Four Trails Adventure, Shelby, MI -

As a trip leader your focus should always be on the experience of your campers, so we typically look for leaders…

-Who have some experience working with youth and who love being outside.
-Who have some experience hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and/or cycling.
-Who are 20+ years old and love adventuring in varied weather, settings, and circumstances

The Trip Leader position is a 9-week commitment, and the starting salary for first-year leaders is $300 a week.

You’ll participate in an immersive Wilderness Workshop where you’ll gain hands-on backcountry experience while being exposed to how the AYF’s mission and philosophy apply to the wilderness setting of the Four Trails program.

Four Trails campers are from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and geographies. They range in age from 13-18 years old. Many of our campers return each year though Four Trails leaders can also expect to work with campers who are experiencing the program for the first time.

Our youngest campers will participate in shorter 2-7 day hiking, canoeing, and cycling trips as they are introduced to being on trail. As campers progress through the program from year to year, they will participate in a 14-day cycling trip up the coast of West Michigan to the Leelanau Peninsula, a 5-week kayaking expedition in the beautiful Georgian Bay of Canada, and in their final year as campers, they will participate in a 6-week cross country cycling trip from Miniwanca to Merrowvista, our sister camp located in New Hampshire.

Though most days will look different based on where you are and who you’re interacting with, trip leaders generally find that there is a rhythm, to being on trail: waking up between 7-8am and then traveling to your next campsite whether by boat, bike, or the power of your own legs. Along the way, you’ll stop to see some of the most beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers, and forests in America. You will always plan to be at a campsite in the early evening where you will work with your campers to prepare dinner and lead evening activities that involve a reflective component.

Benefits & Activities: