ARCC Staff
- What are the leaders’ backgrounds?
- Does your staff complete any special training before the trips start?
- Does each trip have one male and one female leader?
- Do many of the leaders return each summer?
- Will I get to talk to my leaders before the trip begins?
What are the leaders’ backgrounds?
Every leader's background is unique. But all of our leader's have one thing in common: a love for teaching young people about the outdoors. All ARCC leaders have experience leading outdoor trips, as well as experience teaching and working with young adults. When not guiding ARCC trips, our leaders work as school teachers, naturalists, graduate students, ski instructors, and outdoor educators. We are proud of the fact that they are conscientious, caring adults with a sense of humor and an ability to teach. We require that all leaders complete training in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Wilderness EMT, or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses before being employed as trip leaders.
Does your staff complete any special training before the trips start?
The minimum training standards we set for our staff are among the highest in the industry. ARCC leaders go through an intensive training regimen before leading a trip for ARCC. At a minimum, EVERY leader must complete a rigorous ten-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training course. Many choose to go through an additional 20-day course to receive their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. As well, all leaders are required to attend ARCC’s eight-day staff training which is held every year on Mount Tamalpais in California. This is a wonderful forum for staff to bounce ideas of each other, learn new ways to teach classes, and to become friends with the other leaders who make up the ARCC family!
Does each trip have one male and one female leader?
Yes! Each trip has one male and one female leader. For our Alaska Expedition and Western Adventure, you will have either two males and one female leader, or two females and one male leader.
Do many of the leaders return each summer?
Over half of our leaders return each year to lead trips for us. It is these returning leaders who set and raise our high standards every year. Because of the large number of returning staff, there is a good chance that one of your trip leaders will have led an ARCC trip before.
Will I get to talk to my leaders before the trip begins?
Your leaders will call you a couple of days before your trip begins. This is a nice way for you to get to know a little about each other before you meet. As well, leaders are happy to answer any last minute questions you may have before the start of your trip. Parents often like speaking to their teenager’s leaders before the start of the trip, and this is a great opportunity for them to do so.