Staff training is our favorite week of the Avid4 Adventure year! It’s where the magic of camp begins, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Thanks for reading the following information carefully and completely.

Avid 101 takes place on Saturday, 5/28 at the Neptune’s Garden Picnic Site at Crown Beach Memorial Park near Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. ALL STAFF are expected to attend, new staff at 8:00am and returning staff at 7:30am. Expect to stay until 5:00pm. See you there!

Avid 201 takes place on Saturday, 6/4 at your home camp location! NEW STAFF are expected to attend, 9am-12pm. 

General Info: Staff training is mandatory for all new staff and returning 2021 staff. It’s also really fun! Our goal is for new staff to experience the magic of Avid4 Adventure programs firsthand. Your training week is designed to mimic a week of camp and will involve plenty of hands-on training, role plays, and practical information. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and excitement you need to become an Avid 4 Adventure instructor. 

PLEASE use your resources to look up directions to training locations in advance of training start times using tools such as Google Maps or your smartphone. All locations have a Google Maps links in your training group schedule. Leave early and allow plenty of time for parking to ensure you arrive early or on time.

Thank you for your commitment to inspiring kids in the outdoors this summer.  We can’t wait to meet you at staff training!

Training Pay

In the spirit of Living Truth, we always want you to feel 100% informed about your pay. While attending training in California your rate will be $15/hr. Once you complete training you will earn the summer hourly rate indicated on your employment offer. (Please note: you do not receive training pay while obtaining required certifications like WFA, First Aid or CPR; you are responsible for costs associated with these certifications).

Timeliness

Being on time to training sessions is a basic expectation of your employment. Tardiness generally stinks and it can reflect poorly on your reliability.  Please arrive early and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive, find parking, and prepare for your training day.  If you cannot be on time to training, we cannot assume you will be on time for work; excessive tardiness may result in termination of employment.

Vaccination Status and Training

All unvaccinated staff are required to submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test between 1-5 days prior to their first day of in person Staff Training. You will be prompted to upload your test results to PayCor during that window of time. Additionally, throughout the summer, unvaccinated staff will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test weekly. 

Click below to find a broad overview of training week. This is not intended to provide specifics. An email containing detailed information about your specific training schedule will be sent out within the first two weeks of May. 

Quick Look Training Week Schedule

Quick Look Training Locations Map

New Staff Training Week Saturday 5/28- Saturday 6/4. All new staff are expected to attend. Click here for a full generalized schedule of events.

Returning Staff will attend Avid 101 on Saturday 5/28, and the trainings listed in your employment letter.  Programming changes between 2021 to 2022 may require additional training to work in the same position.

Avid 101 takes place on Saturday, 5/28 at the Neptune’s Garden Picnic Site at Crown Beach Memorial Park near Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. ALL STAFF are expected to attend, new staff at 8:00am and returning staff at 7:30am. Expect to stay until 5:00pm. See you there!

Single Sport, Drive Training, and “I Want More” information can be found in the corresponding tabs below.

In order to offer a high quality training experience, the majority of your training days occur in small groups. These groups are loosely based on your home camp location and/or your position. Training groups remain stable through the course of training week in order to reduce the risk of exposure to illness. 

Please note that only new staff are assigned to a Training Group on the attached document. Returning staff should see their name on the Return Staff Tab on the spreadsheet below. All returning staff should reference their email for more details about Avid 101 (ALL staff required) and any additional training(s) you are assigned this year. 

First, a couple notes about training locations: We understand that it would be incredible if you could train with ALL staff and see ALL of the locations where you will instruct. However, with 6 camp locations and over 60 unique recreation sites, this is simply not possible.

The format of staff training is based on years of feedback and it becomes your task to transfer your new skills and experiences, and to harness your sense of adventure in order to lead incredible experiences at any and every location you visit this summer at camp! 

