Guide In Training

Ready for an epic summer adventure? Become a Guide-in-Training (G.I.T.) at R.A.D. Camps and take your outdoor skills, leadership, and confidence to the next level.

What is the G.I.T. Program?

The Guide-in-Training (G.I.T.) Program begins with a one-day intensive that mirrors a real R.A.D. Camp day from start to finish. Teens selected for the program arrive at 9 AM, learn to stock and safety-check vans, greet and check in “mock campers,” and practice delivering the morning van talk that sets expectations and builds excitement.

From there, it’s off to a local trailhead, where trainees lead a parking lot safety briefing, practice Leave No Trace principles, and learn behavioral management and basic emergency protocols—side by side with veteran R.A.D. Guides.

In the afternoon, each G.I.T. rotates through leadership stations: setting up a mini base camp, guiding a short hike, and leading a stewardship game—getting real-time coaching from mentors every step of the way. The day wraps with a debrief and a role-played camper pick-up, reinforcing that a guide’s job isn’t done until every camper is safely on their way home.

By 3 PM, each G.I.T. has experienced every phase of a real R.A.D. day and leaves with clear goals for their upcoming shadow week with our Guides.

Guide in Training Requirements

  • Must be 14 to 17 years old

  • Must be a previous R.A.D. Camper and have a general knowledge of how a R.A.D. day operates.

  • Be willing/responsible enough to help their Lead Guide with other campers throughout an adventure day.

  • Ready to learn about all aspects of guiding - from GPS navigation to handling conflict​​.

  • Submit a G.I.T. application - filled out form (available below), and letter of intent. 

Benefits of Being a Guide in Training

  1. Teamwork: G.I.T.s collaborate with Guides to create an exceptional experience for R.A.D. Campers.

  2. Leadership: Teens develop lifelong leadership skills as G.I.T.s.

  3. Listening: G.I.T.s hone their ability to listen, follow, and give instructions effectively.

  4. Communication: Clear communication and instruction-sharing with fellow campers are essential aspects of the Guide's role.

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“G.I.T. training with R.A.D. Camps is a great way to get real-life work experience and set yourself up to become a future guide”.

Training Day

Saturday, June 21st from 9am to 4pm

Veteran R.A.D. Guides will take you on an adventure to some of our best locations and walk you through everything you need to know on your first day. You will learn about our program operations from behind the scenes.

Guiding Week

After the training day, G.I.T.s select a week during the summer to join R.A.D. Camps on real outdoor adventures. You’ll participate in every aspect of our programs—from leading hikes to assisting with our Sprouts program. Expect to join Guides before camp begins each morning and stay through the wrap-up, learning firsthand what it takes to run an epic day outside.

Graduation

At the end of your guiding week, you’ll receive direct feedback from staff and a certificate of completion. You’ll walk away with new skills, valuable experience, and possibly even a foot in the door for future employment at R.A.D. Camps.

FAQs

  • Participants must be between the ages of 14 & 17 and have previously attended R.A.D. Camps. Additionally, individuals must submit an application and have it approved by our management team.

    There are very limited spots available!

  • No, G.I.T.s are not employees of R.A.D. Camps, this is a voluntary learning opportunity. However, all trips related to the G.I.T. program are free of charge.

  • Participants are responsible for actively engaging in trainings, shadowing experienced guides, assisting with some camp activities, and serving as a role model for younger campers.

    There will be a basic curriculum included this year!

  • The G.I.T. program provides participants valuable leadership experience, opportunities to develop outdoor and interpersonal skills, and a chance to contribute positively to our campers.

    Additionally, this program gives an insight into what it is like to have an outdoor-based career! Maybe even a future job opportunity here at R.A.D. Camps!