TRAILBLAZER ADVENTURES

Employment

READY FOR THE TRAIL

We're ready for the trail. Are you?

Thanks for your interest in Camp Kanuga's Trailblazer Adventures. We are currently seeking backpacking and canoeing instructors as well as a summer field director. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

Read on to find out about how you can spend your summer leading backpacking treks in the Appalachian mountains, rock climbing and rafting down one of the South's leading whitewater rivers.

What is Trailblazer Adventures?

Trailblazer Adventures is an exciting part of Camp Kanuga. It is a coed, eight week program offering three 13-day sessions for 15- and 16-year-olds and 10 days of staff training. Each session is designed for groups of teenagers to gain leadership experience through personal and group challenges in a wilderness setting.

During each two week session, Trailblazers build community and skills, conduct a service project and — in the traditional adventure — backpack 50 miles of trail, rock climb and raft the Nolichucky River or — in the Pack and Paddle adventure — spend four days backpacking and four days canoeing on the New River.

For those seasoned Kanuga campers, Trailblazer Adventures serves as a transitional and growing phase between being a camper and becoming a staff member. For those new to the program, it offers the chance to gain backpacking experience and meet new friends.

Who Are We Looking For?

The program staff consists of professional adult leaders with a proven desire and ability to provide positive leadership, group building opportunities and safe outdoor adventure. They will also offer guidance for the participants as they grow individually and as part of a community, learning about themselves and the natural world around them.

The staff is a dedicated team that is excited to work with teenagers and has a desire to gain practical experience in the field. We expect our staff to be fun, enthusiastic, compassionate, experienced and flexible while living in our small community.

Instructor positions are open to those age 19 or older with some experience. Lead instructor positions are open to those age 21 or older who have experience leading extended backpacking trips and are certified WFR or above.

The field director position is open to one candidate age 21 or older. Applicants should have experience planning and leading extended backpacking and canoeing trips and should be certified WFR or above.

Staff must provide their own personal equipment — backpack, sleeping bag, etc. Camp Kanuga will provide food, cooking equipment, first aid supplies, tarps and other group equipment while on the trail. Limited time off will be available prior to first session, during session breaks and at base camp.

How Do I Apply?