If you enjoy working with youth and love to travel you could work as a summer program leader and do both. Summer program leaders are contract workers that lead domestic and international travel programs for teens. While on program, summer leaders earn a salary, are provided room & board, and do not need to pay any travel expenses. I’ve worked as a summer program leader for the past 4 summers, and this post will tell you all the things you should know about the job and how to apply.
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What is a Summer Program Leader
A Summer Program Leader
Summer program leaders are contract workers that are assigned to lead domestic and/or international programs that focus on outdoor education, cultural immersion, and/or community service. They are in charge of leading groups of participants, ages of 13-18, across different US states and/or countries. A leader’s main job is group management and safety.
A program leader is not a tour guide or activities guide. They take the group to the pre-scheduled activity that is run by a third party outfitter. Leader’s usually get the chance to participate but do not teach activities such as SCUBA, rock climbing, rafting, etc…
The Programs
The type of programs that summer leaders are in charge of differ greatly by company, program type, and program location. All, if not almost all, of the program is already planned out, so leaders do not need to find accommodations or book activities for their groups.
A lot of companies go to the same locations. For example Colorado and Costa Rica are both really popular destinations. They may do the same activities on these programs such as hiking the same trails or surfing the same beaches. However, one company may focus on service in Colorado and another may focus on backpacking. Therefore, even programs in the same location can vary greatly.
Other differences depend on how the company likes their overall programs to run. Some companies will have their groups cook their own meals, therefore you will need to grocery shop and clean up as a group. Other’s will have food provided by the accommodations you are staying in and some will have you find restaurants to eat at. Or you may get a mix of all of these things.
Program Leader Responsibilities
Summer program leaders wear many different hats and often share responsibilities with one or two other co-leaders. Once the program starts, this is a 24/7 job and there is very little alone time. Programs go by quickly and you are always on the go, so being able to maintain your energy levels is a must.
Responsibilities vary depending on the type of company you work for and program you are assigned to. Some of these responsibilities may include;
- Managing group safety and cohesion.
- Leading games & facilitating workshops.
- Communicating with partners while in the field.
- Teaching outdoor living/cooking/camping skills.
- Overseeing group food shopping & meal planning.
- Actively participating in all group activities.
- Finding activities and dining options for the group.
- Managing the provided food/activity budget.
- Driving your group to and from activities.
- Connecting with each participant on an individual level.
- Being a positive role model & mentor.
Requirements to be a Summer Program Leader
Summer program leaders need to be a minimum age of 21 and have previous experience working with youth. Many companies require you to have a valid drivers license with a clean driving record. All international leaders need a valid passport.
Program leaders are required to have some sort of first aid training, usually a WFA (wilderness first aid) or a WFR (wilderness first responder) certification before the start of their program. A lot of companies will connect you with their required first aid course. Other requirements will vary by employer.
While activity certifications might help you in getting a job or placement on a specific program, it is not necessary because you are not an activity leader. This means you are not the one responsible for guiding or teaching activities like SCUBA, rock climbing, etc…
The Job Commitment
Many USA based companies have an in-person, mandatory staff training that begins in late-May/early-June. Summer leaders are assigned to one or multiple programs that range between 7-23 days during the months of June, July, and August.
While on program, you do not get days off. This is a 24/7 job and you need to be ready if somthing were to happen in the middle of the night.
Working as a Summer Program Leader
How Summer Leaders are Assigned a Program
When you accept a job as a summer program leader you are signing on to work for that company and not a specific program. This means you will not get to choose the program you are assigned. For example, you may really want to go to Italy but they might send you to California.
Every company has their own way of assigning their leaders to programs. Ultimately your program assignment will rely on your experience, seniority with the company, and the company/program needs. You will get your summer program placement closer to the summer (probably in April or May).
Leader Training
A lot of people get nervous about this job because they have never done something like this before and it’s hard to understand how a program runs until you get out in the feild. Rest assured, some form of training will be provided for you before you head out to run a program. How this training runs and how good it is or is not really depends on the company.
Room & Board
Accommodation and food is included for you while you are working. Depending on the program you are running, this can mean a variety of options. You might be living in a tent for the whole summer, hostel hopping, staying in an air bnb, or living in a homestay. If your program calls for group cooking, you will be grocery shopping and eating the meals the group makes. A lot of international programs will have you eating at restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It’s a gamble on what you get, but the experience is usually a memorable one. Of course, this also means you will be living out of a backpack for the entire summer.
How Much Money You Make
Every company has different variables they take into consideration when offering a program leader a contract. Your pay can depend on many variables, such as; your experience, how many programs you are running, your role in the field, if you are working a domestic or international trip, your certifications, etc…
Most salaries, especially when you are first starting out, resemble that of a summer camp counselor. Keep in mind that you do not need to pay for anything while you are working, this includes; visa fees, flights, accommodations, transportation in country, meals, and group activities.
