summer jobs
We accept applications and hire on a rolling basis. We encourage our candidates to submit their applications in the Fall. Opportunities become limited after our third priority deadline. These priority dates can be found below. The Moondance Adventures hiring process begins with a brief online application, giving us an introduction to who you are. After an initial screening and contacting your references, we’ll ask you to complete a more detailed application so we can learn more about your experiences and what makes you a great fit for our team. From there, you’ll participate in 3–4 interviews conducted via phone, Google Meet, or occasionally in person for the later stages. A final decision will be made as a team.
If selected, you’ll sign an offer letter to officially join the Moondance family. Following your commitment, we’ll assign your trip placement and match you with your co-leader at a later date to prepare for the adventure ahead! The Staffing Team places leaders on trips by taking into account their application, experiences, references, and interviews, aiming to match them where they’ll thrive and contribute most to Moondance. Returning staff preferences are taken into consideration.
In mid-May, all leaders will attend our mandatory two-week Staff Training to learn about the Moondance culture, the roles and responsibilities of a leader, and to foster connections with the other 150 leaders as you prepare for your summer! Upon successful completion of Staff Training, leaders will head to Nashville, Tennessee, where Moondance is headquartered. There, you will complete your final pre-trip responsibilities and meet with Moondance HQ one last time before heading to your trip location, where you will spend the entirety of the summer.
You will depart from the Nashville International Airport (BNA) to begin your respective trips, each composed of 10-14 students and your co-leader, with whom you will share full responsibility for the group. Leaders are assigned 2-3 sessions of a specific trip, with each session lasting 14-23 days. After completing your final session, leaders are required to return to Nashville for three days of Debrief, during which you will wrap up your trip responsibilities and help improve it for the future.
If you have any questions regarding our process or a summer with Moondance, please email us at staff@moondanceadventures.com.
The application will remain open until May 1st, 2026. We hire on a rolling basis, and therefore highly encourage you to submit your application before one of these deadlines.
Being a Moondance leader is such a unique opportunity. Your fellow college classmates may be interning at companies (BORING) or other organizations endeavoring for that checkmark on their resume. What you’re doing is actually practicing the art of leadership with the goal of transforming lives …and you will walk away from this summer knowing that you fundamentally changed the lives of a handful of young adults for the better. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer. Get after it and have fun along the way!
Tyler Hogan
Moondance Trip Leader 2008-2009
University of Virginia
Harvard Business School
Our leaders are vital to the integrity and safety of our trips. Their responsibilities are diverse: instructors, leaders, facilitators, friends, fellow participants, and role models to our students. This exceptional group of people is at the center of what Moondance has done every summer for the past 31 years. As a Trip Leader, you will be pushed to communicate, problem-solve, and be decisive, all while empowering those around you to do the same. Every leader knows that the experiences they create directly shape a student’s summer—and often, their growth and confidence for years to come.
What you do as a Moondance leader matters. It’s as simple as that.
With years of our own experience as trip leaders, we as a Staffing Team are passionate about setting you up for success. Your journey is important to us! We look for candidates who are energetic, adaptable, and excited to work with teens in the outdoors. We’re committed to building a team that will transform not only the lives of our students but also your own. From day-to-day problem-solving to leading a group through the backcountry, the lessons you learn as a leader are invaluable—and we’ll be there every step of the way to support you.
We look forward to connecting with you as well as, hearing about your passions, interests, and why you feel that Moondance is the perfect fit for you.
All the best,
The 2025 – 2026 Moondance Staffing Team
Suzanne Hollis, Caroline Garrett, Kate Garrison, + Anna Balzli
Suzanne Hollis graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Environmental Science Quantitative Energy Systems and a minor in Physics. During her four years at UNC, Suzanne pursued involvement in many ways, including directing an annual science camp for young girls interested in STEM, leading outings for the Carolina Outing Club, and working as a porter at the Morehead House. Additionally, she worked for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to promote policy change in support of clean energy and clean equity and worked with the Sun Valley Institute to assess the area's food security and the food industry's environmental impact. As a student, Suzanne attended Moondance on our California Discovery, Cataract Canyon, South Africa, and Thailand trips. As a trip leader, she led Yellowstone in 2021, Kilimanjaro in 2022, and Big Wild in 2023. Suzanne started in HQ in 2022 and is our Director of Staffing!
