Working For Happy Camper Voyages
Working for Happy Camper Voyages is more than a summer job — it’s an invitation to become a mentor, role model, and guide during one of the most formative seasons of a young person’s life. Our staff travel across the country with campers, exploring America’s most iconic landscapes and national parks while helping teens build confidence, independence, and a deeper connection to the people and world around them. We believe that the same life-changing impact we strive to create for our campers should also be felt by our staff, and we intentionally invest in their growth, leadership, and sense of purpose. Whether you are interested in being an outdoor professional or not, there is no doubt the skills and experience you will gain with us will help you later in life. Although this is an incredibly fun summer job, this work also requires grit and heart: long days, camping every night, hiking trails, adapting to weather, and always putting the needs and safety of campers first. If you’re energized by meaningful work, community, and adventure — and you’re ready for a hardy, deeply rewarding lifestyle — you’ll feel right at home here.
Requirements
All staff members and chaperones must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have completed at least one year of schooling or work experience after high school
- Pass a drug screening
- Pass a background check
- Have a valid driver’s license and a mostly clean driving record
- Counselors and parent chaperones must hold a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification, or be willing to obtain one prior to the start of the summer
- Trip Leaders must hold a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or be willing to obtain one prior to the start of the summer
Available Positions
Counselor
Counselors are the heartbeat of our programs and the people who make the magic happen each day. They are responsible for executing daily activities, facilitating hikes and other programs, building strong and positive relationships with campers, and ensuring that every camper feels safe, supported, and included. Counselors serve as mentors and role models, guiding campers through both challenges and triumphs while fostering a fun, encouraging environment. Counselors work under the direction of their Trip Leader and are expected to be adaptable, engaged, and fully present as they help create unforgettable experiences in the outdoors.
Trip Leader
Trip Leaders provide the structure, leadership, and vision that allow each trip to run smoothly and safely. They are responsible for planning and scheduling programs, coordinating logistics, and overseeing the execution of activities carried out by the counselors. Trip Leaders manage and support their staff through regular feedback, mentorship, and performance evaluations, helping counselors grow as leaders throughout the summer. With a servant leadership mindset, they seek to positively impact the counselors so the counselors can positively impact the campers. Trip Leaders work closely with Happy Camper directors and serve as the primary point of communication while on the road, providing daily updates and photos/videos to keep families informed and connected. This role requires strong leadership, organization, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and decisive in dynamic outdoor environments.
Parent Chaperone
Parent chaperones are parents of campers who support our programs in a role very similar to that of a counselor. They help supervise campers, assist with daily activities, and contribute to a safe, positive group environment while traveling and camping together. While this is not a paid position, parent chaperones receive discounted pricing for their camper’s participation in our camps. This role is ideal for stay-at-home parents, teachers, or others with summer availability who want to be directly involved in an unforgettable experience alongside their child while supporting the broader camp community.