Description

Program Summary

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.

Position Description

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.

About the Position

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)

Essential Job Duties

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 & National Park system and its workers.
Ensure that all ACA regulations concerning programs are adhered to, including supervision ratios.
Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.
Ability to communicate and work with teens and staff in your program and provide necessary instruction.
Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards in camp and on trail.
Physical strength required to lead a 10-day backpacking trip carrying personal and group gear and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all campers in your camp.
Conduct written and oral evaluations of Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training program participants.
Attend and be an active leader in All Staff Training.
Work as a mentor in the LIT and CIT programs, teaching teens to work with children as well as leadership & life skills.
Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group
Work with Co-Instructors and Unit Leader when camper challenges arise or behavior adjustments are needed
Act as a role model among other staff members, demonstrating a high level of professionalism at all times
These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required
Ability to train and supervise staff and teens, and assess ability and skill levels appropriate to lead activities.
Ability to live onsite in a community with little privacy.

Candidate Qualifications

At least 21 years of age
Possess the stamina and energy to safely lead others through difficult terrain, challenging weather, and long days
Ability to work independently, with little guidance, for planning and preparation of the trip
Current CA Food Handler, First Aid , and CPR certifications required, WFR/WFA preferred
Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record (no major infractions) strongly preferred
Experience preparing for and leading backpacking trips on trail for a week or longer
Experience meal planning for backpacking trips, a week or longer
Ability and experience working with high school age youth
Ability to evaluate camper performance, minimize risk and give and receive feedback to a diverse staff and teen campers
Mastery of backpacking equipment and camp craft, including camp stoves and water purification technique
Ability to navigate with map and compass on and off-trail through a variety of terrain and environmental conditions
Knowledge of natural history and low-impact philosophy
Enjoy and feel comfortable in remote settings and be in a camp community with little privacy
Excellent communication skills and ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
Manage self-care and energy appropriately in the backcountry for extended periods.
Ability to develop and teach workshops for teen program participants
Ability and experience in supervising youth programs
Ability to coach and give feedback to a diverse group of teen campers
Excellent communication skills
Desire and ability to work with teens in an outdoor setting
Strong interest in developing camp programs focused on social justice, environmental stewardship and living a sustainable life style
Flexibility and patience
Ability to utilize youth work appropriate self-care techniques
Desire to learn and grow

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Camp can be a high energy environment where noise and stimulus can reach overwhelming levels. While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly stand; walk up to 15 miles on uneven terrain. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, at times hiking miles a day with a backpack weighing up to 50 lbs.

Mandated Reporting and Staff Training

Our summer camp staff members are required to complete a Mandated Reporter training to become Mandated Reporters. It is possible that a camper will share information or experiences from their homelife that requires Hidden Villa to file a report with Child Welfare Services. This can be upsetting to some individuals and is our legal and ethical duty to report cases of suspected child abuse.

Summer camp staff training is designed to equip our staff with the skills and tools they need to be effective leaders within our camp. At times staff training will focus on complicated topics such as mental health crises, child abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, and neurodivergent behavior. While staff can take space when needed, participation in all training sessions is required.

Fill out this form to apply!

Hidden Villa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and campers.

Teen Leadership & Backpacking Instructor