Backcountry Counselor Position Description

Camp Wojtyla Backpacking instructors will serve on a team of experienced and qualified individuals to help lead young people through transformative experiences in the wilderness.


Camp Wojtyla programs give opportunities for summer staff to learn and facilitate faith-based outdoor experiences in the Rocky Mountains.  Our summer staff culture is rooted in a supportive learning environment with high expectations. Servant Leaders are given the opportunity for a positive, transformational summer, with results and impact that last far beyond the mountains.

We craft the summer experience so that counselors will be able to assume leadership roles at camp and beyond. We intend for CW alumni to live in authentic friendship with God; to realize the inseparable bond of the four relationships (with God, self, others, and Creation); to become a faithful and competent evangelizer; and to become an excellent outdoor leader

If these goals resonate with you, consider applying now!

OVERVIEW OF THE SUMMER POSITION

Instructors will be on a small team who will take groups of inexperienced campers on two 6-day backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains in July. They will also serve at Camp Wojtyla’s Outpost program during June, bringing their expertise in wilderness safety and hard skills to this more rustic program.

Both the Outpost and Backpacking programs embrace wilderness living, where campers are farther removed from the resources of our basecamp property. The safety of staff and campers is the most important element of these programs and is the responsibility of each instructor. At their core, the Outpost and Backpacking programs are steeped in faith-based growth and activities for campers. 

As such, Instructors should be able to:

  • practice superior risk management

  • model and lead technical backcountry camping skills

  • lead activities and discussions on the spiritual life (to be covered in training) 

  • work on any necessary day of rest, preparing for these trips, including packing rations and preparing gear

Instructors report to the Outpost/Backpacking Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A candidate must:

  • have great physical fitness with no limiting conditions

  • have a desire to serve the Church and work with young people

  • be a practicing Catholic

  • have personal experience on multi-day backpacking trips

  • be at least 19 years old and at least one year out of high school.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred candidates may:

  • have a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification*

  • have experience leading youth on multi-day backpacking trips

  • have experience serving with Camp Wojtyla or another outdoor or faith-based ministry/organization

  • have knowledge of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem and alpine travel

  • practice excellent navigation skills

  • be open to working multiple summers

DATES AND COMPENSATION

  • May 19 - August 3, 2026

  • Optional training: WFR training* (6-10 day course) can be discussed in the interview. 

  • Compensation will be determined based on experience and certifications. Generally, instructors can expect $1500-$2000 for the summer. 

Despite the compensation, this position is still considered a servant leadership position. Compensation is provided because Camp Wojtyla recognizes that many of the experiences, certifications, and skills required for this position are obtained through an investment of the candidate’s time and resources. Like other counselors, backpacking instructors may also fundraise up to $8000.00 in order to supplement their stipend. (Click here for further details on the fundraising process.)

*Note on WFR certification: If you are interested but do not have the certification, Camp Wojtyla is willing to financially assist you with this valuable training. Discuss options with Camp Wojtyla staff during the application process.

TO APPLY

We will begin accepting applications for the 2026 summer on October 22, 2025. Candidates interested in the backpacking instructor position should submit the full Camp Wojtyla counselor application online. Upon completing an application, you will receive an email link to send to three references as well as further instructions regarding the interview process. When submitting your references, please include one reference from an outdoor professional if you are able. Instructors will interview with Kelton (Assistant Director) and Meghan (Outpost/Backpacking Coordinator). 

In addition to the online application, candidates should email a trip log with outdoor experiences (see example below) as well as proof of WFR certification (or date of intended certification) to Meghan at mhadley@camp-w.com. 

Feel free to email with questions on application, position, or qualification requirements.

EXAMPLE TRIP LOG

For further details, please see our counselor FAQs.