Wilderness Guide
Whole Life Elevation is seeking 1–2 Wilderness Guides to support women’s backpacking trips with up to 8 participants in 2025 and beyond. These trips involve hiking 1–8 miles per day while carrying a pack weighing 25–35 lbs on potentially rugged trails, including stream crossings.

We’re looking for individuals with excellent communication skills who can assist with cooking, first aid, group dynamics, and camp responsibilities. There is potential for additional opportunities to help expand our programs and offer trips to new locations.

2025 Trip Dates:

  • Secrets of Nature, Lake Maria State Park (Monticello): May 8–10 (or May 2–4)

  • Stronger Together, Superior Hiking Trail: May 16–18

  • I Am Enough, Superior Hiking Trail: September 16–18

  • Secrets of Nature, Lake Maria State Park (Monticello): October 3–5

Responsibilities:

  • Provide first aid to participants as needed

  • Assist participants with gear setup and tent assembly

  • Welcome participants, handle check-ins and foster a positive group dynamic

  • Cook dehydrated meals at camp and assist with camp setup and cleanup (the meals are pre-prepared)

  • Manage gear check-in and check-out before and after trips

  • Collaborate with the program coordinator on meal ideas, emergency protocols, and trip logistics

  • Work closely with the retreat facilitator (Laura Adrian) to plan meal times and coordinate daily activities

Desired Qualities and Skills:

  • Current Wilderness First Responder certification (required)

  • Excellent communication skills with a respectful, supportive approach to participants, especially those new to backpacking or wilderness travel

  • Ability to create a warm, welcoming environment for participants

  • Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to diffuse challenging situations

  • Positive attitude, sense of humor, and high emotional intelligence

  • Ability to follow meal preparation instructions; bonus if you can plan and elevate meals independently

Desired Experience:

  • Comfort and confidence in the backcountry, including wilderness camping and travel

  • 1+ season preparing meals for groups in the backcountry

  • 1–3+ seasons of experience leading groups in backcountry, camping, and wilderness settings

Additional Details:

  • Candidates do not need to be available for all trips; we will consider applicants for individual trips as long as you can commit to two trips in 2025.

  • Additional preparation work (usually in St Paul) may be available before the trip if desired.

  • Whole Life Elevation does not currently reimburse for travel expenses.

  • Whole Life Elevation does not provide personal gear (e.g., sleeping bags, tents, clothing, or water bottles).

Compensation: