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Summer Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Kansas City, MO

$15.50 - $17/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA

$15 - $17/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Arlington, TX · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Arlington, TX

$13 - $15/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Now hiring for end of summer and fall opportunities. As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses ...

Alyeska Resort

Mountain Guide

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$20/hr

Mountain Adventure Guide Summer Operations - Alyeska Resort Are you passionate about the outdoors and sharing unforgettable experiences with others? Do you want your next job to put you in the middle ...

Old Colony YMCA

Summer Camp Counselor

Middleborough, MA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Guide and inspire campers aged 4-14 through exciting and educational outdoor activities. * Summer program runs from June 17th to August 23rd. * Mandatory training days: Branch dependent. * Work ...

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All JobsSummer Guide Jobs

Summer Guide information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do summer guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Summer Guides face when working with groups, and how can they be overcome?

Summer Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, keeping participants engaged, and ensuring safety during activities. To address these, successful guides use clear communication, set expectations early, and adapt activities to suit different age groups and interests. Building rapport and staying attentive to individual needs helps foster a positive, inclusive environment. Regular training and teamwork with co-guides also play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Guide, you need strong knowledge of local geography, safety protocols, and outdoor activity facilitation, often supported by certifications such as CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with reservation systems, GPS devices, and communication radios is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to engage and motivate groups are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure guest safety, enhance the experience, and foster trust in dynamic outdoor environments.

What are summer guides?

Summer guides are individuals who lead and assist groups or individuals in outdoor activities, tours, or educational programs during the summer season. They often work at camps, national parks, adventure tour companies, or educational institutions, providing guidance, safety, and information to participants. Their responsibilities can include leading hikes, organizing activities, ensuring safety protocols, and sharing knowledge about the local environment or subject matter. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors, have strong leadership skills, and are passionate about sharing experiences with others.

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

AspectSummer GuideSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer experience in guiding or outdoor activitiesHigh school diploma; certifications in first aid or CPR often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor locations, parks, or tourist sites guiding groupsCampgrounds, recreational facilities working with children and teens
Employer & Industry UsageTourism, outdoor recreation, adventure companiesSummer camps, youth programs, recreational organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding guiding roles in outdoor settingsWorking with children in summer camp settings

The main difference between a Summer Guide and a Summer Camp Counselor lies in their work environment and focus. Summer Guides typically lead outdoor tours or activities at parks or tourist sites, while Summer Camp Counselors work directly with children at summer camps. Both roles may require similar certifications like CPR, but their daily tasks and settings differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Summer Guide jobs? Cities with the most Summer Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Guide jobs? The most popular types of Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Guide jobs include:
Summer Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.

Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.

Job Description:

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides

Location(s):

Moab Utah

Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.

AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.

Have River Experience?

AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Utah, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer

What You'll Do

  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!

  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.

  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays

  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!

What we Look For

  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.

  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!

Work Availability

  • Part Time < ~30 hours

  • Full Time ~ 40 hours

  • Holidays (4th of July)

Benefits

  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.

  • Base pay is, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.

  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!

Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/

If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.

AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

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