suzanne@moondanceadventures.com
Kate is a recent graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Political Science and Communication Studies from Greensboro, North Carolina. Kate first joined the Moondance family as a student on our South Africa and Chamonix trips in 2018 and 2019. As a Trip Leader, she has led Maui (2022), Spain + Morocco (2023), Kilimanjaro (2024), and Big Wild (2024). During her college summers prior to leading for Moondance, Kate worked as a counselor at Camp Illahee in Brevard, NC. While at Clemson, she was involved in an array of organizations – ranging from the University Tour Guide Association, the Judicial Board, and the Panhellenic Association. She is thrilled to be continuing her Moondance journey, this time in a full-time role as a Coordinator!
kate@moondanceadventures.com
Caroline is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Entrepreneurship. During her time at UNC, Caroline joined the Women's Club Lacrosse Team, Panhellenic Association, and worked at a local bagel shop (where she actually met Hayes for the first time!). Caroline discovered her love for travel in 2022 during a summer internship in Barcelona, Spain where she had the opportunity to explore much more of Europe during her time there. In 2023, Caroline joined the Moondance family as a trip leader, when she led our Belize and Costa Rica trip. This past summer, Caroline traveled to South America to lead our Machu Picchu trip in Peru before arriving in Nashville to continue her time with Moondance. Caroline is so excited to join the full-time Moondance team as a Staffing Coordinator!
caroline@moondanceadventures.com
Anna Balzli graduated from Mississippi State University with an undergraduate degree in International Business, double majoring in Marketing and Spanish, where she was also a member of the track and cross country teams. During her time at Mississippi State, Anna studied abroad in Spain, furthering her love for travel and language. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Florida. Outside of academics, Anna enjoys scuba diving, sailing, running, and reading. Additionally, she led two Moondance trips—South Africa in 2023 and Croatia in 2024. Anna joined HQ in 2025 as our Marketing and Staffing Coordinator!
annabalzli@moondanceadventures.comDefinitely felt the magic this summer. Moondance creates this magical dimension almost, away from time and sometimes reality. Bring 12 strangers and 2 leaders together for 17 days. Spend every single moment doing the coolest things in the coolest place with delicious food and not a single care or worry about a clock or technology. Unmatched, No one does it like Moondance. Thank you for all that you do! It was an honor and privilege working here. An experience and a summer I will remember for life. I am better because of you all.
John Shoemaker 2023-2025
The Moondance Staffing Team visits colleges nationwide to connect with students passionate about adventure, leadership, and making a lasting impact. Here’s what to expect when we come to your school:
Info Sessions – Join us for a casual and informative session to learn what it means to be a Moondance leader. We’ll cover our trips, our mission, and the incredible experience of leading life-changing adventures for students. Bring your questions—we love talking about all things Moondance!
Informational Interviews – Interested in applying? Sign up for an individual interview with a member of our Staffing Team. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into your leadership experience, discuss what makes a great Moondance leader, and learn more about the hiring process.
Meet the Team – Whether at our session, an interview, or just around campus, we’d love to meet you! The Staffing Department is comprised of past trip leaders who can share firsthand insight into what it’s like to be part of the Moondance family. We’d also love to connect you with fellow students who have worked with us before!
We can’t wait to meet you and help you take the first step toward an unforgettable summer!
Our Fall 2025 College Visit dates are listed below:
Sewanee: September 22 – 23
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: October 6 – 8
University of Virginia: October 9 – 10
University of Georgia: October 20 – 21
Clemson University: October 21 – 22
Wofford College: October 23 – 24
University of Colorado Boulder: November 10 – 12
Our Spring 2026 College Visit dates will be posted soon!
She adored them. Looked up to them. Confided in them. She loved their enthusiasm and found them trustworthy. Both gave her such good advice. And having these awesome leaders makes her want to be a leader when she is older.
Rachel Spector, mother of Madeliene, 2024 Pacific Northwest Student
The leaders make the trip. I am entrusting my child to travel for 2 weeks with a group of people he just met. The success/failure is determined at the point of hire. Great leaders make a great trip. Our experience has been great.
