There are two positions involved in LEAP’s Mentorship Program:
Guide-in Training, entry-level, age 16+
Guide Intern, advanced, age 18+
Position descriptions, expectations, and application instructions can be found below.
Guide-in-training
The Guide-in-Training mentorship opportunity hopes to give aspiring wilderness leaders a chance to experience the roles and responsibilities of the LEAP guide team for a week or two. It is a fantastic way to explore a potential career path, obtain valuable experience, and spend more time on the river and on a LEAP program. Though not required, it is recommended that you have been on at least one LEAP program prior to your application.
You will join the guide team for a week, learning about the various responsibilities and associated skills of guiding river adventures. Work on your leadership skills, whitewater ability, and base camp knowledge. Depending on your specific interests, we can focus on what you’re most excited about. LEAP will cover all of the transportation, food, gear, and lodging costs associated with this experience. Must be at least 16 years of age by the time of your mentorship to apply.
Expectations of this role:
Commit to at least one program
Find ways to be an asset off the river
Demonstrate desire and willingness to grow and learn
Maintain a positive and engaged attitude
Ways to showcase readiness for a Guide Intern position:
Showcase excellent expeditionary behavior
Demonstrate solid work ethic and initiative
Demonstrate ability to care for self and look out for others on programs
Applications for Summer 2024 mentorships will be accepted throughout the season.
If you’re interested, please fill out this online application and email Program Director matt@leapadventure.org so we know you’ve applied!
Guide Intern
Sponsored by the Cameron Sauvain Scholarship Foundation
The Guide Internship is designed to be the next step after a Guide-in-Training mentorship experience or a stand-alone position for those who are confident in their desire to be outdoor leaders. At the end of your internship, you should expect to have a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that prepare you to begin a career in the outdoor industry and give you valuable work experience in a team environment.
You will join the guide team for about 3 weeks. You will attend thorough training sessions and will learn to perform the various responsibilities of a professional river guide, including logistics between programs. LEAP will cover the transportation, food, gear, and lodging costs, and will pay interns for each trip and training period. Please note this is a competitive and somewhat limited position, and we cannot offer it to everyone. Must be at least 18 years of age by the time of your internship to apply.
Expectations of this role:
Commit to at least two or three programs + some degree of training
Find ways to be an asset on and off the river
Actively work to understand the roles and responsibilities of a professional river guide
Exemplify a learning mindset and demonstrate a desire to learn
Ways to showcase readiness for a regular guide position:
Demonstrate an ability to exhibit professionalism
Demonstrate a firm understanding and competence with the roles and responsibilities of the guide team
Build rapport and work well with other members of the guide team
Applications have closed for the 2024 summer season.
To be considered for future year programming, please complete this form and send an email to our Program Director matt@leapadventure.org so we know you’ve submitted an application.
The Cameron Sauvain Endowment Fund was created in memory of Cameron Sauvain. Cameron was a young man from the Portland community who valued the camaraderie found with teammates and friends as well as the harmony experienced in the outdoors. One could often find him camping with friends, cruising down a mountain on a snowboard, or fishing along a river. He was creative; an accomplished glass artist and a budding oil painter, always gaining inspiration from the world around him. In memory of his shortened life, the Cameron Sauvain Endowment Fund provides opportunities for individuals to become future leaders.