Outdoor Adventure at Summer Camp
Are you happiest outdoors, exploring nature and chasing adventure? If so, working as an Outdoor Adventure Counsellor at an American summer camp could be your perfect summer job.
Whether you’re leading a group of campers through woodland trails, helping them hit bullseyes on the archery range, saddling up for horseback rides, or encouraging them to conquer the climbing wall, no two days will ever be the same. This is your chance to swap screens for scenery and make unforgettable memories along the way.
What’s It Like Working in Outdoor Adventure at Camp?
As an Outdoor Adventure Specialist, you’ll lead exciting activity sessions throughout the day – anything from archery and climbing to hiking or horse riding – working alongside general counsellors to give every camper a chance to explore nature, try something new, and build confidence. You might be based on-site at camp or head out on day hikes and overnight treks. Either way, you’ll spend your summer surrounded by stunning natural scenery and helping young people connect with the great outdoors.
Even if you’re not fully qualified yet, camps provide training and are always looking for passionate, outdoorsy individuals with a willingness to learn, lead, and inspire.
Key Outdoor Adventure Roles
We’ve only highlighted a few of the Outdoor Adventure roles available – there are loads more opportunities including high ropes, zip lining, outdoor education, rocketry, farm animal care, forestry, gardening, camping, wildlife, botanics, ecology, to name just a few.
Hiking & Trip Leader
Take campers into the heart of nature, guiding hikes through woodland trails and leading overnight camping trips under the stars. You’ll teach essential outdoor skills like fire-building and map reading while helping campers gain confidence and independence in the great outdoors.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Comfortable navigating hiking trails and the wilderness
- Confident leading small groups of young people
- Responsible, organised, and safety-focused
- Great communication and group management
Qualifications That Help
- Mountain Leader Award (ML)
- Duke of Edinburgh Award (especially Gold)
- Outdoor First Aid
- Scouting/Guiding experience or youth trip leadership
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Leadership and group management experience
- Real outdoor survival and trip-planning skills
- A huge sense of personal achievement
- Countless memories from the trail
Archery Instructor
Bring precision, patience, and fun to one of camp’s most popular activities. As an Archery Instructor, you’ll teach the fundamentals of archery in a safe, engaging way – from stance and aim to fun games and friendly competitions.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Strong communication and demonstration skills
- A calm, patient teaching style
- Keen eye for safety and equipment checks
- Ability to make sessions fun and inclusive
Qualifications That Help
- Archery GB Instructor Award (or similar)
- Experience coaching juniors or helping at a local club
- Scouting or outdoor education background
- Camp-provided training also available
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Valuable coaching and instructional experience
- Leadership and confidence-building
- A niche skill that sets you apart
- The chance to help kids hit their first bullseye
Horse Riding Instructor
If you’re experienced with horses and love working with children, this role is a dream. You’ll spend your summer teaching kids to ride, caring for horses, and managing a small stable – all in the beautiful outdoors.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Comfortable and confident around horses
- Able to teach riding basics clearly and safely
- Responsible with animal care and equipment
- Encouraging and great with beginners
Qualifications That Help
- BHS Stage 1 or 2
- Pony Club coaching or instructing experience
- Horse care or stable management certifications
- Camps may also offer role-specific training
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Daily interaction with horses and riders
- Practical experience in equine care
- A strong, hands-on teaching portfolio
- Lifelong memories of trail rides and camp life
Climbing & Ropes Instructor
Love a challenge? As a Climbing or Ropes Instructor, you’ll help campers push past their fears, build confidence, and reach new heights – literally. Whether it’s a climbing wall, zip line, or high ropes course, you’ll be leading safe, structured sessions full of adrenaline and teamwork.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Confident using climbing and safety equipment
- Clear, calm communicator – especially under pressure
- Strong awareness of safety procedures
- Encouraging, positive, and high-energy
Qualifications That Help
- Climbing Wall Instructor Award (CWIA)
- Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) or Single Pitch Award (SPA)
- Ropes course experience or belay certification
- First Aid or outdoor risk training
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Practical ropework and climbing instruction experience
- Trust-building, leadership, and risk management skills
- A chance to inspire confidence in others
- A job that’s as exciting as it is rewarding
Why Outdoor Adventure is Amazing
Working in Outdoor Adventure is about more than just exploring the wilderness. You’ll be helping campers challenge themselves, gain new skills, and grow in confidence. Along the way, you’ll develop leadership, patience, flexibility, and resilience – all while having the summer of a lifetime.
Camps are looking for people who are:
- Confident communicators
- Enthusiastic and encouraging
- Safe, reliable, and responsible
- Ready to embrace new experiences
Even if you’re not qualified yet, don’t worry. Camps are open to training the right candidates – especially those who are passionate about adventure and working with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
While qualifications can strengthen your application, they are not always required. Camps value experience, confidence, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to inspire young players just as much as certifications.
You’ll help prepare and set-up for each activity, organise equipment and carry essentials.
Safety is a top priority, and you’ll teach them how to handle the relevant equipment responsibly.
They help, but if you have personal experience and a strong safety mindset, training is often provided.
Yes – you’ll get to participate regularly as part of teaching and demonstrating to the campers.
We’re here to help!
Speak with one of our experts
Talk to us nowGot questions? No stress – just give us a call! We’re here to help, no awkward chats, just friendly advice from people who’ve been to camp and know the deal.
0121 411 9165Lines open Monday 9am-5pm
Email usDrop us an email! Ask us anything or let us know when’s best for a chat. We’re quick on replies – expect to hear back within a day!
Email EnquiriesApply Now!
Turn your love for adventure into an unforgettable summer job.
Apply now and get ready to coach in the USA!