Overview
Experienced Backpack Leader needed for a two-week summer wilderness immersion program taking place in Donner Summit and Desolation Wilderness, California, Breckenridge Colorado, and Olympic National Park, Washington.
Dates Needed:
June 25 – July 8, 2026 in Donner Summit and Desolation Wilderness, CA
June 14 – July 26, 2026 in Olympic National Park, WA
This is a volunteer program. The Woods Project pays for the airfare, meals, transportation, and lodging during the trip.
Head Backpack Leaders are tasked with the welfare of the students and leaders in their group. Head Backpackers should feel comfortable supporting and guiding a group of first-time backpackers on a 6 day, 5 night backpack trip. They serve as chaperones during the first week front country educational program and are responsible for the successful completion of their group’s backpacking experience during the second week.
Qualifications:
Tasked with the welfare of the students and leaders in their group. Head Backpackers should feel comfortable supporting and guiding a group of first-time backpackers on a 6 day, 5 night backpack trip.
● Very comfortable with backcountry skills including navigation, cooking, water filtration, weather/animal safety, and hiking etiquette.
● Understand the scope of the trip, trails, equipment, and medical needs of the group.
● Communicate with TWP Houston Central Contact and document incidents
Required Skills:
Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification (or higher)
About The Woods Project
The Woods Project, Inc. (TWP) offers Houston High School students from low-income households access to outdoor spaces and recreational activities. By challenging students to spend time outside, rely on their peers, step up to leadership roles, spend days or weeks away from their families and mobile devices, understand and care for the natural environment, and undertake the physical and mental challenges of outdoor recreation, TWP helps students develop important character traits that correlate strongly with success in school, in the workplace and in life.