Top 3 Cons of Working as a Summer Program Leader
After working the past 4 summers as a program leader, here are my top 3 cons of the job;
- You do not get to choose your location or program.
- If you want to go to a new international destination, it does not matter. You might get assigned a location in the USA that you’ve already been to. It can be frustrating if you chose this job to travel the world and you feel like you don’t get to do that.
- Working with teens can be challenging.
- It’s difficult to teach new skills to a participant that does not want to learn or does not want to participate in the day’s activity. These programs come with rules and it’s unfortunately common for participants to break them. You will put in a lot of effort with your groups and you really hope that all you do for them has a positive impact.
- The pay is really low.
- Because of the perks that come with the job, pay is not usually that great. Unfortunately, for the type of work you do 24/7 while on program, there are a lot of times it does not feel worth it compared to how exhausted you are.
Top 3 Pros of Working as a Program Leader
Obviously, there are some amazing things to this job, or else I would not have been doing it for so long. Below are my top three favorite parts of the job;
- You travel for free.
- Not only are you getting to visit countries and locations you may not have without this job, but you get to participate in all of the activities the participants do; ziplining, snorkeling, cooking classes, etc… And you do not have to pay for any of it.
- You find your people.
- The connections you make with the other leaders are amazing. Staff training is always a blast because you get to meet and connect with other people who not only work in your field (which can be hard to find) but also love to travel and explore and are probably at the same point in life as you.
- You can make a differnce for the teens you work with.
- You are a mentor that has the opportunity to watch your group learn and grow. It’s an amazing feeling watching a participant start off a program not knowing how to pitch a tent to becoming the star camper at the end of a program. You can make a positive difference in these teens lives, however small it may be.
How to Apply to Work as a Summer Program Leader
How to Find a Job as a Summer Program Leader
Below is a list of companies that hire program leaders to run their domestic and international teen travel programs. You can apply directly to these companies via the instructions on their career page. Keep in mind that each company has their own program themes, program locations, and hiring process.
Choosing a Company
Personally, when I choose a company to work for, I weigh the following; the connection I make with the staff during the interview, how many programs they offer, the pay, what you do on a program according to their website (i.e. is it mainly camping, service, leadership, etc..) and what the people I have worked with (who have worked for that company) say about them.
You need to do your own research, but do not choose a company only based on the program locations they offer. Just because a summer program is listed on their website, does not mean it will be running for the upcoming summer. Each program has a set amount of participants it needs in order for it to run. If it does not meet this quota it does not run.
When Companies Hire Summer Leaders
The majority of companies will begin their hiring process in late October/early November. Usually, they reach out to their staff from the previous summer first, then move on to hiring new applicants through their general application process. Companies aim to have all of their summer staff hired as soon as possible, so summer jobs in this industry can fill up fast.
What to Add to your Resume
When applying to be a summer program leader, your resume should be tailored to the job. There are many different components to this type of job and any of the following experiences or certifications can be added to boost your resume;
- Any experience working with youth.
- Summer camp counselor experience.
- Teaching or tutoring.
- Living in a group environment.
- Group management/leadership skills.
- Any outdoor experience (backpacking, camping, hiking, etc..).
- Experience driving a 15 passenger van and/or trailer.
- International travel experience.
- International work or study programs.
- SCUBA certifications/experience.
- First Aid certifications (Lifeguard, WFA, WFR, EMT, etc…).
- Tour guide experience.
- Logistics and budgeting experience.
Where to Search for Program Leader Jobs
If the companies listed below are not for you, you can use job search websites to find other companies. The websites that tend to post the most current and up-to date summer program leader jobs are Backdoor Jobs and Occupation Wild. You can also find jobs posted on other Seasonal Job Search Websites.
Where to Apply to Work as a Summer Program Leader
Below is a list of companies I am familiar with that you can apply to work as a summer program leader. Each one has their own specific hiring process, different program themes, and program locations that can change from year to year.
1. Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)
Program Locations: USA (HI & UT), Asia (Bali, India, Sumatra, Japan, & Thailand), Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, & Guatemala), Caribbean (Dominican Republic), South America (Galapagos & Peru), Africa (Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, & South Africa), Europe (Greece, Italy, Spain), and Oceania (Fiji).
Employee Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, two years experience working with middle schoolers and teens, international travel experience (for non-US programs), Covid-19 vaccination, medical insurance (for US programs), and a CPR and First Aid certification. Some programs will require a WFR or Lifeguard certification.
2. ARCC Programs
Program Locations: USA (AK & CA), Asia (Bali, Sumatra, Vietnam, Thailand, & Cambodia), Oceania (Australia & Fiji), South America (Equator, Galapagos, & Peru), and Central America (Costa Rica & Belize).
