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Wilderness Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Overnight Camp Counselor

Reisterstown, MD

$1.44K/wk

Overnight Camp Counselors spend the day outdoors leading interactive activities with up to 14 ... Staying overnight in the bunkhouse (or Wilderness Village) with campers (which may require lifting ...

associated

Overnight Camp Counselor

Reisterstown, MD

$1.44K/wk

Overnight Camp Counselors spend the day outdoors leading interactive activities with up to 14 ... Staying overnight in the bunkhouse (or Wilderness Village) with campers (which may require lifting ...

Eagle Village

Summer Staff

Hersey, MI

$12.25 - $16/hr

Available Summer Staff Positions Include: • Cabin Leader (Camp Counselor for elementary- and middle school-age campers) • Wilderness Trip Guide (Wilderness Camp Counselor for high school-age ...

EAGLE VILLAGE, Inc.

Summer Staff

Hersey, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Available Summer Staff Positions Include: • Cabin Leader (Camp Counselor for elementary- and middle school-age campers) • Wilderness Trip Guide (Wilderness Camp Counselor for high school-age ...

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How much do wilderness counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness counselor in the United States is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Counselor, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and experience working with youth or at-risk populations, often supported by a relevant degree or training in counseling or outdoor education. Familiarity with wilderness navigation tools, emergency communication devices, and risk management protocols is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, patience, leadership, and crisis management abilities set exceptional counselors apart. These competencies ensure the safety and personal growth of participants while maintaining effective group dynamics in challenging outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges Wilderness Counselors face when working with youth in outdoor settings?

Wilderness Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing homesickness or anxiety among participants, and adapting to unpredictable weather or environmental conditions. They must be skilled at fostering trust, encouraging personal growth, and ensuring safety in remote locations. Counselors also need to balance providing guidance with allowing participants to solve problems independently, which is crucial for building resilience and leadership skills in youth.

What are Wilderness Counselors?

Wilderness Counselors are professionals who guide and support individuals, often youth or those in treatment programs, through outdoor experiences designed to foster personal growth, therapy, and teamwork. They lead activities such as hiking, camping, and survival skills while providing emotional support and counseling. Wilderness Counselors play a crucial role in helping participants build confidence, resilience, and coping skills by connecting with nature and working through challenges in a safe, structured environment.

What is the difference between Wilderness Counselor vs Outdoor Education Instructor?

AspectWilderness CounselorOutdoor Education Instructor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes Wilderness First Responder, relevant certificationsCPR/First Aid, teaching certifications, outdoor skills certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote outdoor settings, wilderness camps, outdoor therapy programsSchools, outdoor centers, camps, classrooms
Employer & IndustryRecreation, therapy, youth programs, outdoor adventure companiesEducational institutions, outdoor education organizations
Primary FocusProviding therapeutic support, guiding youth through outdoor activitiesTeaching outdoor skills, environmental education, experiential learning

Wilderness Counselors and Outdoor Education Instructors both work outdoors and require CPR/First Aid certifications. However, Wilderness Counselors focus on therapeutic support and guiding youth in wilderness settings, while Outdoor Education Instructors emphasize teaching outdoor skills and environmental education in more structured settings.

More about Wilderness Counselor jobs
What states have the most Wilderness Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Counselor jobs are:
Wilderness Counselor jobs near you
Overnight Camp Counselor

Overnight Camp Counselor

associated

Reisterstown, MD

$1.44K/wk

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overnight Camp Counselors spend the day outdoors leading interactive activities with up to 14 campers. Evenings are special and inspiring, with night hikes and community building around the bonfire. On Fridays, a Shabbat festival concludes with a beautiful Shabbat service and a special meal. Saturday is spent engaging in restful Shabbat friendly activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Engaging campers in activities that introduce them to the natural world.
  • Creating a safe space–physically and emotionally–for campers through proper supervision.
  • Planning and leading outdoor camp activities alone or with co-counselors and specialists.
  • Supervising and participating in games, pool and creek activities, art workshops, cooking, and song sessions.
  • Helping with an immersive and meaningful Shabbat experience.
  • Setting up, breaking down, cleaning, and putting away all materials used.
  • Staying overnight in the bunkhouse (or Wilderness Village) with campers (which may require lifting more than 40lbs).

Physical Demands:

  • Independently move 2-3 miles per day (3-4 miles per day for campers 8+ years of age) over uneven terrain (mud, rock, grass, steep inclines, gravel).
  • Be comfortable in a rustic, outdoor environment with limited air-conditioning, varying weather conditions (including heat, cold, wind, rain), insects/animals, and grass/dirt/mud.

Rate: $1,440 from Aug 2 through Aug 13 
Training will take place the week prior at a lower weekly rate.

Helpful prior skills and experience include:

  • Experience working with camp, outdoor, or youth in an overnight setting.
  • Must possess a solid work ethic with strong organizational and time-management skills, excellent attention to detail, professional verbal, and written communication skills, as well as provide excellent customer service.
  • Must maintain a professional demeanor.
  • Must be able to adapt to changing situations.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

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