Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructor

Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructor

Hidden Villa is a non-profit organization with a 100-year history, focusing on environmental education, land stewardship and community building. We use our organic farm, surrounding wilderness and community to provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

Hidden Villa is committed to creating an environment where all people are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging while here on the farm. This approach opens the door for formative experiences for our campers as they enjoy this beautiful place in nature and build connections with the people and world around them.

Each day, campers embark on adventures through the farm and wilderness preserve. They are challenged to try new things and find confidence in their individuality as they strike up friendships with the other youth in their group. Our staff are trained on how to maintain an empathetic and compassionate learning approach while they facilitate thought provoking activities and discussions around social and environmental issues.

The Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructor’s job is two fold. For the first session of the summer, this position is responsible for the successful preparation and completion of Hidden Villa’s backpacking programs. With the support of the Co-Instructors, this position will guide High School age youth with varying levels of backpacking experience, on a two 2-week trip through open space and trail systems that meander through the Santa Cruz mountains ending at the Pacific Ocean.

Our trip leaders will facilitate environmental education learning moments, reflections on topics around social justice and inclusion, and build community within the group as the campers trek through wilderness areas.

During the rest of the summer, The Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructors get the unique opportunity to mentor and guide upper high school students as they take steps to prepare themselves for the world after high school. These leadership programs are designed to equip campers with leadership skills that they can begin using right away at camp, at home and in their schools.

Our Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructors are responsible for designing and delivering high quality programs as well as being open to letting the campers steer the conversations and experiences. As these young people develop more independence and autonomy within our community, they put the pieces together to be exceptional leaders. The Instructors will be responsible for mentoring and supervising our Counselors in Training (CIT) and Leaders in Training (LIT) during their internships with camp.

Applicants who are hired for the summer may be eligible to get their Wilderness First Aid certification here at Hidden Villa this coming spring.

Position Title: Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructor

Reports to: Unit Leader

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt

Benefits: $650/per week. ($20/week increase of pay for staff who are lifeguard or ropes course certified) Outdoor living space & meals provided.

Duration: June 1st
- August 1st , 2026 ( Paid staff training June 1st - June 12th )

Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants. Act as a First Responder in emergency situations.

Management of risk for social, emotional and physical factors that occur and shape experience for optimum learning and growth.

Plan lessons for first-time backpackers: including wilderness skills, trail health and safety, equipment use, meal planning, etc.

Collaborate with Co-Instructors on the menu in cooperation with the Unit Leader and Program Coordinator to order and purchase food.

Create a fun, safe and exciting camp experience for teens in your charge.

Incorporate the Hidden Villa Mission in daily activities and reflections in camp and on the trail.

Build a cohesive team and role model collaborative teamwork for campers.

Address and document when there are camper adjustments, discipline problems or first aid incidents

Demonstrate excellent ethics and respect for the Regional, State &…