North Carolina Job Adventures

Green River Preserve. Become part of a special team of people who inspire a profound appreciation of ecological respect, interconnectedness & the joy of living.
Green River Preserve. Become part of a special team of people who inspire a profound appreciation of ecological respect, interconnectedness & the joy of living.
Summer Jobs, Seasonal Jobs, Internships and Volunteer Work in the U.S. & Abroad



Green River Preserve is a non-competitive, coed summer camp connecting children with nature. Located on a 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, this extraordinary natural setting has inspired sustainability leadership since 1988. It is a place where one’s character really matters and where campers are allowed to be their best me.

Green River Preserve

Summer Camp Counselors, Mentor Naturalists, Activity Leaders, Expedition Leaders, Program Interns and more!

Through wilderness skills, creative arts and the exhilaration of outdoor fun and discovery, Green River Preserve is a coed summer camp connecting children to nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These aspiring naturalists can discover the abundance of beauty, life and wonder that the wilderness holds while participating in challenging and nurturing learning experiences ranging from archery, rock climbing and fly fishing to pottery and crafts.

Become part of a special team of individuals who inspire a profound appreciation of ecological respect, interconnectedness and the joy of living! Serving as professional naturalists, Mentor Naturalists will lead daily field studies throughout this magnificent 3,400-acre private wildlife preserve, assist in afternoon activities and coordinate evening programs. Each Mentor Naturalist also adopts a camper cabin for the summer term and serves as a valuable adviser and support system for the cabin counselor and campers. Summer job opportunities include Mentors, Cabin Counselors, Activity Leaders, Expedition Leaders, Program Interns, and medical staff. The 2024 summer camp season runs from May 28th to August 8th; Mentor Naturalist positions are also available for spring and fall season school programs (a full season contract is April 15th–October 15th). Benefits include a weekly wage (with additional pay based on experience and advanced certifications), paid staff training, room, meals, and professional development. Creative, self-motivated, and open-minded applicants must have a college degree (or equivalent experience) with knowledge of the environment and a true passion for teaching children. Mentors must be at least 24 years of age and WFA certified. Fill out the online application or contact Catherine Schenck for more information.

Summer Camp Interns Also Needed!
More exploration at Green River Preserve!Each summer, Green River Preserve welcomes passionate, independent, and caring Interns to serve as both leaders and learners within the GRP community. Interns are paid, receive room & board, and gain extensive professional development in a challenging and rewarding environment working as either a Camp Professional, Teacher & Environmental Educator, Adventure Manager, OR Forestry & Agriculture Professional.
More exploration at Green River Preserve!Check out why people feel like they belong at GRP or learn more about the GRP philosophy—seek the joy!

Take a sneak peek into staff training, with days filled with team-building exercises, taking part in camp traditions, and generally learning what it means to be the best community the team can be for GRP campers.

Catherine Schenck
Director
Green River Preserve
301 Green River Rd.
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

(828) 698-8828
catherine@greenriverpreserve.org
GreenRiverPreserve.org

View Blog Spot View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos Check out Pinterest pinboard Watch YouTube Videos


The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor adventure and education provider for teens and adults interested in personal growth and professional development.

NCOAE

Field Instructors

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor adventure and education provider for teens and adults interested in personal growth and professional development. The main campus in North Carolina sits on 17 wooded acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River, just a short three-minute drive to the sandy white beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. NCOAE's outdoor adventure courses take place in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Ecuador and beyond. Enjoy traveling and working in unique, pristine areas throughout the United States and the world!

Program in the Spotlight NCOAE develops and facilitates professionally guided outdoor experiences that foster an engaged educational community through personal growth and the acquisition of technical and academic skills. Field Instructors manage the safety of trip participants while co-facilitating multi-day outdoor adventure education courses in the field, including kayaking, canoeing, whitewater paddling, backpacking, rock climbing, remote backcountry travel, and camping. Instructors must be committed to contributing to participant interpersonal, academic and leadership development and invested in creating a positive impact at a community level. Additional duties include leading curriculum lessons, facilitating a meaningful group process, managing risks, and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and engaging tone for students. Starting pay ranges from $80-$145/day (DOE) with opportunities for advancement. Staff housing, food pantry, industry pro-deals, and other stipends are also available. Current WFA/WFR & CPR certifications and satisfactory completion of a 14-day Instructor Course is required prior to employment. Seasonal positions are available from April to October, with occasional opportunities to continue employment into the fall and winter. If you have a background in outdoor education, outfitting and guiding, or adventure-based programming, email your cover letter and resume to NCOAE Human Resources. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

2024 Seasonal Staff Training
More exploration!Applications from exceptional outdoor and wilderness-based educators, guides, and field staff are being accepted for the 2024 season (April to October). Completion of NCOAE's 14-day Instructor Course (at no cost to you) is required prior to beginning seasonal employment. Apply now for the next course in North Carolina from May 1st–14th, 2024.