See here for a basic map of training locations. We continue updating this map through May. If you don’t see a training that you’re signed up for, don’t panic! It’ll be added later: *2022 California Staff Training map*

Training Group Assignments and Schedules: 

1. Please go to this SPREADSHEET  and find your name. Use Ctrl+f to do a search for your name.
2. Look in column “A” to see the number of your training group. 
3. Read through the right hand columns to see any specialized training sessions you are expected to attend. 
4. To access a full, detailed schedule for your group you can…
   1. Click the group number in the personalized email you received 
   2. Click the group number next to your name on the group spreadsheet
   3. Scroll down and click on the group number link on this page

**You will be receiving a personalized email stating the training(s) you are assigned in early May or within approximately 1 week if hired after the first personalized training schedule email went out.

Group Training Schedules: 

• GROUP 1 TRAINING SCHEDULE 
• GROUP 2 TRAINING SCHEDULE
• GROUP 3 TRAINING SCHEDULE
• GROUP 4 TRAINING SCHEDULE
• GROUP 5 TRAINING SCHEDULE
• GROUP 6 TRAINING SCHEDULE

These training sessions are for select staff by invitation only, based on position. Rosters will be updated closer to training.

Please use your employment letter, your personalized training email and/or the training group spreadsheet posted in the Group Schedules tab to confirm which specialized training sessions you are expected to attend. Click on the link corresponding to the training to find details, including a link to the training location and any other information you need to know. 

Thursday 5/26/22: 

• Climbing Specialist Training Day 1 (8am-3pm)

Friday 5/27/22: 

• Climbing Specialist Training Day 2 (8am-3pm)

Friday 6/3/22: 

• Mountain Bike Single Sport (8am-5pm)
• Survival Skills Single Sport (8am-3pm)
• SUP Single Sport (8am-1pm)

 

 

If your employment letter indicates that you will be driving this summer, you will attend three trainings to prepare for your role!  Driving campers is something we take very seriously, so all drivers for Avid attend a lecture component and two behind-the-wheel sessions before the start of programming.

Drive Lecture will take place via Zoom, Drive I and II will be in-person with your training group.

Sunday 5/29/22:

• Virtual Drive Lecture (9am-12pm: Zoom)

Monday 5/30/22: 

• Drive I – Groups 2, 3, 5, 6 (8am-1pm)
• Drive II – Groups 2, 3, 5, 6 (2pm-7pm)

Please see your Training Group Schedule for Truck Orientation (location dependent) dates and times.

Returning Staff Training Sessions
Mountain Biking is returning to all multi-sport programs in 2022, and many locations are also including Rock Climbing to older multi-sport programs!  Depending on your role in 2021 vs 2022, you may need to attend these trainings and/or Drive Training (details in another tab).

Saturday 6/4/22:

• Return Staff Climb Training (8am-1pm)
• Return Staff MTB Training (2pm-7pm)

“I Want More” Trainings
Are you someone who craves knowledge and professional development?  Feel free to attend an optional “I Want More” session during training week at the campground or during the first week of camp at a location in your region.  These sessions are meant to provide you with more tools in social and technical skills.  They are unpaid opportunities. 

Tuesday 5/31/22:

• I Want More: Group Management and Campers with Special Needs (2pm-7pm)

Thursday 6/2/22:

• I Want More: Group Management and Campers with Special Needs (2pm-7pm)

Wednesday 6/8/22:

• I Want More: Bike Mechanical Skills (5pm-7pm)
  Oakland Camp
  Menlo Park Camp

Every Single Day

• A backpack that can fit the items listed below.
• Clothing that adheres to the Avid4 Dress code:
  • All clothing should be appropriate for outdoor activity and be clean & presentable
  • Closed-toe shoes (even on water days)
  • Shirts must have at least short sleeves to model good sun protection
  • Pants or shorts must be appropriate for outdoor activity and look professional
  • If in doubt, ask yourself: “do I look like a professional outdoor educator?”
• Sunscreen
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Clothing for any weather.  We will be running around, sitting on the ground & spending all day outside. Dress to be active & comfortable Check the weather to be prepared for anything!
• An extra warm layer
• Rain gear (appropriate for hiking/outdoor activity)
• Camp chair or crazy creek (optional, but nice for sitting sessions)
• Staff Handbook (you will receive a copy at Avid 101)
• Note taking materials
• 2 Full water bottles
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Anything else that keeps you happy & comfortable during a day outside

 

Avid 101

All of the items on the Every Day list PLUS…

I-9 Documents to verify eligibility to work in the US. If you are unsure of what those are, check this webpage for specifics. Most commonly, staff bring:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card OR
• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card OR
• Driver’s License AND Social Security Card

You must bring an I-9 document to Avid101 in order to work for Avid4 Adventure. 

