Become a Trip Leader
Trip Leaders are the heart of the Outdoor Education and Leadership experience. They guide students on outdoor adventures, create welcoming and inclusive group environments, and help participants challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop meaningful connections with others.
As a Trip Leader, you’ll develop skills in leadership, risk management, communication, decision-making, and outdoor facilitation while making a lasting impact on your peers. Whether leading a day hike, climbing trip, paddling adventure, or multi-day expedition, Trip Leaders play a vital role in ensuring every participant feels supported, safe, and empowered to grow.
More than just guides, Trip Leaders are mentors, role models, and community builders who help create transformative outdoor experiences that students remember long after the trip ends.
Each fall semester, we ask interested students to apply for the trip leader position. If accepted, students will participate in a training that runs through the spring semester, and includes 6 training clinics, 2 weekend programs, and ends with a 5 day backpacking trip! Upon completing all training, successful candidates will graduate to becoming a Trip Leader.
Work with us
Interested in joining the Outdoor Education & Leadership team as a paid student employee? The OEL staff are important team members in supporting the OEL programming, adventure trips, bison, bikes, requested programs and overall community at Bucknell University.
- Rental Outfitting Center Staff – outfitting trips and programs, utilizing customer service skills to equip individuals with rental requests, everyday operations, etc.
- Bison Bikes Tech – issuing & receiving Bison Bikes, repair and maintenance of rental and personal bikes, customer service, routine inventory, etc.
- Climbing Wall – engaging with students, education and equipping of climbing skills, assist in facilitating and supervision during open hours, etc.
How To Apply
Check out our open positions and join the OEL team!
Interested applicants may apply through Bison@Work. Search “OEL” in the listings search bar and complete application steps.
We hire on a rolling basis throughout the school year. If there are not currently employment opportunities available through Bison@Work, we recommend that you complete the OEL Employment Interest Form. This will share your information with us, and we’ll reach out when opportunities become available!
Email oel@bucknell.edu with any questions.