From mountains to sea, NCOAE students explore the backcountry on wilderness adventures! Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, or mountaineering—you’ll explore some of North Carolina's most beautiful terrain!

Human Resources
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education
9809 River Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28412

(910) 399-8090
hr@ncoae.org
NCOAE.org
Backdoorjobs.com/NCOAE.html

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos Explore LinkedIn page Watch YouTube Videos


Through adventures designed to foster community, build confidence and teach leadership, Adventure Treks operates wilderness-based programs for teenagers.

Adventure Treks

Outdoor Instructors

Adventure Treks operates 13- to 30-day summer and semester-long wilderness-based programs in British Columbia, Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and North Carolina.

Being an outdoor instructor at Adventure Treks is an incredible opportunity—seeing students immersed in nature, fostering a community and building their confidence and leadership on the trail! Instructors know the demands of operating on the sun's clock and sleeping in a tent for weeks at a time with peers and students that rely on them. In the highs and lows of a trip, they're always engaged, bringing fun to any situation, staying motivated, and working hard. Instructors are in charge of safety, satisfaction, and success. It's not always easy, but it's so rewarding! Instructors lead activities like backpacking, rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, and whitewater rafting. On each adventure, the five- to six-person instructor team works together to create fun, growth-oriented, and community-minded experiences and coordinate all aspects of the trip like managing group dynamics, teaching outdoor skills, maintaining equipment, and handling medical issues. A 60% instructor retention rate is in part due to their competitive salary, benefits and opportunities to work the summer, Leadership Adventure Semesters, and fall educational programs. See the qualifications page to learn more and apply.

Why work with Adventure Treks? Meet the faces of Adventure Treks and take a glimpse into Instructor Orientation.

Staffing Director
Adventure Treks
P.O. Box 1321
Flat Rock, NC 28731

(888) 954-5555
employment@adventuretreks.com
AdventureTreks.com

View Blog Spot View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos View Vimeo Videos Watch YouTube Videos


Momentum is an outdoor adventure therapy program designed exclusively for young adults ages 18-25 with depression, anxiety, technology addiction, academic struggles, and an overall lack of self-esteem.

Momentum

Field Instructors

With a private lake, comfortable amenities, and miles of surrounding national forest, the gorgeous 500-acre campus is nestled in the mountains of Western Carolina—the perfect setting to reflect and rebuild. Southeast regional data: 5,000+ miles of trails, 5,000+ climbing routes/boulder challenges, and many major whitewater rivers—all within a 1-4 hour drive from Momentum's campus.

Momentum is an outdoor adventure therapy program designed exclusively for struggling young adults, ages 18-25, who uncover their trail to success by overcoming new challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Field Instructors play an integral role in this process, mentoring students as they engage in various program elements such as group backpacking trips in the mountains, adventure expeditions (rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fishing and paddle boarding), base camp activities (equine care, culinary skills, gardening, service learning and college courses), yoga and mindfulness practice to manage the distractions of every-day life, and classrooms that reignite a love of learning through hands-on fun. Compensation includes an hourly wage amounting to $2,400-$2,850 per shift, PTO for Lead Instructors, $1,000/year for training (such as Wilderness or Clinical First Responder), and health insurance coverage after 30 days. A 1-year commitment is necessary with a work shift rotation of 15 days with students (food and sleeping arrangements provided), followed by 13 days off to relax, travel, and adventure. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have experience and/or certifications in backcountry leadership and activities. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Ethan Schwartz.

Exciting adventure programming, comprehensive clinical services, engaging academic seminars, and social interactions with peers combine to create a life-changing opportunity. View how the Momentum team makes a difference in building a powerful community for the students.

Ethan Schwartz (he/him)
Director of Experiential Learning
Momentum
555 Sky Valley Camp Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28739

(828) 989-7570
eschwartz@growatmomentum.com
GrowAtMomentum.com

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos Explore LinkedIn page Watch YouTube Videos


A Way of Life Farm: for healthy people, a healthy economy and healthy ecology.

A Way of Life Farm

Farm Apprenticeships

A Way of LIfe Farm is located an hour from Asheville and Charlotte, with charming "Main Street" towns fifteen minutes away—and just a half hour to swimming holes and hiking in South Mountain State Park or Chimney Rock.

Interested in environmental stewardship? Nutrition? Local food access? Community building? A Way of Life Farm brings all these passions together, growing nutrient dense produce and pork for farmers’ market, CSA, and local food pantries in the beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina. The farm integrates this production into a broader permaculture design and land revitalization project, rejuvenating a former clear-cut forest into productive vegetable fields, fruit and nut orchards, wildlife habitat, and forage for pastured pigs.

2024 Seasonal Farm Apprenticeships—Now Hiring! Farm Apprentices gain hands-on experience and learn the ins and outs of vegetable growing from seed to harvest including no-till bed preparation, seedling propagation, transplanting, harvest, marketing, and practical implementation of the five principles of soil health. Farmers Sara Jane and Jamie are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills and take their role as educators seriously. Applicants should have good communication skills and self-motivation. Some previous experience on a farm is highly recommended and experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity is important. Full season Apprentices work an average of 40 hours/week from March/April through December 2024 and receive a stipend starting at $1,000-$1,200/month DOE, as well as cozy, basic housing with your own private room and kitchen, vegetables and meat from the farm, food staples, and participation in educational and community activities and monthly CRAFT farm tour. To apply, send a completed application along with your resume and two work references to Sara Jane Davis.

Farming is our form of activism. We believe that providing people with truly healthy food that is also healthy for the land is a powerful act, and we’re excited to train new farmers. —Farmers Sara Jane and Jamie

Sara Jane and Jamie Davis
Owners
A Way of Life Farm
856 Brooks Rd.
Bostic, NC 28018

(828) 287-1253
awayoflifefarm@gmail.com
AWayofLifeFarm.com

View Facebook Page


Camp Carolina is an all boys camp that offers a balanced mixture of individual and team sports, nature, music, arts and crafts, high adventure and extreme sports.

Camp Carolina

Summer Camp Staff

With a large lake and mountain biking/horse riding trails on site, Camp Carolina is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered on three sides by the 450,000-acres of Pisgah National Forest. You’ll find over 100 waterfalls alone in the camp's backyard! Elevation and geographical location allow for warm summer days, plentiful rainfall and cool nights.

Camp Carolina is an all boys camp for 100 summers that offers a balanced mixture of individual and team sports, nature, music, arts and crafts, high adventure and extreme sports. Summer Camp Staff include Cabin and Head Counselors, In-Camp and Head Activity Counselors, and Adventure Activity Counselors (plan and teach one or more high adventure activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, wake boarding, sea kayaking, fly fishing, backpacking—and so many more!) and Kitchen and Maintenance staff. Compensation includes a weekly wage, open-air cabin housing, meals, laundry and most training course costs will be provided through the onsite Backcountry Institute for all adventure program staff. Courses will be offered as early as May 1st through the American Canoe Association, American Red Cross, National Archery Association, National Rifle Association, Wilderness Medical Association and more. Positions run from late May to mid-August, 2024. If you are a responsible, outdoor loving youth development professional with patience, understanding and an interest in inspiring the next generation of outdoorsmen please complete the online application or connect with Bren Thompson Hogan for more information.

Check out what summer staff say about working at Camp Carolina »

Bren Thompson Hogan
Director
1 Lambs Creek Rd.
Brevard, NC 28712

(828) 884-2414
Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 884-2414
bren@campcarolina.com
CampCarolina.com

View Blog View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos View Vimeo Page View Yelp Reviews! Watch YouTube Videos


Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center: Coastal Communities Environmental Education Program & Challenge Course

Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center

Environmental Educators & Challenge Course Facilitators

Located on the Neuse River (which has the largest mouth of any river in the U.S. being six miles long!), Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center hosts the Coastal Communities residential environmental education program focusing on hands-on experiences in coastal ecology, marine sciences and natural history as well as the Common Ground challenge course designed to build community and encourage teamwork. There are many opportunities for recreational activities in the area, including surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping and the beach! You will be visited by dolphins, rays and River Otters on a daily basis.

