The outdoor work environment was very rewarding. The organization handles all training and certifications very well. Working with young adults allows you to practice effective communication methods and work on project management as you are in charge of designing and overseeing each wilderness camping trip.
Academic Scholarships are available to second year employees and up.
What I wish was different
While you're only contracted to work 6 days per week, often staffing issues would lead to each employee working longer hours.
Advice
Apply early!
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Canoeing Guide
May - August 2018 • Ely, MN
What I liked
I spent the summer guiding trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where I fell in love with the lakes. I got to spend every night sleeping outside in my tent or my hammock and saw some truly breathtaking sights. All of the people that I met were truly wonderful including my fellow guides as well as the people that I was guiding. This was the best summer of my life.
What I wish was different
Advice
This job is not easy and requires both physical and mental toughness. Outdoors knowledge is extremely important and being able to make the right decision is stressful situations is required as the BWCAW is a wilderness area and there is no easy way to get help. The pay is not great, but all food and housing is provided. The joke among staff is that "If you do this for the money, you're not good at math." I didn't have a single coworker who didn't love this job, so if you are well-prepared, this job will be the most rewarding of your life.