Employee Requirements: Age 21+, ability to obtain a WFR certification, a college graduate or currently in college, experience working with youth, a current driver’s license, a clean driving record, and fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
3. Bold Earth
Program Locations: USA (CA, CO, HI, Pacific Northwest, & Southwest Regions), Europe (Alps, Iceland, & Dolomites), Africa (South Africa & Tanzania), Asia (Thailand), and Latin America (Costa Rica, Ecuador, & Galapagos), and Oceania (Fiji).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, a college graduate or currently in college, experience working with youth, a clean driving record with no more than 4 points in the past 3 years, and the ability to obtain a WFR certification.
4. The Road Less Traveled
Program Locations: Africa (Morocco), Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan), Canada, the USA (AK, HI, UT, ME, & CO), South America (Ecuador & Peru), Central America (Dominican, Puerto Rico, & Costa Rica) and Europe (Iceland, Italy, Spain, Norway, Azores, France, Scotland, Ireland, & Greece).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, experience working with youth ages 12-19, a valid drivers license, WFR certified, and knowledge of service learning and/or outdoor skills.
5. Outward Bound
Program Locations: USA (CO, NC, PA, CA, NY, MN, OR, ME, MA, & Chesapeake Bay area). International options available.
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, an ability to obtain a WFR certification, and have high & low ropes facilitation experience. Other requirement depend on the school/location applied for.
Note: Each Outward Bound school is responsible for hiring their own team. Thus, the interview and application process will vary depending on the location you apply to. For international job openings, click here.
6. Travel For Teens
Program Locations: Over 48 countries.
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, experience working with youth ages 12-19, experience living or working in one of their offered destinations, fully vaccinated against Covid-19, preference given to staff that can commit to two summers.
Resources: What it’s Like Working as a Summer Leader with Travel for Teens
7. Broadreach
Program Locations: Caribbean (St. Martin, St Lucia, The Leewards, Curacao, Bonaire, Bahamas), Asia (Bali & Komodo), Oceania (Fiji), South America (Galapagos), and Other (Red Sea).
Employee Requirements: Travel experience, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and an ability to obtain a WFR certification.
Note: The majority of programs need leaders who have scuba/sailing/marine life experience. However, there are a couple land based programs for those who are not scuba/sailing qualified.
8. Action Quest
Program Locations: British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Australia.
Employee Requirements: Ages 18+ and trained in First Aid and/or CPR. Other requirements depend on the specific position you apply for.
Note: This program is run by The Global Expeditions Group. Their programs need leaders who have scuba/sailing/marine life experience.
9. Global Works Travel
Program Locations: Central America (Costa Rica), Caribbean (Puerto Rico), South America (Ecuador & Peru), Europe (France & Spain), USA (Pacific Northwest Region) and Oceania (Fiji).
Employee Requirements: Ages 23+, vaccinated against Covid-19, experience working with youth, experience traveling/working/living in the countries you are applying for, ability to obtain a WFR certification, and volunteer experience.
Note: This program aims to place leaders in locations they have visited and are comfortable with/in. All of their programs have a strong focus on volunteering and have a range of 20-80 hours of community service per trip.
10. Rustic Pathways
Program Locations: Europe (France, Croatia, & Italy), Asia (South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, & Nepal), USA (AK, HI, LA, & CO), Central America (Costa Rica & Dominican Republic), South America (Peru & Ecuador), Africa (Morocco, Tanzania & Ghana), Oceania (Australia & Fiji).
Employee Requirements: Ages 22+, a bachelors degree or equivalent work experience, and two years of relevant experience in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential education. At least two years of experience working with youth, and 6 months of experience living and/or working in an international, multicultural, or cross-cultural environment. Vaccinated against Covid-19 and First Aid and CPR certified.
11. Wilderness Adventures
Program Locations: USA (WY, NY, CA, OR, NC, HI, CO, MA, AK, UT, WA), Europe (Switzerland & Spain), and Central America (Costa Rica).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, excellent driving record, WFR certified, Lifeguard certified, experience leading or teaching youth, and a college degree or in the process of completing college.
12. Putney Student Travel
Program Locations: Over 31 countries.
Employee Requirements: Experience living/traveling/working in the country of the program location(s), a bachelors degree or work experience in a field related to the program theme, a CPR and First Aid certificate, ability to drive a manual transmission (for some programs), and be vaccinated against Covid-19.
13. Smithsonian Student Travel
Program Locations: Oceania (Australia), Central America (Belize & Cost Rica), South America (Ecuador & Galapagos), Europe (France, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, & Scotland), Asia (Japan) and the USA (NY, TX, and Washington D.C.).
Employee Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or work experience in a field related to the program(s) theme. Language proficiency of the program destination, experience living/traveling in the program location(s), experience working with high schoolers, ability to obtain a First Aid and CPR certification.