Kayak & SUP Days

A note about paddle training: You will be spending the majority of the day on and in the water.  You will get 100% wet, and the water temps will be cold. Please come prepared with a complete change of clothes and extra warm layers!

For paddle training days, bring all items from the everyday list AND:

• Warm layers
• Towel
• A complete change of clothes. You will get 100% wet.
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet. (Keens, Crocs or old sneakers are great! Sorry, no Chacos or flip flops.)

Please come dressed in clothing that follows the Avid4 dress code and can get wet (no tank tops or swimsuits).

Water-appropriate sun protection (sunscreen/hat/ sunglasses).  Make sure ALL of these items are securely fastened to your body; if they fall in the water, they’ll be gone forever.

PLEASE LEAVE ALL PHONES/WALLETS/VALUABLES in a secure location (ie, locked in a vehicle or at home). Please do not leave valuables unattended in your bag; the possibility of theft is an unfortunate reality.

Rock Climbing & Hiking Day

Please bring everything from the everyday list, AND

Please wear comfortable, trail-appropriate shoes.  Any closed-toe running shoes, hiking shoes or boots are great!

Avid4 provides all equipment needed for climbing training including harnesses, helmets and belay devices. Climbing shoes are NOT needed.

 Mountain Biking Training

If you have one, feel free to bring a mountain bike and helmet. If not, Avid4 bikes and helmets will be available for your mountain bike training day.

Please bring everything from the everyday list AND…

You will be riding with your backpack on for much of the day; please pack with this in mind. You’ll need to be able to carry your lunch, water, rain gear, etc. while you ride.

A camelbak or hydration bladder is optional, but nice to have for hands-free hydration.

Avid4 will provide all gear needed for paddle training days (including boats, paddles, PFDs, etc.) If you prefer to wear your own personal safety gear (helmet, harness, PFD) you are welcome to use it as long as it meets Avid4 standards for safety and fit.

FOR SPORT-SPECIFIC TRAINING DAYS, PLEASE PACK EVERYTHING ON THE EVERYDAY LIST PLUS THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW FOR EACH SPECIFIC TRAINING.

Every Single Day

• A backpack that can fit the items listed below.
• Clothing that adheres to the Avid4 Dress code:
  • All clothing should be appropriate for outdoor activity and be clean & presentable
  • Closed-toe shoes (even on water days)
  • Shirts must have at least short sleeves to model good sun protection
  • Pants or shorts must be appropriate for outdoor activity and look professional
  • If in doubt, ask yourself: “do I look like a professional outdoor educator?”
• Sunscreen
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Clothing for any weather.  We will be running around, sitting on the ground & spending all day outside. Dress to be active & comfortable Check the weather to be prepared for anything!
• An extra warm layer
• Rain gear (appropriate for hiking/outdoor activity)
• Camp chair or crazy creek (optional, but nice for sitting sessions)
• Staff Handbook (you will receive a copy at Avid 101)
• Note taking materials
• 2 Full water bottles
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Anything else that keeps you happy & comfortable during a day outside

 

Avid 101

All of the items on the Every Day list PLUS…

I-9 Documents to verify eligibility to work in the US. If you are unsure of what those are, check this webpage for specifics. Most commonly, staff bring:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card OR
• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card OR
• Driver’s License AND Social Security Card

You must bring an I-9 document to Avid101 in order to work for Avid4 Adventure. 

Kayak & SUP Days

A note about paddle training: You will be spending the majority of the day on and in the water.  You will get 100% wet, and the water temps will be cold. Please come prepared with a complete change of clothes and extra warm layers!

For paddle training days, bring all items from the everyday list AND:

• Warm layers
• Towel
• A complete change of clothes. You will get 100% wet.
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet. (Keens, Crocs or old sneakers are great! Sorry, no Chacos or flip flops.)

Please come dressed in clothing that follows the Avid4 dress code and can get wet (no tank tops or swimsuits).

Water-appropriate sun protection (sunscreen/hat/ sunglasses).  Make sure ALL of these items are securely fastened to your body; if they fall in the water, they’ll be gone forever.

PLEASE LEAVE ALL PHONES/WALLETS/VALUABLES in a secure location (ie, locked in a vehicle or at home). Please do not leave valuables unattended in your bag; the possibility of theft is an unfortunate reality.

Rock Climbing & Hiking Day

Please bring everything from the everyday list, AND

Please wear comfortable, trail-appropriate shoes.  Any closed-toe running shoes, hiking shoes or boots are great!

Avid4 provides all equipment needed for climbing training including harnesses, helmets and belay devices. Climbing shoes are NOT needed.

 Mountain Biking Training

If you have one, feel free to bring a mountain bike and helmet. If not, Avid4 bikes and helmets will be available for your mountain bike training day.

Please bring everything from the everyday list AND…

You will be riding with your backpack on for much of the day; please pack with this in mind. You’ll need to be able to carry your lunch, water, rain gear, etc. while you ride.

A camelbak or hydration bladder is optional, but nice to have for hands-free hydration.

We are psyched to again make camping and meals available at China Camp State Park during staff training in 2022! Most days of sport-specific training are based out of China Camp State Park in San Rafael, CA. This means you can now spend less time commuting and more time getting to know your incredible camp community! Save yourself time and stress by camping with us.

You are also invited to let our camp chef pros take care of your meal needs with an all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and dinner pass (or a discounted dinner-only pass). Camping and meals do require registration and a fee; both are 100% optional.  CLICK HERE to view our menu for 2022 Staff Training

Camping is available starting on Saturday, May 28th through the night of Thursday, June 2nd. Everyone must move out of their campsites before 11am on Friday, June 3rd.

*Coin-operated showers are available at the main campground, 50 cents for the first 5 minutes and 25 cents for each additional 2.5 minutes (quarters only). 

*Sorry, no dogs allowed.

Use the map here to see our training locations, base-camp, and limited notes on parking at certain locations. We will continue updating the map through May: 2022 CA Training Map 

Click on the + icons below to get more info about Camping and Meals

Register for Camping & Meals

Registration is now open! Click on the links below to register and pay for camping and meals. 

Registration will CLOSE on MAY 21st. No refunds after May 9th. Avid4 Adventure is heavily subsidizing the cost of camping and food. We encourage you to take advantage and make the most of training! If signing on for all meals and all nights, it’s just $75. 65 spots available.

Staff Training All Inclusive Meal Pass (vegetarian option available): $50 starts with dinner on 5/28 and provides all meals through breakfast 6/3 

Dinner Pass Only (vegetarian option available): $30 (includes 6 dinners: 5/28-6/2)

Camping Reservation: $25 (this fee includes all 6 nights of camping, 5/28-6/3, with final checkout by 11am Friday 6/3. The $25 camping fee is a flat rate for the entire week. You are not obligated to camp every night, you are welcome to come and go as you like. (For reference, if you were to book your own campsite at China Camp, the fee would be about $35/night)

*Sorry! No pro-rated options. In order to keep planning simple and to have enough food and space for everyone, fees are flat rates for each option

Questions about camping or meals? Please email [email protected]

What to Bring for Camping

China Camp Group Camp Ground is a typical walk-in  campground. After parking in the parking lot, or unloading gear in the parking lot, you will walk your personal equipment approximately 0.1 mi to the group site. Group camp sites consist of a central area with picnic tables and a fire ring, surrounded by a flat, grassy area for tents. Sorry, no hanging hammocks allowed (the park does not allow anything to be tied to trees). 

Restrooms with running water and showers are available.

What to Bring for camping:

Tent & stakes (please stake your tent securely! It can get very windy)

Sleeping Bag & Pad

Warm layers

Camp chair/crazy creek

Toiletries

Quarters if you’d like to shower (50 cents for the first 3 minutes, 25 cents for each additional minute)

Lunch bag & containers to pack your lunch in*

Hot Drink Mug*

Water bottle*

*Please live environmentally connected by bringing your own hot drink mug, water bottle and lunch bag/reusable containers to pack your lunch. Our goal is to reduce waste at mealtimes by eliminating single-use items. Avid will provide reusable dishes & cutlery for breakfast and dinner, but you’ll need a way to pack your lunch and take it with you.

