Start Here!
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.
Reminder: Your in-person training week begins on Saturday, 5/21/2022 with Avid 101, which takes place in Colorado from 8am-5pm. You will receive an email with more information, including the location, once the date gets closer.
Prior to our in-person staff training week, you will be assigned to complete a number of online training sessions. All CO staff will receive an email in April with more details. (If you are hired after 4/30, you will receive information about online training within one week of your hire date).
You will have three weeks to complete these online training modules and should plan to spend about 4-5 hours total working through the material. This time will be paid automatically at your training rate. See the corresponding tab for more details.
General Info: Staff training is mandatory for all new staff. It’s also really fun! Our goal is for new staff to experience the magic of Avid4 Adventure camp firsthand. Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, your training week is designed to mimic a week of camp and will involve plenty of hands-on training, role playing as both instructors and campers, and lots of practical information. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and excitement you need to become an Avid 4 Adventure instructor.
PLEASE use your resources to look up directions to training locations in advance using tools such as Google Maps. All training locations have a Google Maps link in your training group schedule and you can find a Google Map of ALL training locations under the ‘Transportation’ tab. 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!
In the spirit of Living Truth (one of our Company Core Values), we always want you to feel 100% informed about your pay.
Training days are paid hourly at minimum wage for the geographic location at which you are training.
Being late to training days is super lame! Please arrive early and take good care of yourself by allowing plenty of time to arrive, find parking, and prepare for your training day. Last year, a new staff was late twice and his position was terminated. If you cannot be on time to training, we cannot assume you will be on time for work.
All staff who have not received the COVID vaccine 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 Workbright during that window of time.
Throughout the summer, unvaccinated staff will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test weekly.
Click here to find more information about testing including instructions for how to obtain test kits
2022 Training Dates
Click below to find a broad overview of training week. This is not intended to provide specifics. Much more detailed information specific to YOU will be sent out at the end of April.
CO STAFF Training Week Sat 5/21-Sun 5/29. All new staff are required to attend. Click here for a general outline of events for training week.
*Returning staff, unless stated otherwise in your employment letter, please plan to attend the following dates:
- 5/21: Avid 101 which takes place in person from 8am-5pm.
- 5/29: Single Sport and/or Driver Trainings (as applicable; check your employment letter).
For Single Sport and specialized training session details, see the corresponding tab.
Training Groups & Schedules
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 or your position. Training groups will remain together as a cohort throughout the course of training week in order to reduce the risk of exposure to illness.
This is where you will find your training group assignment, any specialty sports you are training for, and any individual notes about your training schedule. If you still have questions, please email [email protected].
Please note that only new staff are assigned to a Training Group. All 2+ year returning staff should reference their email for more details about Avid 101(ALL staff required) and any specialty training(s) you are assigned to this year.
First, a note 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 14 camp locations and over 100 unique recreation sites in Colorado, 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 harness your sense of adventure, to lead incredible experiences at any & every location you visit this summer at camp!
New Staff Training Group Schedules: all of your sport-specific training days will take place in small groups. You will receive your training group assignment and group schedule via email by 4/30 or within one week of accepting employment if hired after April 30th.
Training Groups Schedules: click below to view the detailed schedule for your training group.
OPEN LINK IN NEW TAB
Avid 201: Sat 5/28, 9am-12pm Each camp location will hold a separate session. Click on the link to your primary location below for specific Avid 201 details:
OPEN LINK IN NEW TAB
DENVER REGION:
Wash Park St Johns 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
Central Park 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
SOUTH REGION:
Greenwood Village 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
Highlands Ranch 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
Castle Rock 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
Colorado Springs 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
NORTH REGION:
Wheat Ridge 201: 5/28 9am-12pm
Specialized & Single-Sport
These training sessions are for select staff by invitation only, based on their position.
Please use your employment letter to confirm which (if any) specialized training sessions you are expected to attend. Click on your training session(s) belo for the location and any other information you need to know.
OPEN LINK IN NEW TAB
CO Climb Specialist 1: 5/19-5/20 8am-6pm
CO Climb Specialist 2: 6/1 & 6/2 8am-6pm
CO Whitewater 1: 5/19-5/20 8am-5pm
CO Whitewater 2: 6/1 & 6/2 8am-5pm
CO MTB Specialist 1: 5/22 8am-5pm
CO MTB Specialist 2: 5/27 8am-5pm
CO MTB Specialist 3: 5/27 8am-5pm
CO MTB Specialist 4: 5/29 8am-5pm
CO Survival Skills 1: 5/22 8am-3pm
CO Survival Skills 2: 5/27 8am-3pm
Explorer Training: 5/22 2pm-7pm
CO Return Drive Training: 5/29 9am-6pm
CO Make-Up Drive Training: 5/29 9am-6pm
CO Make-Up Climb Training: 5/29 8am-1pm
CO Returner Climb Training: 5/22 2pm-7pm
CO Make-Up Paddle Training: 5/29 8am-5pm
CO Returner ARC Refresh: 5/22 2pm-7pm
CO Make-Up Bike Training: 5/29 8am-1pm
CO Skateboard Training: 5/22 2pm-7pm
CO Aftercare Supervisor: 5/22 2pm-7pm
CO Chatfield Camp Training: 5/26 2pm-7pm
Staff Camping
What: CO Staff Training will be based out of Chatfield State Park. In an effort to ease logistics for staff and trainers, camping and meals will be available to purchase for Avid 4 Adventure staff and leadership. There are fees for camping and/or meals; online registration is required.
Where: Chatfield State Park
When: Camping and meals are available starting the night of Sat 5/21/22 through the morning of Fri 5/27/22.
Who: Any Avid staff, trainers and/or leadership are invited to camp at Chatfield during training week!
All NEW STAFF must register & pay for camping and meals. Click here to register!
Camping: $25 (you are not obligated to camp every night, but this is a flat fee and can’t be pro-rated).
All Inclusive Food Pass: $50 All meals included – start with dinner on Saturday 5/21/22 and continue through breakfast on Friday 5/27/22. Veggie option available; no other dietary needs can be accommodated.
Dinner Only Food Pass: $30. 6 dinners, 5/21-5/26. Veggie option available; no other dietary needs can be accommodated.
Sat 5/21
- 12 PM: Campground Support crew arrive, set up kitchen & prep dinner
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: 1st Dinner
Sun 5/22
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Dinner
Mon 5/23
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: IWM – Games!
Tue 5/24
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: IWM – Bike Maintenance
Weds 5/25
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: IWM – Behavioral Management
Thurs 5/26
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: IWM – Vans and Trailers
Fri 5/27
- 7 AM: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station (FINAL MEAL!)
- Staff-break down camp and check out completely after breakfast
- Camp Support staff- break down camp, clean/pack kitchen & depart campground
Can I bring my dog? No, sorry. We love dogs, but our permit at Chatfield does not allow us to have pets at any time during training. If you plan to camp, please make other arrangements for your furry friend.
What do I do with my car? We suggest carpooling as much as possible since parking at the campground is limited. A park pass is required for all vehicles inside the park.
Can I camp for only some nights? Yes! However, you must still pay the flat $30 camping fee.
Can I put up my hammock at the campground? Sorry, no hammocks (unless they are freestanding). Chatfield State Park does not allow trees or plants to be used to tie tents, hammocks, etc.
What’s the deal with alcohol? According to Chatfield State Park rules, alcoholic beverages may not exceed 3.2% alcohol by volume.
Is there running water/showers/what are the restroom facilities?
There are heated restroom/shower buildings with running water. Pay showers are available; bring quarters! 50 cents for the 1st minute, 25 cents for each add’l minute.
What to Bring
- Tent & Stakes (please stake your tent securely! It can get very windy at Chatfield)
- Sleeping bag & pad
- Clothing to be active outside
- Closed-toe shoes
- Warm Layers
- Rain Gear
- Camp Chair/crazy creek chair
- Toiletries
- Quarters (if you want to shower)
- *Lunch bag & reusable containers to pack your lunch in
- *Hot Drink Mug
- *Water Bottle
*Live Environmentally Connected by bringing your own drinking vessels/lunch bag/containers. Our goal is to reduce waste at mealtimes by eliminating single-use items. Avid will provide reusable dishes & cutlery for meals, but you’ll need a way to pack your lunch and take it with you.
What to Bring
Avid4 will provide all gear needed for paddle and climbing training days (including boats, paddles, PFDs, climbing harnesses, climbing helmets, 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.
- A backpack that can fit the items listed below.
- A mask or face covering (and a spare in case it gets wet or dirty)
- 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 your first in-person training session).
- Note taking materials
- 2 Full water bottles
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Anything else that keeps you happy & comfortable during a day outside
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.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Avid 4 is not able to provide bikes to all staff for bike training days! If you have access to a mountain bike (with at least a front suspension and tires appropriate for mountain biking) and helmet, you must bring it for bike training.
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.
All Mountain Biking specialist instructors must bring a mountain bike and helmet to training.
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. with you ride.
Staff Training FAQs
What if the weather is cold/rainy/snowy/etc.? The show must go on! We will continue to have an awesome time 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.
Can I bring my dog to training? Nope, sorry. We love dogs, but our land use permits do 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? Yes, if you have access to a mountain bike (with at least a front suspension and tires appropriate for mountain biking), you must bring your own bike and helmet for bike training sessions.
