the best job you’ll ever have.
Every summer we hire for our most important job: Trip Leader. If you want to stand out among other job applicants in any profession, this summer job will be
Moondance is an adventure travel company for teens going to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places.
What you do as a Moondance leader matters. It’s as simple as that.
the one that sets YOU apart.
We’re in the business of changing lives, and contrary to the traditional internship, the work you do here is directly related to the success of our company. If you’re serious about learning legitimate skills transferable to any work environment, we encourage you to apply.
“No internship could match the experience that a Moondance Trip Leader position could provide. Businesses are looking for innovative and creative thinkers, people who are flexible and resilient, people who show up and get to work. You could leverage each of those skills that you develop on Moondance for any business position for which you are qualified. Internship not required.” ADDesign
Mary Kathryn Wood, Professional Educator
Our trip leaders are not only role models for students, they are
performers, interpreters, mechanics, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and restless in their pursuit to become the best versions of themselves.
Since their Moondance summer, our Leaders have gone on to be:
Small Business Owners Doctors Nurses Attorneys Consultants Graphic Designers Accountants Engineers Commercial Real Estate Brokers Artists Graduate Students ...and SO much more!
The paths our Leaders take after Moondance are varied and endless. However, all of our Leaders recognize the invaluable experience a Moondance summer provides.
As a Trip Leader, you’ll gain: leadership > There’s no better way to practice leadership skills than to have responsibility for a team’s success and the drive to watch them succeed. As a Trip Leader, you will be pushed to communicate, problem solve,and be decisive, all while empowering those around you to do the same. Throughout a Moondance summer, real leadership experience is gained, practiced, and taught.
m a n a g e me nt skills > We offer real world m a n a g e m e n t trai n i n g that primes you for executive project oversight in any future role . > Risk Management - Safety is our first and foremost concern. Assess and mitigate risk on your 2-3 week trip. Inform your students about the best ways to confront risks safely and confidently. Give your group the tools they need to thrive in challenging environments.
> Logisitics - Oversee your day-by-day trip itinerary, and set a finely tuned plan into motion by running your trip’s logistics. You’re responsible for group transportation, gear, meals, and so much more!
> Time Management - Managing a group of 12 teenagers is no small task, and it’s your job to keep the group on schedule. There’s no routine day during a Moondance Summer, so Leaders must be prepared to make the most of every moment. > Financial - Independently manage your trip budget of $5,000$20,000 throughout the summer. Analyze your trip expenses, and control your financial success.
t e a mwo rk > This job teaches you about empathy, adaptability, and the power of positivity. You will test your work ethic and passion to seamlessly work alongside others as you adapt to new groups throughout the summer.
a c c o u nt ab i l it y > In the field, your choices matter. Your kids are counting on you to keep the group safe and to deliver a life changing experience. You and your Co-Leader will plan ahead and prepare to exceed their expectations at every turn.
c o m mu n ic at io n > Clearly state your expectations, and learn to command a crowd. As a Leader, you are the bridge between students, their parents, your peers, and our outfitters. With elevated communication skills, this role enhances your ability to not only be understood, but to understand those around you.
p robl e m s ol v i n g > You and your Co-Leader will make decisions that impact your groups’ success. Though your trip is meticulously planned, you will encounter unexpected obstacles. Hone your judgement and decision making skills to deliver the best outcomes for your group.
h o sp it a l it y & s e r v ic e > Students don’t always remember what you did, but they remember how you made them feel. Trip Leaders welcome students on the first day of the trip and continue to make them feel welcomed for 2-3 weeks.
> Customer Ser vice We are in the business of creating magic. The magic happens when you go above and beyond for your students, their parents, and your Co-Leader. As a Leader, you learn how to take customer service beyond isolated interactions and continually implement this attitude after a Moondance summer.
sp o nt a ne o u s m o t ivat io n > You have the power to create unforgettable moments of pure spontaneity. When things stop going according to plan, that’s when you get creative. Give your kids an experience they could never replicate. Lead by example with genuine enthusiasm for every unexpected adventure.
wo rk e t h ic > Leading with Moondance will be the hardest job you will ever love. On your trips, you’re the first one up in the morning, and the last one to sleep at night. You will work tirelessly to give your kids the best possible experience because you know this trip has the power to change their lives. When you dedicate yourself to the group and persevere through challenges, you change too.
“Holland’s leaders gave my child something that I cannot give her. Three weeks of hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking, rafting and developing confidence and a deep appreciation for the world around her. The connection and support offered by her leaders and peers gave her a trust in meeting new people and opening her heart to creating new connections.”
> Heather Miller, Parent of Holland Miller, Richmond, VA
Our Leaders are recruited from all over the world, and are graduates of the following universities:
Appalachian State University Auburn University Bowdoin College Colgate University Columbia University Duke University Elon University Har vard University London School of Economics Louisiana State University Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University Northwestern University Princeton University Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University Texas Christian University University of Alabama University of Colorado - Boulder University of Georgia University of Mississippi University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Oxford University of St. Andrews - Scotland University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University
“ The soft skills employers seek in candidates are honed through a Moondance experience. They would so much rather see you’ve developed these in a fluid, complex outdoor environment, than from behind a desk. After Moondance, I challenge myself to be more focused in understanding others and how they work. I have an enhanced and more nuanced perception of teammates’ traits. This has led to practicing better communication in a team setting.”
> Henry Dyke, Management Consultant
Leading your trip is a 24/7 job. Bearing the responsibility for a dozen teenagers is real. It’s serious and it sharpens your skill sets. The experience you gain is unmatched by any internship. You become a more mature, responsible, and confident version of yourself.
For more information about our adventures, the job requirements and how to apply visit moondanceadventures.com/employment/ or email staff@moondanceadventures.com
MOONDANCE ADVENTURES P.O. BOX 23350 NASHVILLE, TN 37202 WWW.MOONDANCEADVENTURES.COM 800.832.5229 @MOONDANCEADVENTURES