Can I camp for only some nights? Yes! However, you still must register & pay the flat camping fee of $25.

Are showers available at the campground? Yes, coin-operated showers are available in the group campground restroom building. 50 cents for the first 3 minutes, and 25 cents for each additional minute (quarters only).

I am Gluten Free/ Vegan/ allergic to peanuts, can I sign up for the meal plan? So sorry, we cannot accommodate dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian. We recommend you bring your own food. You can view our menu for staff training HERE.

What do I do with my car while at China Camp? For DAY users, we recommend carpooling and using transit whenever possible. Limited shuttles will be available FROM China Camp to climb and paddle days (see your training schedule for details). Free parking is available on N. San Pedro Rd. for day users. Do not park overnight. From N. San Pedro Rd., you can walk to join Bike/Hike/OIQ and specialty training sessions.

Carpooling is required for those camping since parking at the campground is very limited (Carpool map for campers will be shared 2 weeks before training on the training website). Parking passes will be provided at 101 for staff that have arranged carpools (2 or more people). Free parking is available along N. San Pedro Rd. for those driving in for the day, walk into the campground (0.5 mile) is required from the road. We strongly recommend not parking on N San Pedro Road overnight.

What if the weather is cold/rainy/etc.? The show must go on! We will continue to have an awesome time camping, eating and training together, no matter the weather. Please practice Leave No Trace rule #1 by planning ahead and being prepared with proper gear, clothing and plenty of extra layers. 

If I am not camping, do I have to pay the entrance fee for China Camp every day? If you drive your own vehicle into China Camp State Park and park in a designated parking lot, you must pay the daily parking fee ($5). Parking along N. San Pedro Rd. is free and is at your own risk (this is permissible by the park). If driving your own vehicle to McNears County Beach for Paddle training, you are required to pay the entrance fee ($5). Parking at Ring Mountain for climb training is free in the neighborhood. 

Can I bring my dog to training or to the campground? Nope, sorry. We love dogs, but our permit at China Camp does not allow pets of any kind. Pets are not permitted at any Avid4 Adventure training sessions. Please make alternate plans for the care of your pet during training.

Do I need to bring a bike for bike training day? No, Avid4 Adventure will provide bikes and helmets for staff for all biking training days. If you have your own mountain bike and would prefer to use it for training or for transportation around China Camp, you are welcome to do so. However, you must transport your bike into the park yourself (there will not be room for bikes on Avid4 shuttles). 

Is it okay to bring alcohol to the campground? We are all adults here, and as long as you are age 21+, we respect the choice to enjoy an adult beverage once your training day is over. Please drink responsibly and make healthy choices that will allow you to remain safe and learn effectively during training week. Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited.  

Please remember that it is illegal to consume or posses cannabis in any California State Park, including China Camp. China Camp does not allow smoking of any kind.

Have other questions? Email [email protected] or give us a call at 720-759-2249

Carpooling is strongly encouraged both to recreation areas and to China Camp State Park for camping.  Parking spaces at our campsite are very limited, so passes will only be extended to those arriving with 2 or more persons in their vehicle.  Avid 101 is a great place to develop carpooling plans, be prepared to drive or ride if you are camping!

We also encourage daily health accountability between carpool buddies.  Check in with yourself and each other about whether it’s safe for you to share an enclosed space with your group.

All Staff Carpool Map

• Click each pin point to see person, contact information, and training group number. 

*links coming soon

All unvaccinated staff are required to submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test between 1-5 days prior to their first day of in person Staff Training. You will be prompted to upload your test results on PayCor during that window of time. 

Additionally, throughout the summer, unvaccinated staff will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test weekly. 

Managing Covid-19 continues to be a dynamic public health situation and we are implementing multiple Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) at training (and camp). Please see below for all of our plans to keep you, your families, and ourselves safe during training. 

Avid4 Adventure Covid-19 Training Protocols

Need a refresher on a day-in-the-life at camp? Check out our Day Camp Curriculum

Want to add more games to your instructor toolbox? Check out our Ultimate Games Resource

We encourage you to bookmark both of these sites and refer to them often throughout the summer!