Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing

Thank you for your interest in working with Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (WAEL). Please visit our website or call for a brochure if you’d like additional information.

WAEL operates a year-round outdoor adventure center and, during the summer, an all-outdoor adventure program for youth ages 8 through 17. Our year-round staff consists of approximately 20 employees. During the summer the staff increases to approximately 50.

For the Summer Youth Program we hire Wilderness Trip Leaders, Activity Instructors (climbing, boating, caving, and biking) and Support Staff. If you are interested in year-round employment, please note your interest on your cover letter and application.

Base Camp in New Castle, VA (other locations include: WV, NC, AK, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, & Panama)

Dates: Summer, Extended Seasonal, and Year-Round Opportunities

Overview: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing has been changing outlooks and developing leaders since 1990. We are not a traditional summer camp; we are an all-outdoor, ACA Accredited, Adventure Program offering 1 to 4 week courses for ages 8-17 with a focus on developing leadership, confidence, self-esteem and teamwork.

Activities include: rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, rappelling, caving, ropes course, climbing wall, 900' zip line, scuba diving, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, ice climbing, glacier travel, culture immersion, environmental education, and more.

First year trip leaders will lead trips based out of our Base Camp in Virginia. Responsibilities: Mandatory Orientation and Staff Training (May 31-June 17). Each trip consists of 12 coed participants and 2 Wilderness Trip Leaders (one male/one female). Together the Trip Leaders are responsible for the welfare and safety of the group. The group is together for the entire duration of their trip, whether it is 7 days or 28 days. The group is self-sufficient and moves, as much as possible, by foot, canoe, bike, or kayak (on average each trip sets foot in a vehicle 1 or 2 times). Along their route they will be met by Activity Instructors that will take them climbing, caving, kayaking, or single-track mtn. biking. Leaders facilitate high and low challenge courses, team-building initiatives, canoeing, some mtn. biking, LNT classes, outdoor education, and assist in the facilitation of rock climbing and rappelling, white-water kayaking, caving, and mountain biking. Sessions range from 1 to 4 weeks in length. During our 10 week summer season, a trip leader will spend an average of 7 weeks “on the trail” leading trips.

Qualification: High standard of moral character and desire to teach children in wilderness setting. Must have backpacking and camping experience and own camping equipment (pack, bag, pad, water bottles, etc.). Activity Instructors & Senior Trip Leaders must be at least 21 years of age. Assistant Trip Leaders and Base Camp Support Staff must be at least 19 years of age (due to insurance regulations we hire very few staff under the age of 21). Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is minimum although we prefer WFR or better. We host a WFR Refresher Course 1/27-28 and A WFA course that will take place the 2 days prior to Staff Training in May (dates TBD).

Activity Instructors need to have extensive experience teaching the particular discipline they are applying for.

Benefits: Training and trip experience, room and board included, compensation according to position (typical summer contract is b/w $225-$275 week) and experience. Discounted wilderness medical courses. 30% Discount on all outdoor gear purchases. 10% Discount on end of season used gear purchases. Opportunities to extend contract into Extended Seasonal (through November) or Year-Round (Year Round Positions have separate benefits package).

Internships available with stipend: Interns apply in the same manner as a Trip Leader

Availability: 2 positions to begin in February, 2 positions to begin in March, 2 positions to begin in April and all others to begin with start date of orientation (May 31).