--- title: Finding Your Niche in the Outdoor Industry as a Guide description: Avid4 Adventure is hiring for the 2023 summer season. Individuals passionate about the outdoors, adventure education, and community should apply! image: https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/9e3867c6-228b-52e6-8af6-d56df9052029_VSCO.jpg --- **[What's new about camp in 2024?](https://avid4.com/2024)** [COVID RESPONSE](https://avid4.com/summer-updates/covid-19-policies) [Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew) [Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) [Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-open.svg) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-close.svg) [![](https://avid4.com/img/avid-logo.png)](https://avid4.com/) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-logo.svg) CAMPS LOCATIONS ABOUT US JOBS [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png) NEW CAMPS ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png)](https://avid4.com/programs-overview/) CAMPS - [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - 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[Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) ### [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) ### [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - 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Evans](https://avid4.com/mt-evans-camps) - [Colorado, Windy Peak](https://avid4.com/windy-peak-camps) - [California, East Bay](https://avid4.com/california-sly-park-expeditions) - [Oregon, Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-expeditions) - [Wyoming, Curt Gowdy](https://avid4.com/wyoming-curt-gowdy-expeditions) ### [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com//colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) ### [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) ### [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ### Our Core Values - [Live Fun](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Environment](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Truth](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Smart(er)](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Gratitude](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Empowered](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Balanced](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Community](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) ### Need Help? - [Housing Resources](https://avid4.com/jobs/instructor-housing-options/) - [College Interns](https://avid4.com/jobs/college-internships/) - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal) [Day](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry#finder-day) [Resident](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry#finder-overnight) [Expedition](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry#finder-expedition) Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Burlingame Mill Valley Moraga Oakland Palo Alto Boulder Boulder - Valmont Castle Rock Colorado Springs Denver - Greenwood Village Denver - Lowry Denver - Stapleton Denver - Washington Park Golden Highlands Ranch Lafayette Superior Portland Go Grade Entering 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Go Grade Entering 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th Go # Finding Your Niche in the Outdoor Industry as a Guide [Back to Blog Homepage](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/) Posted by [Aimee Gunn](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/aimee-gunn) on February 19, 2024 [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/9e3867c6-228b-52e6-8af6-d56df9052029_VSCO.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=Finding%20Your%20Niche%20in%20the%20Outdoor%20Industry%20as%20a%20Guide&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&media=https://524285.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/524285/9e3867c6-228b-52e6-8af6-d56df9052029_VSCO.jpg) Finding Your Niche in the Outdoor Industry as a Guide *Pull up a log around our virtual campfire as the Avid4 Adventure Expeditions National Manager, Aimee Gunn, sparks a conversation about navigating the complex landscape of guiding in the outdoor industry. Aimee's diverse professional background across the globe offers a lighthearted and raw perspective of the rewards and challenges associated with making the outdoors your office. Learn about the "Backcountry Day Camp" program she helped Avid pilot, aimed at providing mentorship and hands-on experiences across a plethora of guiding disciplines. * *Feeling curious about guiding or lost on your path in the Outdoor Industry?  [Browse our open opportunities, or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team about your path!](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/avid4?utm_source=N2QGLr2ZLK)* ![Aimee Gunn, Avid4 Adventure Expeditions National Manager](https://524285.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/524285/hubfs/IMG_5932%20Large-1.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_5932%20Large-1.jpeg) **Aimee Gunn, Avid4 Adventure National Expedition Manager** > Breaking into the outdoor industry and deciding on a professional path is undeniably complex. Personally, I grappled with the choice between leading expedition-style trips that required extended periods in the wilderness, and facilitating day camp experiences tailored to experiential leadership development. Both options tugged at me, so I tried a little bit of everything. I taught at an outdoor leadership camp, led wilderness therapy expeditions, guided backpacking internationally, and threw myself at various seasonal gigs until I figured out where my passions and skill sets best intersected. It took me ***years **t*o decide what I truly wanted to pursue.    > Frankly, this experience is incredibly common — the outdoor industry often presents limited opportunities for professional growth, as individuals are hired for specialized, short-term positions. Recognizing this, Avid4 Adventure introduced the Backcountry Day Camp (BCDC) initiative two seasons ago. Our innovative program equips seasonal staff with training and hands-on experience in both the Day Camp Model and the [Expedition Model](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps), fostering professional development across multiple guiding contexts. The result has been quick cultivation of skilled guides, higher retention rates with pathways for career advancement, and a motivated professional environment where staff take greater ownership of their experiences. Guiding is simultaneously the most rewarding and hardest job you’ll ever have. Uncovering your niche in the industry makes the journey even more fulfilling. > . > If you're intrigued by diverse experiences in the outdoor industry, we encourage you to connect with one of our Talent Acquisition team members ([jobs@avid4.com](mailto:jobs@avid4.com)) to explore potential [opportunities for the 2024 season](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/avid4?utm_source=N2QGLr2ZLK).  > . - ![Instructor Leaping Amidst Campers](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/e3f306da-5787-5602-bf04-dcd2e54cee98-1.jpg?width=3200&height=2400&name=e3f306da-5787-5602-bf04-dcd2e54cee98-1.jpg) - ![Raft guide and campers crash through a rapid on an Expedition Program](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FF9D21FD-B8F1-4CA8-869B-C8D202526ECE.jpg?width=3984&height=2656&name=FF9D21FD-B8F1-4CA8-869B-C8D202526ECE.jpg) - ![Alpenglow lights up the mountains behind tents and basecamp on a trip](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/718ca02e-bbb0-5f59-a32c-795783541302.jpg?width=3200&height=2400&name=718ca02e-bbb0-5f59-a32c-795783541302.jpg) - ![Climbing Instructor Works 1:1 with Camper](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC00064.jpeg?width=4000&height=6000&name=DSC00064.jpeg) - ![Instructors and Camper in a 1:1 Lesson ](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1825020D-3927-4E7C-BED5-48C33B40FB36.jpg?width=3200&height=2400&name=1825020D-3927-4E7C-BED5-48C33B40FB36.jpg) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=Finding%20Your%20Niche%20in%20the%20Outdoor%20Industry%20as%20a%20Guide&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/finding-your-niche-in-the-outdoor-industry&media=https://524285.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/524285/9e3867c6-228b-52e6-8af6-d56df9052029_VSCO.jpg) Topics: [Avid4 Adventure Jobs](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/avid4-adventure-jobs), [Summer Camp Jobs](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summer-camp-jobs), [Working for Avid4 Adventure](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/working-for-avid4-adventure), [professional development](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/professional-development), [Outdoor Industry & Guiding](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/outdoor-industry-guiding) ### NAVIGATION - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps/) - [Policies](https://avid4.com/policies/) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camp/about-colorado-mountain-camp/) - [Contact](https://avid4.com/contact-us/) - [Gear Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.avid4.com/blog) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Staff Portal](https://avid4.com/jobs/staff-portal/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Parent Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?_ga=2.82785814.1896501485.1508936271-1717527764.1507131859) - [Scholarships](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Request Info](https://avid4.com/request-information/) ### GET IN TOUCH **Avid 4 Adventure** PO Box 287, Boulder, CO 80306 [1.720.024.2412](tel:+17202492412) **Social** ### ACCREDITATIONS [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/licensed.png)](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/accredited.png)](https://www.acacamps.org/) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/leave-no-trace.png)](https://lnt.org/youth-program-accreditation) © All content copyright 2018 Avid4 Adventure. 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