Become an Adventure Trip Leader

Potential Skills Gained

Adventure Trip Leaders guide a range of outdoor activities—from local outings to week-long wilderness trips—for the Outdoor Recreation program. Activities include hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more. Most trips are student-led and open to all students. Bring your passion and ideas to the team!

As an Adventure Trip Leader, you’ll gain hands-on experience in trip planning, safety and risk management, and outdoor leadership. You’ll develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and self-evaluation, all while building confidence and discovering your strengths. This role is designed to help you grow as a leader and connect with the Texas State community—bringing your unique passions and ideas to every adventure.

No prior outdoor experience or certifications are required—just enthusiasm for the outdoors and a willingness to learn! Our Trip Staff Training Program (TSTP) will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to lead confidently. Many of our leaders start with little or no experience, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We look for individuals who are excited to work with others, eager to learn, and ready to share their unique perspectives. Our training program is designed to help you grow as a leader while building connections with fellow Trip Leaders. If you’re passionate about outdoor leadership and want to represent the diverse TXST community, we encourage you to apply!

Becoming a Trip Leader is a significant commitment and depends on your personal schedule and other obligations. Most applicants are sophomores, allowing time to progress from Apprentice to Head Trip Leader over about a year. Juniors are welcome to apply, but may have less time to advance—contact the Outdoor Recreation Assistant Director to discuss your goals. We generally do not recommend applying if you are in your final year. Consider your availability and commitment before applying.

We prioritize interpersonal and leadership skills over technical experience. Once hired, you'll develop technical skills through our comprehensive training program.

Requirements:

Must commit to all training sessions (Fall dates, week-long Winter trip, Spring dates)

Must be available to work first summer semester

Inability to meet these commitments makes you ineligible

Interview: If selected as a finalist, you'll have a 30-minute interview where we'll confirm your availability for the complete Trip Staff Training Program. Next, you will participate in a group interview with other Trip Leader applicants. Training commitments are non-negotiable—missing any sessions disqualifies you from the position.

Academic Year: At least 2 trips per semester (Fall and Spring)

Summer: 1-2 overnight trips, multiple half-day water programs, and academic trips. Full-time hours are possible when combined with other Outdoor Recreation roles.

Flexible Schedule: Work as much or as little as your class schedule and other commitments allow.

Additional Opportunities: Starting your second spring semester, it is expected that Trip Leaders are working with at least one other area of Outdoor Recreation. This can include work at the Sewell Park Outdoor Center, Climbing Center, or Challenge Course.

Training Pay: You'll receive stipend pay for all required training sessions (Fall/Spring training days, Winter Training Trip, and various staff trainings). 

Trip Pay: Daily rates based on your level:

• Apprentice: $96/day
• Trip Leader: $104/day
• Head Trip Leader: $112/day

Perks: 

• Committed Trip Leaders receive free Wilderness First Aid Certification and are eligible for longevity pay raises with positive performance reviews
• Supplemental technical trainings are free but unpaid—great for skill development
• Access to Adventure Trip equipment to build technical skills on your own

Start with six Thursday evening classroom sessions in the Fall covering outdoor leadership fundamentals, risk management, trip planning, and technical skills. You'll also earn your First Aid/CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid, and 15-passenger van certifications.

Winter Training Trip
Put your skills to the test on a 5-day backcountry adventure where you and your cohort take turns as "leaders of the day," practicing everything you've learned in a real outdoor setting.

Spring & Beyond
Complete additional skill-specific training days in the Spring (some required, some optional based on your interests). Throughout your time at TXST, keep growing through mentorship, additional trainings, and leading actual trips.

This hands-on approach builds confident leaders ready to guide others in the outdoors!

Fall 2025 Semester Training Timeline

15-Passenger Van Training 

• Date TBD in October

Wilderness First Aid Certification

• October 18-19 @ University Camp
• All day both days

Classroom Sessions:

• Week 1: Thursday, October 2nd @ 5pm-7pm
• Week 2: Thursday, October 9th @ 5pm-8pm
• Week 3: Thursday, October 16th @ 5pm-9pm
• Week 4: Thursday, October 23rd @ 5pm-9pm
• Week 5: Thursday, October 30th @ 5pm-9pm
• Week 6: Thursday, December 4th @ 5pm-7pm

Winter Training Trip 

• Friday, January 2nd  – Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
• 1/02: Half-Day on-campus
• 1/02-07: Off-campus overnight

Spring Semester Training Timeline (2025)

Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference (TOLC) Friday-Sunday

• February 6-8
• All expenses covered, transportation & lodging provided. 
• Unpaid.

Moonlight Kayak Training 

• Thursday, February 12th
• 8pm-11pm

San Marcos River Kayak Training 

• Saturday, February 14th
• 2pm-6pm

(Optional) Van with Trailer Driving Practice & Checkout 

• Friday, February 20th
• Time TBD

San Marcos River Rafting Training 

• Monday & Tuesday May 18-19
• 8am-12pm

(Optional) Challenge Course Facilitator Training 

• Wednesday - Saturday, May 20-23
• 8am-5pm