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, 6/11 at Pacific Community Park in Vancouver, Washington. 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!

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 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 Portland and the surrounding area, your rate will be $15.75/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 on 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 during the last two weeks of May.

Quick Look Training Week Schedule

New Staff Training Week Saturday 6/11- Saturday 6/18. All new staff are required to attend. New staff may also be assigned to additional Specialized Trainings on 6/9 and 6/10. Reference your employment letter, your training emails, and the individual training schedule spreadsheet (linked in the Training Groups & Schedules tab below) to see if this applies to you.

Returning Staff will attend Avid 101 on Saturday 6/11, and any trainings listed in the individual employment letter. Additionally, Avid 201 is required for all Returning Staff working at our new state locations (WA & ME) and is optional for Returning Staff working in our more established locations (OR-Portland & Bend)

Avid 101- Takes place on Saturday, 6/11 at Pacific Community Park in Vancouver, WA. 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- Each camp location will be holding a separate session of Avid 201 on 6/18 from 9am-12pm. Please check your training email, or the training spreadsheet and the camp specific 201 links on the Training Groups & Schedules tab for details about your camp’s Avid 201 training session. 

Single Sport and Drive Training information can be found in the corresponding tabs below.

 

TRAINING GROUPS

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 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. Unfortunately, this is simply not possible. We encourage you to reach out to other staff in your free time to connect and explore your recreation areas before the season begins. What a wonderful excuse to get outside with new friends! 

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 & 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 PNW/EC 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

Avid 201: Sat 6/18, 9am-12pm Each camp location will hold a separate session; click the link for your primary camp location to view details of your Avid 201 session. 

Portland 201: 6/18 – Oregon

Bend 201: 6/18 – Oregon

Bellevue 201: 6/18 – Washington

Falmouth 201: 6/18 – Maine

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 6/9/22:

• Climb Specialist Training Day 1 (8am-5pm)

Friday 6/10/22: 

• Climbing Specialist Training Day 2 (8am-5pm)
• Mountain Bike Single Sport (8am-5pm)
• SUP Single Sport (8am-1pm)

Sunday 6/12/22: 

• Aftercare Training (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 or in person (depending on your group), Drive I and II will be in-person with your training group.

Sunday 6/12/22:

• Drive Lecture (8am-11am) – In person or virtual. Click link for more details!
• Drive I – Groups 4 & 5 (12pm-5pm)

Monday 6/13/22: 

• Drive I – Groups 1-3 (8am-1pm)

Please see your Training Group Schedule for Drive II date and time.

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 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 provides all equipment needed for mountain bike training including bikes and helmets. Staff are welcome to bring their own mountain bike and helmet if they’d like as long as it meets Avid4 standards for safety and fit.

We are psyched to make camping and meals available at Camp Currie during staff training in 2022! Most days of sport-specific training are based out of or near Camp Currie in Camas, WA. 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 Friday, June 10th through the night of Wednesday, June 15th. Everyone must move out of their campsites before 11am on Thursday, June 16th.

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

Register for Camping, Meals & Parking

Registration is now open! CLICK HERE to register and pay for camping and meals. 

*Note: All Staff traveling to Portland, OR from Bend, Washington, or Maine do NOT have to pay for camping or meals for their training week. All staff that are camping and bringing their vehicles to training WILL need to purchase an overnight parking pass. 

Registration will CLOSE on June 3rd. No refunds after May 20th. 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 $50. 

Staff Training All Inclusive Meal Pass: $40 starts with dinner on 6/11 and provides all meals through breakfast 6/17 

Vegetarian All Inclusive Meal Pass: $40

Dinner Pass Only: $22 (includes 6 dinners: 6/10-6/15)

Vegetarian Dinner Pass Only: $22 

Camping Reservation: $10 (this fee includes all 6 nights of camping, 6/10-6/15, with final checkout by 11am Thursday 6/16. The $10 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.)

Overnight Camp Parking: $7.50 (Because there is very limited parking available on site at Camp Currie, there will be off-site overnight parking available at a nearby location for the camping week.)

*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]

Calendar of Events

Fri 6/10:

• Overnight crew arrive 1pm, set up kitchen & prep dinner
• 7:15pm: 1st Dinner  

Sat 6/11:

• 7am: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station 
• 7:15pm: Dinner

Sun 6/12:

• 7am: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
• 7:15pm: Dinner

Mon 6/13:

• 7am Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
• 7:15pm: Dinner

Tues 6/14:

• 7am: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
• 7:15pm: Dinner

Wed 6/15:

• 7am: Breakfast & pack your own lunch station
• 7:15pm – All Staff BBQ Final Dinner

Thurs 6/16:

• 7am: 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

Camping FAQs

Can I bring my dog? No, sorry.  We love dogs, but our permit at Camp Currie 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? If you are driving to staff training and you are planning on camping, there will be off-site overnight parking available at a location near Camp Currie for the camping week. Shuttles will be made available to bring staff from their cars to Camp Currie at the beginning of the week and back to their cars at the end of the week.)

Can I camp for only some nights? Yes! However, you must still pay the flat $10 camping fee.

What’s the deal with alcohol? 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.

Is there running water/showers/what are the restroom facilities?

There are no restroom facilities or showers with running water at Camp Currie. There are 16 fully stocked pit toilet facilities and we will have portable camp showers set up at camp. There is a well pump on site that will serve our water needs for showers, kitchen needs, drinking, etc.

What to Bring Camping

Tent & stakes

Sleeping Bag & Pad

Warm layers

Camp chair/crazy creek

Toiletries

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.

What if the weather is cold/rainy/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. 

Do I have to pay the entrance fee for the park in which my training is occurring? You are responsible for any entrance and/or parking fee if required for the park in which your training is occurring.

Can I bring my dog to training? Nope, sorry. We love dogs, but our 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? Only Single Sport Mountain Bike instructors need to provide their own mountain bike and helmet for the specialized training on Friday 6/10. Staff who are only attending multi-sport bike training do not need to provide their own biking equipment.

Have other questions? Email [email protected]

Overnight Parking for Camp Currie:

Parking is very limited at Camp Currie so we are reserving those spots for trainers, campground support staff, vans/trailers, and special circumstance parking. 

All trainee’s who are camping will park their vehicle at our pre-arranged overnight parking lot (NorthLake Church Parking Lot), available starting Friday 6/10 and ending Thursday 6/16. There will be Avid4 shuttle vans picking up and dropping staff off at the NorthLake Church parking lot from to and from Camp Currie at the beginning and end of the week.

Daily Parking at Training Locations:

If you are not camping and you plan to drive to each training location daily, please make sure to check the google map links for each location on your group training schedule, along with any parking notes listed. 

Additionally, you can 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 PNW/EC Training Map 

Carpool Maps:

In the spirit of living environmentally connected, we encourage staff who are driving to Portland from out of area (Bend and Washington), or local Portland staff who are not camping to carpool as much as they can during the training week. Please see your respective map below and connect with people listed on the map if you’d like to arrange a carpool! For local Portland staff, Avid 101 is a great place to develop your carpooling plans as well. 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.

Portland, OR Area Staff Carpool Map

Bend, OR Area Staff Carpool Map

Bellevue, WA Area Staff Carpool Map

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. 

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 Workbright 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! 

Click here to view your individual summer schedules!