Avid4 Adventure

Empowering the Next Generation of Outdoor Adventurers

Avid4 Adventure is far from a conventional summer camp organization. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, this Certified B Corporation is on an ambitious and deeply necessary mission to reconnect children with the natural world. In an era increasingly dominated by screen time, digital interactions, and sedentary lifestyles, Avid4 Adventure offers a vital alternative: immersive, skill-building outdoor experiences that foster confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of nature. Founded in 2004 by David Secunda, a veteran of the outdoor education industry with a profound understanding of youth development, the company has grown exponentially from its Colorado roots. Today, it operates a diverse array of day and overnight camps across California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, reaching thousands of children each year.

The core philosophy of Avid4 Adventure centers on teaching solid outdoor skills while emphasizing sound judgment, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Rather than simply keeping kids occupied with traditional camp crafts or field games, the company’s programs are meticulously designed to introduce children to authentic adventure sports. These activities, which range from rock climbing and kayaking to mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and extensive hiking, are structured to help children take calculated risks in a highly supportive and expertly managed environment. This approach not only builds physical competence and coordination but also develops the emotional grit and psychological resilience necessary to navigate challenges in all aspects of life. As a B Corp, Avid4 Adventure fundamentally balances purpose with profit, maintaining a deep, unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and inclusive community building. The organization firmly believes that fostering a connection with the outdoors early in life is essential for developing the next generation of environmental advocates and responsible global citizens.

The impact of Avid4 Adventure extends beyond the campers to the broader communities in which it operates. By partnering with local parks, recreation areas, and open spaces, the company ensures that its programs utilize authentic, natural environments rather than artificial setups. This not only enhances the learning experience for the children but also promotes an appreciation for local natural resources. Furthermore, the organization actively engages in initiatives to make outdoor education more accessible, offering scholarships and community-based programs to reach children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in such transformative experiences.

A Culture of Outdoor Community and Inclusivity

At Avid4 Adventure, the concept of "community" extends far beyond a corporate buzzword; it is the very lifeblood of the organization. The company cultivates an environment where staff members are united by a shared, palpable passion for the outdoors and a profound dedication to youth development. This is a workplace where your colleagues are frequently also your climbing partners, hiking companions, and fellow weekend adventurers. The culture is characterized by a strong sense of belonging, mutual support, and a collective drive to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children.

Inclusivity is a major, foundational pillar of this community. Avid4 Adventure actively and intentionally works to create a welcoming, safe space for everyone, regardless of background, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or previous outdoor experience level. The company proudly supports affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff members, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but actively valued and integrated into the organization's fabric. Furthermore, the organization’s commitment to its core values—such as "Live Community" and "Live Fun"—is evident in how staff interact with each other and the campers on a daily basis. It is a culture that actively celebrates shared experiences, continuous professional and personal learning, and the simple, profound joy of being outside.

The emphasis on community also translates into robust support systems for staff. Recognizing the demanding nature of outdoor education, Avid4 Adventure provides resources for mental and physical well-being. Regular team-building activities, open forums for feedback, and a leadership team that is accessible and responsive contribute to an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and supported. This focus on staff well-being is directly linked to the quality of the camper experience; when instructors feel valued and energized, they are better equipped to inspire and guide the children in their care. The culture here is not just about doing a job; it is about being part of a movement that champions the outdoors and the positive development of youth.

What You'll Actually Do

Working at Avid4 Adventure means your "office" is the great outdoors, and your daily routine is anything but typical. The primary roles within the organization are seasonal, running predominantly from late May or early June through early August, and involve direct instruction and leadership in various adventure sports. As an instructor, camp leader, or director, your day-to-day responsibilities will revolve around teaching children—ranging in age from Pre-K to 12th grade—how to safely and confidently engage in activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking.

You will be responsible for managing group dynamics, ensuring both the physical and emotional safety of your campers, and delivering high-quality, skill-based instruction tailored to varying age groups and experience levels. This is emphatically not a passive supervisory role; you will be actively participating, demonstrating technical skills, and encouraging campers to push their boundaries in a healthy, supported way. You will use professional-caliber equipment, ensuring that children learn on gear that meets industry standards, and you will transport campers in company vehicles to authentic local recreation areas, turning local parks and waterways into dynamic classrooms.

