Wilderness Trip Leader

and the job listing expires on March 1, 2026

Birch Trail is a traditional summer camp for girls aged 7‑15 located in Minong, Wisconsin. We provide a safe, fun, and non‑competitive summer camp environment for 215 campers and 100 staff. While in camp, the girls have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including canoeing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, climbing, land sports, horseback riding, arts & crafts, dance, yoga, and drama.

One of the hallmarks of a Birch Trail experience is our extensive wilderness trip program. All Birch Trail campers go on 3‑8 day camping trips in the upper‑Midwest and Canada, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Isle Royale National Park.

Under the guidance of the Trip Director, Wilderness Trip Leaders guide basic camping, backpacking, flat‑water and white‑water canoeing, sea kayak, horseback riding, and rock climbing trips depending on their own experiences and backgrounds.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Serving as guides and educators to both campers and counselors participating in the program;
• Arranging the logistics, routes, and equipment selection for each trip;
• Overseeing all risk assessment and safety components prior to and during the trip;
• Educating participants in Leave No Trace philosophies and outdoor skills;
• Providing basic maintenance of camping equipment; and
• Assisting in other areas of the camp program when needed.

Applicants should have experience and interest in camping and working with children for extended periods of time. As the group leader or co‑leader on trips, Wilderness Trip Leaders should be level‑headed, responsible, and safety‑minded. All applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a current driver’s license, and have a good driving record. CPR and LGT (or equivalent) are required.

WFR is a plus. If you do not already have WFR certification, we can help you get certified and subsidize part of the cost. We provide extensive training at camp in both camping and counseling skills so that the entire Trip Staff is ready to work with campers.

Wilderness Trip Leaders must be available from May 21st – August 11th, 2023. (Start date depends on need for WFR certification.) Salaries are very competitive with other camps and based on the individual applicant’s experience, and begin at $2,100. Compensation packages include room & board plus a tax‑free travel stipend. Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.

Both men and women who are at least 19 are encouraged to apply. For more information about Birch Trail and to find an online application, please visit  Applications, letters of interest, and/or resumes can be faxed or mailed to the winter office. If you have additional questions, please email  or call the winter office.