Experience the North Carolina coast and provide amazing outdoor education experiences for youth! Environmental Educators will teach a variety of outdoor exploration programs and activities—from ocean study and chart navigation to fishing, sailing and caring for captive animals. Educators will also double as Challenge Course Facilitators, providing team building, problem-solving and experiential learning. 2024 positions are available during the spring (late February to early June with a summer camp option) and fall season (early September to mid-November). Compensation includes a salary of $425/week (Interns earn $250/week), shared rooms in staff housing, all meals prepared by dining hall staff and WiFi access. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in a science or education related field or in outdoor recreation and experiential education (Internships are available for those currently working on their degree), and a strong interest in teaching children in an outdoor setting. If you are enthusiastic, patient, positive, self-disciplined, hardworking and a team player that can reside in a cooperative, communal living environment, email your cover letter, resume and 3 references to Katie Lilly.

Katie Lilly
School Programs Coordinator
Don Lee Camp and Retreat Center
315 Camp Don Lee Rd.
Arapahoe, NC 28510
(252) 249-1106, ext. 32
fieldtrips@donleecenter.org
DonLeeCenter.org

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos


Since 1991, Kanuga’s Mountain Trail Outdoor School has taught experiential outdoor education in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.

Mountain Trail Outdoor School

Instructors

Mountain Trail Outdoor School is a residential environmental education program serving students (typically in the 5th-8th grade) from both public and private schools from around the southeast. The 1,400-acre property has a diverse ecosystem ranging from streams and lakes to mountains and forest.

Mountain Trail Outdoor School is seeking enthusiastic Instructors who enjoy working with youth and have a desire to teach in an outdoor setting. Responsibilities include teaching outdoor environment classes (ranging from a science curriculum that meets state standards to team building exercises and adventure-based programming), developing curricula and resources for the program, assisting in the maintenance and upkeep of campus teaching, habitat, and resource storage areas, completing projects assigned by faculty supervisors, and actively participating in the broader Kanuga community when opportunities arise. Positions are available during the spring (late February to May) and fall (mid-August to November). Compensation includes $350/week (more DOE), onsite room and board, medical/pension for multi-season commitment, a comprehensive two-week paid training period, professional development incentives, and access to 1,400 acres of trails, a 30-acre lake, and Ride Kanuga mountain bike park. MTOS will also work with interns wishing to receive college credit while working with the outdoor school. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a Bachelor's degree in biology, education, recreation, or equivalent work experience. If you have experience teaching outdoor education, a passion for the natural environment and teaching children, and a willingness to live and work in an intentional community, fill out the online application.

View the MTOS experience »

Stratt Byars (he/him/his)
Director
Mountain Trail Outdoor School
130 Kanuga Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28739

(828) 233-2840
sbyars@kanuga.org
Kanuga.org

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos


Each summer Rockbrook provides a unique summer camp program of recreation, adventure, creativity and fun designed for girls.

Rockbrook Camp for Girls

Summer Camp Counselor Jobs

Located four miles south of Brevard and set among the fantastic beauty of the Carolina Appalachian mountains with numerous waterfalls and scenic overlooks within its 215-acre wooded location. The Camp is about 30 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport, about 2 ½ hours to Charlotte, NC, and 3 hours to Atlanta, GA.

Since 1921, Rockbrook Camp for Girls has been a place where girls ages 6-16 can experience the wonder and excitement of a summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Here you'll find a vintage camp experience: wooden cabins, campfires, silly songs, girls full of energy, and a variety of activities. From horseback riding, whitewater rafting, pottery, and swimming to campfires and exploring a chilly stream, each day at camp is filled with new experiences and great opportunities to develop lasting friendships. Summer camp jobs include 60 cabin counselors as well as other day staff, nurses, and program staff. Cabin counselors will live with and supervise a small group of girls, participate in general camp programs, provide leadership and instruction in one or more specific camp activities (24 different options), and be a positive role model. Counselors specializing in climbing, hiking/backpacking and paddling counselors will plan, organize and lead out-of-camp trips. Compensation starts at $300/week (with increases for certifications and experience), plus room, board, laundry, free WiFi in the staff lounge, and a community where everyone is celebrated and supported. Positions run from June 2nd to August 11th, 2024 with shorter contracts available. If you have high energy, outgoing, silly at heart, enjoy being with children and comfortable in a rustic, outdoor setting, apply online today!

