Our guides are the backbone to our program. Guides provide supervision, guidance, mentorship, and instruction to our students throughout the week. Guides work in lockstep with our clinical team to  facilitate group processing sessions, 4-season adventure therapy expeditions, and oversee weekly, clinical goal work. Guides also help to supervise and encourage academic work. As a guide you will work on a team maintaining a minimum of 3 to 1 staff to student ratio. Guides serve as the liaison to the Clinical and Medical team and are responsible for participating in weekly multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to review each student’s treatment and educational progress.

We offer both a 8-10 week primary treatment option and a short term therapeutic boarding school (2-6 months). Our Guides have the opportunity to work with both programs, which means the ability to experience facilitating different levels of supervision and care. In both programs, guides serve as the liaison to the clinical, medical, and academic teams and are responsible for participating in weekly, multidisciplinary treatment meetings to review each student’s clinical treatment and academic progress. Unlike other wilderness therapy or adventure programs where similar positions are entirely in the field, our hybrid schedule splits each week/shift into 3 days on campus and 4 days out on expedition. 

Multiple members of our leadership team, including our two co-owners, started their careers as guides. Our team therefore recognizes the importance of not only this position, but also strong professional development and encouragement for our staff. The guide schedule is 8 days on/6 days off with personal time and breaks built into each shift.

Who Should Apply:

Interest– We are looking for talented individuals to join our team of guides. Applicants should have an interest in mental health and wellness and mentoring young people. Because of the high level of clinical training and supervision offered, this position is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in mental health counseling. 

Education– It is preferred that applicants hold a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school with further preference towards Education, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Leadership, Psychology, Sociology, Child Development. Or equivalent life experience.

Experience– Those applying should have one-year experience working with adolescents. Preferred in educational, residential, or wilderness environments. Personal or professional experience in outdoor activities such as backcountry hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, climbing, etc.

Abilities– Guides need to have excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and should possess a strong desire to work professionally with adolescents and young adults. Preferred strong group facilitation skills, written and oral communication skills, and flexibility in delivery of services.

Physical Demands– This position requires sufficient physical fitness to participate in a variety of physically demanding activities, including hiking over rugged terrain carrying a heavy backpack, camping, canoeing, running, etc.

Other– Must be at least 21 years of age.

Compensation:

• Professional Development and Education:
  • Multiple professional trainings including:
    • Weekly in-service lead by clinical and outdoor professionals 
    • Outdoor certifications offered annually and paid for by Summit (First-aid, WFR, etc.) 
    • 6 weeks of clinical supervision
• Exposure to/training in clinically sophisticated language and therapeutic modalities
• Supervised experience facilitating group-processing and implementing clinical treatment plans 
• On the job mentoring program from experienced professionals 
• Work/life balance:
• 8.5 paid time off days in the first year
• 26 work weeks a year
• 6 days off consecutively every offshift 
• Beautiful campus setting with excellent amenities and outdoor access nearby
• Pro Deals with many manufacturers
• Salary & Benefits:
• Starting daily rate of $249.82 
• Bonus/incentive structure starting in first year of employment
• Staff housing available upon availability
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Continuing education compensation
• Pro-deals with many manufacturers

To Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume:

Summit Achievement
Operations Director
69 Deer Hill Road
Stow, ME 04037

Phone: (207) 697-2020
Fax: (207) 697-2021
Email: ------------