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Backpacking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Fairfax, VA

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Leesburg, VA

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Gainesville, VA · On-site

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Fairfax, VA · On-site

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

Dr. Bermel and Associates

Optometrist

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Shenandoah National Park offers something for the whole family to enjoy, from campgrounds to backpacking trips. Northern Virginia also offers charming towns, unique history, endless entertainment ...

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Backpacking information

What are some of the daily responsibilities of a Backpacking Guide?

As a Backpacking Guide, your daily responsibilities include leading clients on planned routes, setting up and breaking down campsites, providing safety briefings, and teaching essential outdoor skills. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring group well-being, adjusting itineraries based on weather or trail conditions, and ensuring all participants follow wilderness ethics and safety protocols. Interaction with clients is key, as you’ll need to foster a supportive and engaging environment while managing any questions or concerns that arise during the trip. Teamwork and clear communication with co-guides or support staff are also often part of the role, especially on longer or larger expeditions.

What is a Backpacking job?

A backpacking job typically refers to temporary or seasonal work that travelers take on while exploring different locations. These jobs can include roles in hospitality, agriculture, tour guiding, or remote freelance work. They provide income to sustain travel expenses and often offer opportunities to meet new people and experience different cultures. Many backpackers take advantage of working holiday visas to secure short-term employment in various countries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Backpacking position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, route planning experience, and a background in wilderness safety, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace training. Proficiency with GPS navigation devices, map reading, and outdoor gear is essential in this role. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring group safety, a positive client experience, and successful expedition outcomes in varied and sometimes challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Backpacking jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Backpacking jobs in Virginia? For Backpacking jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpacking jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking jobs in Virginia are:
Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Summer Camp Counselor - CMF

Summer Camp Counselor - CMF

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF THE NATIONS CAPITAL

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$370 - $1.0K/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Looking for a fun, meaningful job this summer?
Make a difference in a camper's life and empower them to make decisions, become independent, and be proud of who they are. All while encouraging them and participating alongside them in activities like archery, crafts, hiking, climbing, and more! That's what we do each summer at Camp May Flather! If you're passionate about youth development and enjoy the outdoors, then Girl Scouts Nation's Capital sleep-away camps may be for you!
Multiple Opportunities!
  • Unit Counselors - Assists the Unit Leader with planning and leading activities. Responsible for the direct daily supervision of campers in the living unit and program areas. Participates alongside campers in activities such as swimming, climbing, hiking, and target sports. Salaries start at $370.
  • Lifeguards - Assists with the implementation of the aquatic program at the pool as a lifeguard. Leads canoeing trips at nearby lakes. Assists with unit programming in the evening when pool is closed. Training is provided, but candidates should be strong swimmers and able to pass the lifeguarding course prerequisites. Salaries start at $425 for residential staff.
  • Kitchen Assistants - Assist the Kitchen Manager and Cook(s) with food preparation and service. Cleans food preparation areas and equipment. Salaries start at $370 for residential staff.
  • More- additional positions include arts & crafts counselor, adventure counselor, inclusion specialist, and health center staff. For a full list of positions, visit https://sites.google.com/view/campmayflatherstaff/working-at-camp/jobs-at-camp
  • Start dates vary between May 21 and June 4, the summer season ends August 9. We can be flexible with staff who need to start late or aren't available the whole summer.

Starting weekly salaries for each position are listed above. Returning staff members from previous summers may be eligible for a pay differential of 6% to 8% above the listed starting salary, depending on the number of prior years they have worked with Girl Scouts Nation's Capital sleep-away camps. Final pay rates are determined based on prior experience, role placement, and years of service with the organization.
Is this you?
  • Passionate about youth leadership
  • Excellent with children, ages 10-17, and equally skilled at working with adults of all ages
  • Sensitive to people of other cultures and all abilities
  • Collaborative
  • Love being outdoors and willing to work outdoors in the heat, humidity, and rain
  • Prepared to live on-site during employment in rustic cabin accommodations (no electricity, internet, or flushing toilets)
  • Aren't bothered by dirt, bugs, or sunscreen
  • Looking for a summer job

Some of the Perks
  • Room, board, and laundry facilities provided
  • Paid pre-camp training and professional development
  • Free certification in CPR/First Aid and other activities dependent on position (lifeguarding, archery, etc.)
  • Networking opportunities and a chance to work with staff from across the country and world
  • Internship opportunities (we'll work with you to fulfill requirements.)
  • Ample time off
  • Skill development in leadership, communication, problem-solving, behavior management, creativity, and more
  • A summer outdoors in the woods without screens!
  • Memories and friendships to last a lifetime
  • The opportunity to create a positive impact on the youth of today

About Camp May Flather
Camp May Flather offers campers in grades 4-11 the opportunity to experience outdoor adventure and discover a new sense of self-confidence. Located a 3-hour drive southwest of Washington, DC, in the scenic George Washington National Forest in Mount Solon, VA, May Flather has been operating as a sleepaway camp since 1930!
While at May Flather, campers choose from a ton of amazing activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing a natural wall or man-made tower, target sports, and swimming in the pool. May Flather is owned and operated by Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, the largest Girl Scout council in the country.
For more information and other sleep-away camp employment opportunities, go to https://www.gscnc.org/en/discover/our-council/careers/work-at-camp.html. For May Flather specific information visit https://sites.google.com/view/campmayflatherstaff/home.
Have questions before applying? Contact camp director Emily "Sparrow" Reece at ereece@gscnc.org or text 202-274-3305.

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