Summer Camp: Guide in Training

Teen guide in training opportunity to earn money and gain skills

Canyonland Field Institute’s Guide-in-Training program is designed for high school students interested in outdoor education and guiding. As a Guide-in-Training you can develop your skills in leadership, communication and group management. Under the guidance of an experienced educator, guides in training might lead activities, hikes, or aspects of a CFI summer camp.

Become a Guide in Training and list this job on your resume, receive letters of recommendation for college or other jobs, and include your mentor as a reference. GITs will be paid $100 upon completion of a summer camp session.

You may apply for as many sessions as you are available.

Guide in training program outcomes:

  • Advanced leadership and group management skills
  • Outdoor education skills
  • Resume and marketable skills building
  • Public speaking skills
  • Positive growth in teamwork and communication
  • Heightened risk management and safety skills

To apply, send:

  • a cover letter describing why you wish to work as a GIT
  • 2 references, personal or professional

to Alex de Moor, education@cfimoab.org. Thank you!

Location:
Depends on camp chosen
Drop Off/Pick Up:
Depends on camp chosen
Age Range:
Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Cost:
Earned Stipend: $100
Accommodations:
GITs on overnight camps receive food and tent lodging
Challenge:
Level-
?

This is how we rate the challenges you might face on a CFI trip.


Level 1 - Easy

  • Low level of physical activity, minimal movement required
  • 0 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking or walking 0-2 miles per day

Level 2 - Moderate

  • Medium level of physical activity, some movement required
  • 1-4 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 4 miles per day
  • Flatwater or mild whitewater rapids

Level 3 - Active

  • Medium or high level of physical activity
  • 1-5 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 5 miles per day
  • Class I - III whitewater rapids

Level 4 - Challenging

  • High level of physical activity
  • 1-6 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking 5 or more miles per day
  • Class IV whitewater rapids
CFI's Essential Eligibility Criteria outlines specific challenges that you may face on CFI trips. Please consult the EEC for information on responsibilities of participants.
Notes:

Dates, Duration, and location depend on chosen camp. GITs can apply for any existing summer camp except for Whitewater Academy and Native Teen Guide in Training

Drop off and pickup Location: CFI Headquarters


See other trips in these categories:
Request More Information

Trip Narrative

This is a great opportunity to develop marketable skills in a controlled environment. With the growing popularity of outdoor recreation, outdoor professionals are encountering more and more job opportunities. The Guide in Training program will help you build your resume, earn money, and set yourself up for success on college or job applications. Previous guides in training have also listed their CFI mentors as professional references.

Apply for any or all existing summer camp sessions that work with your schedule.

FAQ

Some people say food is the most important part of the adventure. On all our overnight trips, CFI will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a morning and afternoon snack, and an appetizer before dinner. If you have a dietary restriction or food allergy, note it on your medical form so we can best prepare.

Depends on the trip. As a general rule, CFI provides all group gear related to fully outfitting your trip. Specialized gear like PFDs, wetsuits, dry bags, educational materials are all provided by CFI. Additionally, we take care of all kitchen and dishware needs. 

Find out more about trip specific packing.

Most importantly, a willingness to slow down, connect to your surroundings, and experience the moment. Additionally, participants are required to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal clothing, medication, and other essential personal items. Many gear items are available for rent. Reach out to us if you are interested in seeing a trip specific packing list, or learn more about trip specific packing here.

CFI provides options to rent gear:

  • Two person tent: $30 / trip
  • Sleeping bag: $20 / trip
  • Kid sleeping pad: $7 / trip
  • Adult sleeping pad (paco pad): $15 / trip
  • Package deal: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and one tent per two people: $40 / trip

For any CFI summer camp, gear rentals are free!

Every CFI guide has either a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification. Your trip leader will have a Wilderness First Responder certification. Anyone working with youth has passed a background check, and shuttle drivers are insured with clean driving records. Backcountry trips carry In-Reach satellite communication devices for emergencies. All guides have been evaluated by Canyonlands Field Institute as possessing the judgement, skills, and disposition required for mitigating risk in the field. 

As technology grows more and more invasive by the day, CFI promotes connection to what matters. To achieve this, all school and youth programs are unplugged and students are not permitted to bring electronic devices. Not only is there rarely cell service, devices are a distraction to our ability to connect to the present moment. On Private Group Trips or Adult Seminars, the use of devices is permitted but discouraged.

CFI works hard to ensure a positive experience for all guides and participants. Because of the unpredictable nature of outfitting, we have created a series of policies so maintain our ability to manage risk in the outdoors.

For critical information regarding cancellations, deposits, and other participant responsibilities, please view our trip policies page or contact us with any questions.

Thanks for asking...We know this can be an awkward subject. The fact is, our guides work extremely hard and appreciate getting tipped! 

On school trips tips are greatly appreciated. 

On an adult or private trip, an industry standard is for each customer to tip $25 per day.

If you wish to include a gratuity, cash is preferred, but sending a check or a payment to CFI's Venmo: @canyonlandsfieldinstitute is also a great way to thank your guides for their hard work.  Tips are always pooled and distributed.

Need to Know

  • CFI staff are trained educators and guides with first aid and CPR certifications. Back-country trips carry satellite communications devices.  
  • For overnight programs, all cook and dishware, meals, snacks, and river gear are provided by CFI.

See related Guide Training

Explorer Base Camp

Youth River Skills Camp

Native Teen Guide in Training Program

Whitewater Academy Camp

Adventure Day Camp

NOLS Wilderness Advanced First Aid and Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course
Explore all Trips and Programs

CFI is a non-profit organization and fees are not taxed. By choosing CFI, you are supporting our efforts to provide lifechanging outdoor experiences for hundreds of children per year.  Scholarships are available on an as needed basis.