Have other questions? Email [email protected] or give us a call at 720-249-2412.
Transportation & Maps
Help us Live Environmentally Connected by exploring the tabs below.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHUTTLE SCHEDULE INTO AND OUT OF CHATFIELD STATE PARK
CLICK HERE to see a map of all CO training locations!
You can click on any of the trainings either directly in the map or in the box on the left-hand side for more information.
2022 Staff Training Carpool Map
Carpooling is optional and should be considered with the following factors in mind:
- Carpool within your training group in order to reduce exposure to people outside of your training group.
- Your personal level of acceptable risk
- Daily check-ins with other carpool members to be accountable for possible health concerns.
Please check out your training group carpool map for shared rides to and from training! Please note that we are only able to use the most recent information provided from each staff member.
Online Training
Online Training
Prior to our our live, in-person staff training week, you will be assigned to complete a number of training sessions. You will receive an email on April 30 with your training assignments (or within one week of hiring if hired after April 30).
New Day Camp staff can expect to spend approximately 4-5 hours on the training modules. This time will be paid at your training rate.
COVID-19 and Training
Managing Covid-19 continues to be a dynamic public health situation and we are implementing multiple Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) at training (and camp). We will provide a detailed plan in April to keep you, your families, and ourselves safe during training.
We will update and finalize our specific 2022 Covid-19 re-opening policies and procedures in the spring of 2022 – click here to see our 2021 Avid4 Adventure Covid-19 Opening Plan.
COVID Vaccination Status for Avid4 Staff:
All staff who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine are required to submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test between 1-5 days before their first day of in-person Staff Training. You will be prompted to upload your test results on Workbright during that window of time.
Throughout the summer, unvaccinated staff will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test weekly.
Click here to find more information about testing, including instructions for how to obtain test kits.
Curriculum Resources
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!
Summer Schedules
CO Training Email Archive
Can’t find an email you’ve received about training? Clink on the dates below to view all emails that have been sent for training 2022!
We are getting stoked here at Avid as we get ready for training and camp, and we know that you can’t wait to start the camp season either! We also know that you probably have some questions around what to expect with Staff Training.
Please know that you will be receiving emails from us over the next month or two with additional information. It is your responsibility to read all emails carefully, plan ahead, and ask questions if anything is unclear.
SELF PACED ONLINE TRAINING: Prior to the first day of training, all staff will be required to complete a short series of online training modules. These modules will be released to you on Paycor (our timekeeping and HR platform) around 4/29 to complete. You should plan to spend about 90 minutes total working through the material (paid automatically at your training rate).
IMPORTANT DATES: The dates below are our goals to get you information. If you haven’t received the following emails within a few days of the dates marked, please reach out to your Staffing Specialist (the person who hired you!)
- Information coming soon via Email:
- 4/26- Your Full Training Schedule.
- 4/29- Access to your Paycor online training account.
- 5/1- Summer Survey requesting important information used for scheduling purposes.
- 5/16- Summer Schedule email Round 1 – a first look at the weeks & locations you’re working this summer.
Training Dates: Sat 5/21- Avid 101! The first day of Staff Training will take place from 8am-5pm at Falcon Bluffs Middle School in Littleton, CO.
5/21-5/29– In Person Staff Training Dates (Climb Specialist and White Water training dates happen outside of this window if assigned).
STAFF CAMPING DURING TRAINING: CO Staff Training will be based out of Chatfield State Park. In an effort to ease logistics for staff and trainers, camping and meals will be available to purchase for Avid4 Adventure staff and leadership. Camping and meals are available starting the night of Sat 5/21/22 through the morning of Fri 5/27/22. There are fees for camping and/or meals; online registration is required.
- More camping information is listed on the Training Website under Staff Camping.
- To register for camping and meals, click here!
Take some time to explore the Avid4 Training Website. Additional information will be popping up on a weekly basis, so check it often if you like to know details in advance. Additional information not directly related to training can be found on the Staff FAQ Page.
A quick plug for the Operations Team: The Operations Team is looking for a few additional hands to help in April and May before the start of camp. All work would be based out of our warehouse in Louisville, CO. Please email [email protected] your availability in order to get on the interested list. Regardless of your summer position, pay is at $18.87/hour.
We can’t wait to meet you soon!
Your Avid4 Regional Managers,
Nate T., Colorado North Regional Manager
Heather M.N., Denver Metro Regional Manager
Cassidy M., Colorado South Regional Manager
Ryne W., Midwest & East Coast Regional Manager
Cynthia P., Colorado Senior Regional Manager
Helpful Links:
- Staff Portal (User ID: [email protected] PW: Avid4staff!)
- CO Staff Training Website
- Paycor