Kenny Smith, father of Robert, 2024 Iceland Student
Your summer kicks off with our mandatory Staff Training from May 16 – 29, 2026, in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina! A portion of our training will also be spent in the backcountry of Pisgah National Forest, simulating a Moondance trip, giving first-year leaders a chance to practice and teach the skills they have learned throughout Staff Training.
Our administrative team travels from our headquarters in Nashville, TN, to join you and facilitate a spectacular two weeks. During training, we’ll dive into briefings about your trip, students, and your roles and responsibilities as a leader. The excitement ramps up as our veteran leaders take the reins, sharing invaluable lessons and first-hand experiences on leading with responsibility, safety, compassion, and confidence. You will be mixed with some of the most dynamic, energetic, and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet.
Between sessions on topics like mental health, risk management, and group dynamics, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to bond with your co-leader team by participating in group games, talent shows, and of course – Moonup! Our mission is clear: we want you to have an unforgettable experience so you can provide the same for your students. Staff Training is a balance of hard work and fun, both of which are deeply valued here at Moondance.
For a closer look at last year’s Staff Training, watch our video!
At the conclusion of our two-week Staff Training, leaders will drive to Nashville, TN, where Moondance is headquartered. Here, you will complete your final pre-trip responsibilities, including wrapping up paperwork, collecting summer gear, and ensuring you are well-equipped for your summer ahead. Your leader team will be scheduled to come into the Moondance office to meet with HQ one last time before you head to your trip location. You will fly from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to your gateway city (the starting point of your trip), and officially start your summer as a leader!
Depending on your trip placement and itinerary, you will lead either two sessions (21-23 days each) or three sessions (14-17 days each) over the course of the summer. Between sessions, you’ll have 2–3 off-days to recharge, wrap up your previous session, and prepare for the next.
At the conclusion of your final trip session, you will return to Nashville for two days of Debrief. Similar to Post-Staff Training, you will come into the Moondance office to wrap up your post-trip responsibilities. You will complete final summer paperwork, meet with each department, and return all Moondance-issued gear. It’s also a chance to reflect on your summer, swap stories with fellow leaders, and celebrate all that you and your students accomplished!
They helped me realize success and happiness are not valued by the zeros in your bank account, but the importance of family
Liam Bailey, 2024 Chamonix Student
As a Trip Leader, you are responsible for up to 14 teenagers – parents’ most prized possessions! You’ll be on call 24/7, managing risk, logistics, and trip finances with care and confidence. Over the summer, you’ll oversee a budget of $5,000–$20,000, all while building strong communication skills with your students, co-leader, outfitters, and Moondance HQ. Beyond the logistics, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving, grow in leadership, and inspire your group every single day.
Every day is a little different—our trips vary by age group, activities, and destination! Generally, students and leaders participate in 1–2 activities per day, share meals, and spend time bonding with their group. Each trip’s itinerary is carefully crafted by our Operations Team, and we partner with outfitters and guides around the world to create experiences that are safe, engaging, and memorable for both students and leaders.
Moondance is all about transformation – both for the kids on our trips and for our leaders who make it happen! Growth is at the heart of what we do, from overcoming challenges and learning new skills to forging friendships and making memories that last a lifetime. The work itself shapes us personally and professionally, making Moondance not just a job that allows you to explore the world, but a job that allows you to grow while doing so. Prepare to change lives – including your own.
First-year salary for a Moondance summer is an average of $2,800, depending on the trip you are selected to lead. Leaders are typically assigned 2-3 sections of the same program in the same location. All Moondance program expenses including accommodations, meals on your trip, outfitted activities, and transportation to and from the trip’s location are included throughout the summer. As a Trip Leader, you will have access to Pro Deal accounts giving you exclusive access to significant discounts on an assortment of respected outdoor brands.
Our leaders are contracted to lead multiple sessions of trips throughout the summer. In between sessions of trips, leaders are allotted free time with which they are able to debrief from their previous trip, complete any necessary paperwork, and prepare for the next group of students to arrive. This free time will be spent in the “gateway city” of each trip, where the first “airport day” of each trip will begin.