Beyond the technical skills, you will serve as a crucial mentor and role model. You will help kids develop resilience when they struggle with a challenging climb, foster teamwork as they paddle a tandem kayak, and cultivate an appreciation for the natural environment as they explore local trails. The work is undeniably physically demanding, requiring high energy, stamina, and the ability to maintain a positive attitude in varying weather conditions. However, it is also profoundly rewarding as you witness the tangible growth, increased confidence, and sheer excitement of the campers as they master new skills and overcome their fears. You will be instrumental in creating memories that these children will carry with them for a lifetime.

Compensation & Benefits

Avid4 Adventure is committed to transparency and providing a living wage for its staff, a notable and progressive stance in the often notoriously low-paying seasonal outdoor education industry. While specific salaries inevitably vary by role, location, and experience level, the company states that it bases its pay structures around a living wage standard for the areas in which it operates. For instructional roles, hourly rates generally hover around $21, translating to an annual equivalent that reflects the seasonal nature of the work. Camp management roles, such as Camp Directors and Assistant Directors, see higher compensation, with estimates suggesting around $49,000 annually or roughly $26 per hour.

Beyond base pay, Avid4 Adventure offers a robust, highly appealing suite of perks designed specifically to support an active, outdoor lifestyle. These include access to affordable medical insurance plans—a rarity for seasonal staff in many organizations—as well as public transportation reimbursement to encourage sustainable commuting. One of the most popular benefits is access to significant industry "pro deals," providing substantial discounts on top-tier outdoor gear from premium brands like Outdoor Research, Smartwool, La Sportiva, and many others.

Staff also enjoy free access to company equipment, including bikes, SUPs, and kayaks, during their off-hours, allowing them to pursue their own adventures. Professional development opportunities are plentiful, with the company offering training and certifications that enhance both outdoor skills and leadership capabilities. Additionally, Avid4 Adventure provides camp discounts for family members and runs a lucrative referral program that can reward staff with valuable items such as airline tickets, high-end gear, and cash bonuses for bringing other talented individuals onto the team.

The Interview Process

The hiring process at Avid4 Adventure is meticulously designed to be efficient, candidate-friendly, and highly effective at identifying individuals who align with the company's mission and values. The process typically concludes within a swift 1 to 2 weeks, minimizing uncertainty for applicants. It begins with a straightforward, accessible online application that is mobile-friendly and takes only a few minutes to complete, focusing on basic qualifications and availability. Following the initial application, candidates are asked to provide three references (which can be personal or professional, but notably not current Avid4 employees), who will receive a brief, automated email questionnaire to complete.

The next step in the process involves a "Sparkhire" one-way video interview. This modern approach allows candidates to record answers to pre-set questions at their own convenience, using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Candidates are given multiple chances to record each answer, reducing anxiety and allowing them to present their best selves. This step is crucial for the hiring team to assess communication skills, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for the company's mission of youth outdoor education.

Finally, candidates who advance past the video stage will participate in a 20-minute live placement interview with a Talent Acquisition Specialist. This conversation is highly collaborative and conversational, rather than interrogatory. It focuses on matching the candidate's specific skills, experience level, and geographic preferences with the right position, program type (day camp vs. overnight camp), and location within the extensive Avid4 Adventure network. The goal is to ensure a mutually beneficial fit that sets the staff member up for a successful and enjoyable season.

Why Join / Why Not

Why Join: If you are deeply passionate about the outdoors and youth development, Avid4 Adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to combine your interests into a fulfilling, impactful job. The company provides a vibrant, inclusive community of like-minded individuals, robust, professional-grade training, and the unique chance to make a tangible, lasting difference in children's lives. The perks, particularly the pro deals and free access to high-quality gear, are highly attractive for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, the organization's explicit commitment to a living wage and its adherence to B Corp values demonstrate a progressive, ethical approach to seasonal employment that is rare in the industry. It is an ideal environment for those looking to build leadership skills, gain experience in outdoor education, and spend their summer actively engaged in nature.

Why Not: The work is inherently seasonal, primarily spanning the busy summer months, which may not suit those seeking year-round, full-time employment with traditional corporate stability and benefits. The roles are undeniably physically demanding and require consistently high energy levels, immense patience, and the ability to effectively manage groups of children in varying, sometimes challenging weather conditions. While the company genuinely strives for a living wage, the overall compensation for entry-level seasonal roles may still be modest compared to full-time positions in other industries. If you prefer a traditional, climate-controlled office environment, are uncomfortable with physical exertion, or are not enthusiastic about spending long, active days outside managing youth, this is definitively not the right fit for you.