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Summer Backpacking Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All JobsSummer Backpacking JobsSummer Backpacking Jobs in Virginia

Summer Backpacking information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer backpacking in Virginia is $15.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer backpacking job?

A summer backpacking job typically involves leading or assisting outdoor trips, such as hiking or camping excursions, for groups during the summer months. These jobs are often found at summer camps, outdoor adventure programs, or travel companies, and require staff to guide participants, ensure safety, and teach outdoor skills. Employees spend extended periods outdoors, carrying gear, and may be responsible for trip planning, cooking, and group management. It's an ideal role for those who enjoy nature, teamwork, and helping others experience the outdoors.

What is the difference between Summer Backpacking vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer BackpackingSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsMinimal; outdoor skills beneficialCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote, travel-focusedCampgrounds, recreational facilities, group settings
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, travel agenciesSummer camps, recreational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Summer Backpacking involves traveling and exploring outdoors, often independently or in small groups, focusing on adventure and self-sufficiency. Summer Camp Counselors work at organized camps, supervising children and facilitating activities. While both roles are outdoor-oriented, backpacking emphasizes travel and exploration, whereas camp counseling centers on supervision and activity management in a camp setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer backpacking guide?

To thrive as a Summer Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and extensive knowledge of navigation and wilderness safety. Familiarity with GPS devices, map and compass use, and basic outdoor gear is typically required, along with certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring group safety, delivering positive experiences, and handling unexpected situations in remote environments.

What are some common challenges faced by guides leading summer backpacking trips, and how can they be managed?

Guides leading summer backpacking trips often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, group dynamics, and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. Managing these challenges involves thorough planning, effective communication, and adaptability. Guides must be prepared to modify routes if necessary, address group concerns promptly, and monitor for signs of dehydration, fatigue, or injury. Building a supportive team environment helps everyone enjoy a safe and rewarding outdoor experience.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Backpacking jobs in Virginia? For Summer Backpacking jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Backpacking jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Backpacking jobs in Virginia are:
Summer Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Backpacking job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 44% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,758 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Summer Camp Counselor - CMF

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF THE NATIONS CAPITAL

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$370 - $1.0K/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 8 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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