WisCorps crews are responsible for the gritty aspect of conservation at natural areas throughout the upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan). Crews work and live together throughout the experience, eat healthy, minimize their impact on the Earth, and complete hands-on projects, build trails, manage habitats, and complete carpentry projects on publicly accessible lands. Embrace the simple life outdoors — campfires, good books, journaling, and meaningful conversations with new friends!
Explore the Upper Midwest, make an impact outdoors, build lifelong friendships — and get paid doing it!WisCorps participants spend the duration of their project time living, serving, and traveling together. Crews stay together during their non-project time to participate in recreational activities, take care of chores, or travel to their next project site. WisCorps operates crews during the summer (May through August) and fall (September through November). Crew Leaders work both terms while Members have the option of one or two seasons.Compensation includes $550/week for Leaders ($300/week for Members), plus meals, single occupancy tent camping or dorm-style housing, an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of service, and the chance to network with land management agencies and learn various land management techniques. Crew Leaders also participate in a five-week intensive training program to kick off the season. If you are self-motivated, hardworking, confident, independent, passionate about the environment, and thrive in rugged conditions, explore current opportunities and fill out the crew application (will take about 30 minutes to complete) OR email Eric Robertson for more information.
View a short clip of the WisCorps crew experience.
PEAK (Potential, Experience, Access, Knowledge) is a year-round program that offers a series of carefully designed activities to cultivate a deep sense of belonging and help youth explore their innate capacity for leadership at all ages. Lake Valley Camp, PEAK’s resident camp, sits on 650 natural acres of rolling hills and forest in southwest Wisconsin. The camp experience is provided free of charge to campers, with programming that includes nature/ecology, garden, equestrian, performing arts, visual arts, outdoor living, boating, swimming, archery, and team sports. Campers show up for growth, extraordinary experiences, leadership, and building relationships.
Do summer different.Lake Valley Camp is looking for summer staff who want to make a lasting impact on youth! Now seeking Camp Counselors and Leadership Team members to provide a safe, inclusive, encouraging, fun, growth-oriented, and meaningful experience for campers by supervising all aspects of daily camper life and facilitating, participating in, and supporting campers through camp activities. Specialized Activity Counselors and Coordinators work in a variety of areas including outdoor living skills, nature program, team building, expeditions, equestrian, archery, gardens, aquatics, boating, lifeguarding, performing arts, and team sports. All summer staff must make a commitment from June 18th to August 13th, 2026. Compensation starts at $650/week and increases with responsibility. Room and board are provided for most positions. If you are passionate about working with young people, leadership development, and creating an inclusive and safe environment, explore current jobs openings, click on the position you are interested in, and fill out the online application.
Based at the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in the heart of Bayfield, Wisconsin, South Shore Adventures offers intimate, guided kayak tours on the pristine waters of Lake Superior. With a maximum of just 6 guests per trip, every experience feels personal and unhurried. Paddle through clear turquoise waters, dramatic red sandstone sea caves, spot bald eagles and otters along the rugged shoreline, and explore historic lighthouses on Sand Island.
Now seeking enthusiastic, personable, dependable, and safety-focused seasonalKayak Guides to lead small groups on half-day sea cave tours and full-day adventures. Guides will have the opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of Lake Superior while ensuring each guest enjoys a safe and memorable outing. Primary responsibilities include creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for guests of all skill levels, ensuring all safety protocols and NPS guidelines are followed, sharing stories about Ojibwe history, geology, and the ecology of Lake Superior, and assisting with gear preparation, maintenance, and retail shop tasks as needed. Positions are available from late May through mid-October, with flexible scheduling. Guides earn $18–$24/hour (depending on experience and certifications) plus tips averaging $60–$120/day. Perks include free kayak gear and training, ACA certification support, merchandise and tour discounts, and a close-knit supportive family-run team environment. While housing isn’t provided, recommendations for local seasonal options in Bayfield are available. Applicants must be an experienced paddler with ACA Level 1 (or higher) certification (or equivalent real-world skills), outgoing and genuinely enjoys helping people create unforgettable memories on the water, a team player, and physically fit. If you love sharing the water, value safety, and want to be part of a growing family business, send your resume and a short note about why you’d be a great fit to Jared Kirschmann.
With a home base in St. Paul, Minnesota, Wilderness Inquiry sits right on the bank of the Mississippi River. From this main office and warehouse location, staff are sent to countless locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as throughout the U.S., including popular National Parks such as Yellowstone and Glacier. The sea kayaking base camp in Little Sand Bay, Wisconsin takes kayakers throughout the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior's South Shore—known for its red sandstone sea caves, sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and historic shipwrecks. Both locations offer lots to see and do during your off time!
Whether you're an expert or beginner in outdoor recreation and education (or not particularly outdoorsy at all!) there is a place for you at Wilderness Inquiry. Like participants, staff come from all backgrounds, skillsets, and interests, with one thing in common: we are all passionate about making the outdoors a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for all. With various program models, staff can enjoy working on extended trips across the country or spend their days working locally and returning to their own homes every night. Over the course of a single trip, Leaders will embrace many roles including educator, guide, leader and more. Seasonal positions are offered from May through October, with varied staff trainings. Compensation ranges from $19-$24/hour for day programs and $182-$232/day for overnights/extended tours. Staff housing, meals on extended trips, and professional service stipends are also provided. If you're looking for a place to make friends, participate in cool experiences, get paid to spend time outside, and work with a crew of amazing individuals where you feel like you truly belong and make a difference, learn more about the Wilderness Inquiry community.
Join Wilderness Inquiry in 2026 Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry—leading life changing outdoor experiences for people of all backgrounds and abilities! Explore all leadership and support positions currently open for the 2026 season!
Take a virtual tour of the Wilderness Inquiry Apostle Islands Base Camp!
Whether you're an expert or beginner in outdoor recreation and education (or not particularly outdoorsy at all!) there is a place for you at 
Outdoor Leaders create the magic at Wilderness Inquiry—leading life changing outdoor experiences for people of all backgrounds and abilities! Explore all