From Camper to Leader: Our Teen Internship Opportunity

What are the Teen Internship Objectives?

1. Develop real-world leadership skills by assisting instructors and mentoring younger campers.

2. Practice risk management both on and off the water, learning how to keep campers safe and make smart decisions in dynamic conditions.

3. Build teamwork and communication skills through collaboration with staff, peers, and campers.

4. Gain customer service experience by interacting with families and helping ensure smooth camp operations.

5. Enhance paddling, outdoor, and rescue skills through continued on-water training and support from experienced guides.

6. Grow confidence and independence by taking on new challenges and responsibilities each day.

7. Prepare for future opportunities—interns who excel may be invited to apply for paid Junior Staff positions or future leadership roles at Gaia Guides.

What does the Internship involve?

The Internship provides teens with 20 days of structured learning and guided experience over the summer, typically on a 3–5 day per week schedule. The goal is to help them grow as responsible, confident outdoor leaders through educational, hands-on activities such as:

• Mentoring and supporting younger campers, strengthening communication, patience, and leadership

• Learning group management and safety awareness, including how to evaluate risk and make responsible decisions on and off the water

• Developing customer service and interpersonal skills by engaging positively with campers, parents, and staff

• Practicing equipment preparation and care, learning how to organize, inspect, and manage paddling gear to support safety and program quality

Parents can feel confident knowing the program includes a strong mentorship component. Interns receive weekly check-ins, ongoing coaching, mid-term feedback, and a final evaluation, all designed to help them reflect on their progress, build new competencies, and grow more confident in their abilities as emerging outdoor leaders.

What is the application and interview process?

To apply, prospective interns must:

1. Complete the Gaia Guides Leadership Training

2. Complete the Internship Application, including Cover Letter and Resume

3. Participate in an Interview with direct supervisors.

4. Submit written Parental Consent for the internship application and schedule commitment.

Admission to the program is competitive due to limited space, making the application process an excellent exercise in preparing for real-world job applications.

Who is eligible to apply?

Teens aged 13–16 who have completed the Gaia Guides Teen Leadership Training are eligible to apply. Leadership Training provides the foundation in communication, paddling skills, risk assessment, and teamwork needed for internship success. 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.

What does a typical internship day look like?

Each day includes a mix of:

• Shadowing and assisting instructors

• Supporting and mentoring younger campers

• Helping lead activities both on land and on the water

• Practicing leadership and communication skills

• Participating in team briefings and equipment management
  Every task is supervised and used as a learning opportunity.