Note: This program is in collaboration with Putney Student Travel (above) but is specific to high school students. They aim to place leaders in locations they have visited and are comfortable with/in.
14. Global Routes
Program Locations: USA (Pacific Northwest & HI), Asia (India, Thailand, & Cambodia), and Central America (Costa Rica & Guatamala).
Employee Requirements: Ages 24+, CPR and First AID certified, and have travel experience. Some programs require a lifeguard certification.
15. Visions
Program Locations: Europe (British Virgin Islands), Caribbean (Dominican Republic), USA (MT), and South America (Peru).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, experience working with teenagers, and have medical training (WFR, EMT, ect…). Preference is given to those who have experience in skills they utilize on service projects, such as farming.
16. Westcoast Connection
Program Locations: USA (AK, HI, CA, and the East Coast), Central America (Costa Rica), South America (Ecuador & Galapagos), Asia (Thailand & Vietnam), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji), Canada, Africa (South Africa) and Europe (Austria, Croatia, Check Republic, England, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, & Switzerland).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, experience working with teens, a CPR and First Aid certification, fully vaccinated against Covid-19, travel experience, and summer camp experience.
17. Rein Teen Tours
Program Locations: Across the USA, Central America (Costa Rica), South America (Ecuador, Galapagos, & the Amazon), Asia (Thailand & Cambodia).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, CPR/First Aid certified, non-smoker, and COVID-19 vaccinated.
18. Overland
Program Locations: USA (New England, WY, CA, CO, AK, WA, MT), Europe (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, France, & Spain) and Africa (Tanzania).
Employee Requirements: CPR/AED and WFA certified, valid driver license, clean driving record, clean police and CORI check, and the ability to carry 40lbs of gear.
Notes: Almost all of their programs are hiking focused.
19. The Experiment
Program Locations: Europe (France, Germany, Italy, & Spain), South America (Ecuador), Africa (Ghana), Asia (Japan & South Korea), and the Middle East (Jordan).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, experience studying/working/living internationally, experience with high school students, and CPR/First Aid certified. A bachelors degree is preferred but not required.
20. Go Beyond
Program Locations: Europe (British Virgin Islands & Iceland), Oceania (Australia), Central America (Costa Rica), South America (Equator & Galapagos), and Asia (China & Sri Lank).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+ (age 19+ for a staff in training position), and trained in First Aid and CPR.
Note: This program is run by The Global Expeditions Group.
21. Moondance Adventures
Program Locations: USA (CO, CA, HI, & AK), Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece, Albania, France, Iceland, & Croatia), Africa (Morocco, Tanzania, Mozambique, & South Africa), Central America (Costa Rica, Belize), South America (Ecuador), Asia (Japan & Thailand), Canada (BC), and Oceania (Fiji).
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, college graduate or current college student, current WFA or WFR, drivers license and tetanus immunization.
Notes: Almost all of their programs are hiking focused.
22. Apogee Adventures
Program Locations: USA (CO, AK, Pacific Coast, & New England), Caribbean (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, & Virgin Islands) and Across Europe.
Employee Requirements: Ages 20+, current WFA or WFR depending on position, vaild drivers license, experience with youth and leadership,
23. SeaTreck
Program Locations: British Virgin Islands and Bahamas.
Notes: All their programs are focused on SCUBA Diving, sailing, and marine science.
24. ACT (Active Travel Camps)
Program Locations:This company offers one set program that takes you around the French Alps.
Note: There is no “employee” page that I could find. They tend to hire through Indeed.
25. Backroads
Program Locations: Over 40 countries around the world.
Employee Requirements: Ages 21+, have a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and ability to hike 10 miles or cycle 30 miles per day. To work in their Europe locations you must be able to drive a manual transmission.
Note: Their trips are not just for kids and teens, they offer programs for all age groups.
26. Where There Be Dragons
Program Locations: Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Bhutan, & China), Central America (Guatemala), South America (Peru & Bolivia), Europe (British Columbia), Africa (Senegal & Morocco) and the USA (CO & Lake Superior area).
Employee Requirements: Experience in the regions where programs are located, have language skills relevant to program location(s), a WFR certification, and experience working with youth.
27. Pacific Discovery
Program Locations: Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji), Central America (Costa Rica), South America (Ecuador & Galapagos), USA (HI) and Asia (Thailand).
Employee Requirements: Ages 25-33, vaccinated against Covid-19, travel experience in the countries you want to be placed in, and experience leading multi-day trips. Other requirements needed will be based off the trip you are looking to lead.
Conclusion
As a summer program leader you get the chance to travel the world and participate in various activities while being paid to do so. I’ve worked as a summer program leader for the past 4 summer and have had some amazing experiences. Have you have worked as a summer program leader? Who did you work for and was your experience like? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
