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Summer Backpacking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Fresh Air Fund

Environmental Education Intern

Beacon, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... summer programs by working on the model farm, challenge courses, and supporting our teen backpacking program.  The ideal candidate is curious, goal-oriented, and hard working with previous ...

YMCA Of Greater Seattle

Teen Trip Leader

Eastsound, WA · On-site

$113/day

Trip leaders will often get the opportunity to lead both types of courses in a typical summer spent ... Documented skills in one or more of the following: kayaking, rock climbing, and backpacking.

Metroparks Toledo

Outdoor Skills Programmer

Swanton, OH · On-site

$14.50/hr

In this role, you bring our Summer Camp experience to life. You'll help campers experience the ... and backpacking gear, fishing poles, archery equipment, adaptive equipment, mountain bikes and ...

City of Morgan Hill

Police Officer Recruit

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$9.4K/mo

... summer music festivals, and holiday parades. Downtown Morgan Hill has become a destination for ... backpacking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Just 15 miles inland from the ...

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Summer Backpacking information

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$7

$15

$22

How much do summer backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer backpacking in the United States is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Summer Backpacking jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Backpacking jobs? Cities with the most Summer Backpacking job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs? The most popular types of Backpacking jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Backpacking jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Backpacking jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Backpacking jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Backpacking jobs are:
Summer Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Backpacking job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 16% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 77% Summer. Highlights an 25% Physical, 74% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,041 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Adventure Guide

Tahoe Expedition Academy & Tahoe Summer Camps

Truckee, CA

$16.90 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

TEA Fieldwork Guide Position: The guide role is a position that could support any fieldwork from 2 days and 1 night to 11 days and 10 nights and in addition, day trips.
TEA is an experiential education based K-12 school in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe region. We create more than 200 field trips or field studies each year. Many are single day, but others are overnight, more in depth "peak experiences," which require additional support to execute. The overnight field studies begin in Kindergarten and continue through 12th grade. Each developmental level creates longer and more intense opportunities for field based experiential education.
The guide position requires a variety of outdoor and interpersonal skills. We look for people who possess teaching or outdoor skills degrees or a depth of personal and professional experience working with youth in the wilderness or in trip leading. Outdoor skills, including backpacking, camping, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, surfing as well as knowledge and expertise leading outdoor or environmental education can assist the guide role, but may not be required depending on the field study. In addition, this requires gear repair and restock hours.
The ability to build rapport, remain open minded, positive and flexible, within adverse and challenging environments is a must. A current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications are required for employment. Additional certifications, including lifeguarding, rock climbing guide, swift water rescue, avalanche training could allow for more opportunities in specific field work outings, but are not required for employment. Livescan fingerprinting clearance is also required prior to first day of work.
Pay rate, varies by contract and field study.

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