🧠Pathfinders Teen Leadership Program
The Mountain Kids! Pathfinders Leadership Program is a hands-on leadership and mentorship experience for teens (ages 14-17) who are ready to take on responsibility, learn how camp works, and grow as leaders—while still being supported learners themselves.
Pathfinders work alongside Mountain Kids! Field Instructors during summer camp support daily activities, mentor younger campers, and gain real-world experience as part of the camp community. The program is designed as a multi-year progression, allowing teens to grow in confidence, responsibility, and leadership.
Who Pathfinders Are (and Aren’t)
Pathfinders are not staff members and are never responsible for campers on their own. This is a supervised leadership training program focused on learning, growth, and mentorship.
You don’t need prior camp or leadership experience to apply. What matters most is a willingness to:
- Show up ready to learn
- Take responsibility
- Be kind, engaged, and curious
- Model positive behavior
What Pathfinders Experience
🌱 Leadership Development & Mentorship
Pathfinders support daily camp activities alongside Field Instructors—helping with games, transitions, routines, and group dynamics. Through observation, practice, and feedback, teens learn what it means to lead with empathy, responsibility, and enthusiasm.
🧠Confidence, Responsibility & Professional Growth
As Pathfinders gain experience, they take on increasing responsibility—from assisting with daily set-up and camper support to helping facilitate activities and model leadership within the group. This hands-on experience builds communication skills, confidence, and professionalism.
🤝 Teamwork, Communication & Community Care
Pathfinders are part of the camp team. They practice collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication while working closely with Field Instructors, fellow Pathfinders, and campers—learning how healthy teams function in real-world settings.
🛠️ Skill-Building & Insight Into Camp Operations
Through optional participation in staff meetings, trainings, and behind-the-scenes planning, Pathfinders gain insight into how camp operates and what it takes to be an effective outdoor educator and mentor.
A Program That Grows With Your Teen
The Pathfinders program is intentionally designed as a multi-year progression.
Year One — Learn & Observe
- Learn daily camp routines and expectations
- Help with set-up, clean-up, and basic tasks
- Observe instructors and ask questions
- Build relationships with campers
Year Two — Support & Lead
- Take initiative with daily responsibilities
- Support group flow and camper needs
- Assist with activities and supervision
- Begin leading small games or tasks with staff support
Year Three+ — Lead & Mentor
- Take on clear leadership roles
- Help manage groups alongside instructors
- Lead activities and support programming
- Mentor younger Pathfinders and model leadership
Leadership expectations increase gradually and intentionally as teens grow in experience and maturity.
Schedule & Supervision
- Monday–Friday: approximately 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Pathfinders are supervised at all times by trained Field Instructors and the Program Director
- Optional staff meetings or trainings may be offered (some may occur on Thursdays or outside regular camp hours)
Training & Preparation
Pathfinders may be invited to participate in staff training opportunities, which will be determined closer to the start of camp based on schedules, availability, and program needs. Training may include:
- leadership expectations and boundaries
- communication and teamwork
- safety culture and camp routines
More details will be shared with accepted Pathfinders and families prior to the start of summer.
Program Fees & Stipends (Progression)
The Pathfinders program reflects a thoughtful transition from camper → leader, with increasing responsibility, expectations, and support over time.
In a teen’s first year, the program is intentionally structured as a training and learning experience. The program fee reflects the additional staff time, close supervision, mentorship, and training required to support teens as they learn camp routines, leadership skills, and professional expectations—before they are ready to take on higher levels of responsibility.
As Pathfinders return and gain experience, the program shifts from a fee-based training model to a stipend-supported leadership role, recognizing their growing contributions to the camp community.
- First Year Pathfinders: $275 per week
- Second Year Pathfinders: No program fee
- Third Year Pathfinders: $150 stipend per week (with expectations met)
- Fourth Year+ Pathfinders: $250 stipend per week (with expectations met)
Minimum Commitment
To support meaningful learning, relationship-building, and continuity for campers and staff, Pathfinders are required to commit to at least two weeks per summer. Consecutive weeks are strongly encouraged, as back-to-back weeks allow teens to settle into their role, build confidence, and grow more fully as leaders.
Pathway to Future Employment
- Pathfinders must be 18 years old to apply for paid Summer Field Instructor positions
- Participation in the Pathfinders program does not guarantee employment
- Strong Pathfinders may be encouraged to apply when eligible
Staff roles are earned through demonstrated leadership, commitment, and readiness.
Application & Enrollment Process
- Have your teen apply via our online application.Â
- Our program director will reach out to schedule a chat or meeting with new applicants.
- Acceptance & next steps
- Once accepted, families will receive a registration link
- Parent/Guardian registration required
- Registration must be completed by a parent or guardian
Additional Opportunities
As we expand our programming throughout the school year, there may be opportunities for Pathfinders to continue working with Mountain Kids!
Questions?
The Pathfinders program is overseen by our Program Director, Gwen Lyons.
📧 gwen@mountainkidsnm.org | 📱 505-866-1207