View what it means to be a Camp Counselor at Rockbrook and why it might be the most rewarding summer job you'll ever have!

Laura Evans Duncan
Staff Director
Rockbrook Camp for Girls
3460 Greenville Hwy
Brevard, NC 28712

(828) 884-6151
laura@rockbrookcamp.com
RockbrookCamp.com

View Blog Spot View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos Follow on Twitter! Watch YouTube Videos


With a focus on fun, safety, community, the outdoors, and developing 21st century life skills, Camp Pinnacle partners with parents to create a memorable and impactful summer camp experience!

Camp Pinnacle

Summer Trip Leaders and General/Activity Counselors

Located just outside of Hendersonville and Asheville, Camp Pinnacle’s wooded property centerpiece is 20-acre Wolf Lake with a fantastic waterfront featuring swimming, canoeing, stand up paddleboards, kayaking, a mountain water slide and water zip line. Just a short walk from the waterfront are cabins, dining hall, gymnasium, arts & crafts, tennis courts, mountain bike trails, climbing tower and more. Dupont State Park and Pisgah National Forest is just a short drive for fun in the outdoors. Learn more about the camp's facilities.

If you love working with children, there’s no better way to spend your summer than working as a Camp Pinnacle Trip Leader or Counselor! Trip Leaders are responsible for leading off-camp adventures and supporting cabin counselors during trips. Duties include assisting with trip logistics, driving, food prep, and leading activities that include day hikes, one and two-night backpacking trips, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, climbing tower, high ropes course, and team building/group initiative games. General Counselors share activities, meals and facilitate evening circle while Activity Counselors are trained in specific activity areas and are responsible for creating fun and exciting lessons. Summers are packed with growth opportunities for both staff and campers, with the hopes that everyone leaves camp with new experiences, friendships and a greater love for the outdoors. Trip Leader compensation starts at $3,715 ($3,000+ for Counselors) plus room and three meals per day are provided. The summer season runs from May 19th to August 11th, 2024. If you can thrive in a camp environment as well as provide a substantive experience for campers in the outdoors, fill out the online application.

View a quick glimpse of camp life at Camp Pinnacle!

Alice Haefeli
Associate Director
Camp Pinnacle
1 Wolfe Lake Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28739

(828) 692-2677
alice@camppinnacle.com
CampPinnacle.com

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos View Vimeo Page


Year after year, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly provides positive, life-changing experiences and quality programs and services through a well-trained, empowered staff.

YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly

Adventure Program Leaders

With one of the largest and most comprehensive indoor and outdoor challenge course facilities in the country, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a year-round conference and retreat center. The campus is located in in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, and a short drive to historic downtown Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, the Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, whitewater rafting, waterfalls, great hiking and so much more! Outdoor enthusiasts who are inspired by fresh air, cool breezes, mountain landscapes and bountiful trails and streams will enjoy life right outside their back door.

YMCA Job ListingLive, work and play in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina this summer! Adventure Program Leaders will facilitate a wide variety of activities that increase leadership and self-confidence among participants—from leading groups on both the high and low ropes challenge courses to teaching engaging outdoor activities such as environmental education, mountain biking, archery, crafts, and night hikes. Positions are available during the spring (February 19th-May 20th), summer (May 25th-August 9th), and fall (August 10th-November 30th), with the option of working multiple seasons based on performance. Schedules and weekly hours vary according to the conference programs calendar. Compensation includes $12/hour, meals, furnished room with private bath, ample common areas and fully equipped kitchen, all utilities, WiFi access, and discounted stays for family members. Staff trips to local area attractions (including the historic Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville) occur regularly, and campfires, movies, game nights, pool parties and outdoor recreational trips are an essential part of the Blue Ridge staff experience! Applicants should have previous outdoor programs experience, a high level of physical fitness and ability to work well at heights, and comfortable leading groups of various sizes and participants of all ages. To apply, fill out the online application or contact Bruno Vandorsee for more info.

View what makes YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly a place where lives are truly impacted for a lifetime.

Bruno Vandorsee
Leadership Development Director
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
84 Blue Ridge Circle
Black Mountain, NC 28711

(828) 669-8422
bvandorsee@yblueridge.org
BlueRidgeAssembly.org

View Facebook Page View Instagram Photos Explore LinkedIn page Watch YouTube Videos