Moondance leaders come from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences, but are all united behind a passion for working with teens and a love for the outdoors. In order to provide a great experience on a Moondance trip, you must hold a desire to make a positive impact on the students of your trip while excelling as a leader in a team setting. Our strongest leaders have previously held leadership positions where they grew as role models and mentors, such as captains of sports teams and camp counselors. While we do value hard skills (i.e. starting a fire, setting up campsites, fishing, etc.), we are searching for individuals who have a contagious love of life and hold an optimistic perspective that they wish to share with others.
Leaders are responsible for any personal items and equipment necessary for a particular trip. Generally, this includes clothing, shoes, a daypack, etc. For all domestic trips and some international trips, leaders are responsible for their own sleeping bag, ground pad & backpack. Moondance provides tents, cookware, and general group gear for domestic trips.
While you do not need any certifications to apply, if hired, you must obtain a Wilderness First Aid + CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification by the beginning of Staff Training. Each Moondance leader is required to have Wilderness First Aid + CPR certifications at a minimum; however, many trips with time spent in the backcountry require a minimum of a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Leaders will be notified in the spring if the Staffing Team needs them to obtain a WFR certification.
After submitting your online application, our Staffing Team will notify you when it’s under initial review. Strong candidates will be invited to complete an additional set of questions and schedule an interview. Following 2–3 rounds of interviews, we extend offers on a rolling basis throughout the fall and early spring. An offer letter confirms your commitment to lead for Moondance that summer. In March, we’ll send out contracts that include salary details and specific trip placements. While select opportunities may remain open until April, most applicants apply earlier, and we strongly encourage you to apply by the following priority deadlines:
First Priority: Friday, October 31st
Second Priority: Friday, January 9th
Third Priority: Friday, February 27th
For applicants who are under the age of 21, we are able to offer a limited number of internships in our office and in the field for select trip locations. The responsibilities of an intern vary slightly from those of a Trip Leader, though our interns are equipped with the same training, certifications and ability to leaving a lasting impact on their students’ lives! Preference for the intern position is given to Moondance Alumni.
Staff are placed where we feel they will be most beneficial to Moondance based on their application, prior experiences, references, and interviews. Returning staff preferences are taken into consideration.
Moondance provides transportation for each leader back to Nashville for a mandatory 3-day Debrief. During this time, leader teams will complete all post-trip responsibilities, including trip paperwork, Moondance-issued gear return, sharing feedback to improve future trips, and more. Debrief is also a time to reflect on your summer, reconnect with HQ, and share the stories and experiences that made your trips unforgettable!
It’s probably two of the most fun, exciting, and motivating weeks you’ll experience! Our 12-day, intensive Staff Training takes place in the mountains of Western North Carolina before the start of our summer programs. Staff Training is designed not only to educate leaders on Moondance policies and procedures but also to build a trusting, collaborative bond among our leaders.
While Staff Training is a ton of fun, it’s also hard work. You’ll attend lessons given by Moondance HQ and guest speakers, learning how to deliver the experience of a lifetime as a Moondance leader. Topics include risk management, mental health, trip accounting, group dynamics, and more.
When you’re not in lessons, you’ll have time to study your trip, bond with your co-leader, and begin communicating with trip outfitters and your students’ parents. Part of training takes place in the backcountry of Pisgah National Forest, where you’ll simulate a Moondance trip, giving first-year leaders a chance to practice and teach the skills you’ve learned.
Throughout it all, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most dynamic, energetic, and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. Are you ready?
Each leader’s summer begins with our mandatory 12-day Staff Training in Asheville, NC. Upon successful completion of Staff Training, you will begin your respective trips composed of 10-14 students, plus your co-leader, with whom you will assume complete responsibility of the group. Leaders are assigned 2-3 sections of a specific trip, and each section is 14-23 days long. After leading, leaders are required to return to Nashville for 3 days of debrief with the Moondance administrative staff to wrap up your trips and help improve them for the future.
MY LEADERS WERE AMAZING! They loved me so much and truly cared for me every step of the way. Seeing how invested they were in my experience and constantly going the extra mile to make things extra special for everyone meant so much to me.
Walker McKnight, 2019 Kilimanjaro Student
