noteworthy addition to their resumes and transferable skills.
Career Readiness: It prepares participants for real-world responsibilities and jobs in industries like outdoor adventure, summer camps, retail, and hospitality.
Self-Confidence: Engaging in leadership scenarios boosts their confidence to tackle future challenges, from job applications to workforce entry.
What happens after completing the Leadership Training?
Graduates of the Leadership Training become eligible to apply for our summer-long Internship . This extended opportunity allows participants to:
Gain additional hands-on experience.
Enhance their skills through real-life job scenarios.
Receive continuous support and open communication to help them grow.
The internship acts as a bridge between the training and actual job readiness, solidifying the skills they’ve learned and boosting their overall confidence.
Does my teen need prior paddling or leadership experience?
Yes. Participants should feel comfortable on the water and ideally have some basic paddling experience, such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. This program is designed for teens who are motivated to grow, take responsibility, and develop leadership skills. While they don’t need to be expert paddlers or have formal leadership training, they should be confident in a water-based environment and excited to learn how to lead, support others, and work as part of a team.
Interested in Teen Leadership Training?
Tell us a little about your teen, and we’ll be in touch with next steps, program details, and upcoming dates.
Quick Leadership Training FAQs
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This is a hands-on, immersive 3-day weekend leadership experience for teens ages 13–16 designed to build confidence, teamwork, communication, and real-world leadership skills. The program blends adventure activities on the water with practical leadership workshops and ends with CPR & First Aid certification.
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To empower teens to become capable leaders both on and off the water. Many graduates go on to apply for Gaia Guides Camp Internships and continue developing their skills within our community.
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Each day includes a mix of leadership workshops, hands-on paddling lessons, and teamwork challenges. Teens learn how to communicate effectively, plan adventures, manage safety, and support others.
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The training is held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, CA, right on San Francisco Bay. It runs over one weekend in April (dates announced annually — registration opens in January).
Located in Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flagpole and look for the tennis courts and parking lot on the left.
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This 3-day program balances skill building, outdoor adventure, and group activities.
Friday: 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Teens receive:
All paddling equipment (paddleboards, kayaks, PFDs)
Professional instruction with low ratios
Leadership workshops and teamwork challenges
CPR & First Aid training and certification
Valuable real-world leadership and communication skills
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Dress in layers Alameda can be sunny, breezy, or foggy. Avoid cotton; choose quick-dry fabrics. Bring extra warm layers or a dry change of clothes.
Large water bottle
Snacks and lunch
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses (with strap)
Swimsuit (under wetsuit) & towel
Long-sleeve rash guard (required)
Sandals or water shoes
Warm clothes
Jacket
Needed medication
Weather Alert Layer up! Arrive with swimsuits under warm clothes for easy wetsuit changes. Be sure they bring extra layers, as Bay Area microclimates can shift from cool mornings to warmer afternoons.
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Teens gain skills in:
Group leadership and coaching
Risk assessment & safety planning
Communication & problem solving
Adventure planning
Emergency response through CPR & First Aid certification
These skills support future leadership roles at camp, school, work, and beyond.
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This training builds confidence and experience that can:
Strengthen college applications or resumes
Prepare teens for future job opportunities
Improve real-world communication and teamwork skills
Serve as a gateway into our Summer Internship Program (see below)
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Graduates are eligible to apply for the Gaia Guides Teen Summer Internship, a longer hands-on role assisting with camps and outdoor programs. This internship offers deeper leadership experience and real workplace skills, though spots are limited and not guaranteed.
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The Gaia Guides Summer Internship is a 20-day program for teens ages 13+ who’ve completed our Leadership Training. Interns gain hands-on experience in coaching, teamwork, and customer service while assisting at our summer camps. Completion of Leadership Training is required to apply, but positions are limited and not guaranteed.
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Registration opens each January and takes place online. Want details as soon as they’re available? Complete the interest form above, and we’ll notify you when dates, schedules, and registration open.
Teen Internship
The Gaia Guides Teen Summer Internship is an exciting next step for teens ages 13+ who’ve completed our Leadership Training. Over 20 days, interns join our camp instructor team to gain real-world experience leading activities, mentoring younger campers, and supporting daily operations. It’s a unique chance for motivated teens to build confidence, leadership, and job-ready skills all while spending the summer outdoors doing what they love. Completion of Leadership Training is required to apply; spots are limited and not guaranteed.
June 8- August 14
20 Day Internship
8:30am - 4:30pm
Teens Ages 13 to 16