The First Ascent program provides incoming U‑M freshmen with an opportunity to connect with fellow freshmen in small groups for camping, hiking, paddling and exploring the state’s natural areas. Casual campfire discussions are led by upper-level undergrads or grad students and center around the transition to college and all things U‑M. The goal of First Ascent is to help participants grow in self-esteem, self-reliance and confidence—and to have a great time!

All gear is provided. No experience is necessary.

We’ve worked with University Housing to coordinate our First Ascent trips with move-in. If your trip starts in late August and ends on an official move-in date, you can move your belongings in to your room before the trip begins.

First Ascent Trip Dates for Spring/Summer 2019 Coming Soon!

For Interested Candidates

Adventure Leadership is an outdoor, activity-based, experiential learning and leadership development program. You will guide trips and facilitate team building programs, providing participants opportunities to explore leadership, organizational behavior, group development, and the environment using adventure education practices and outdoor recreation principles. In addition to hands-on experiences, you will design and complete a project of your own that takes into account your unique strengths, passions, and ambitions. For example, your project might address underserved populations; build a relationship with a key stakeholder; or create a new exercise, element or initiative for team building. No matter what your career aspirations may be, the skills and experience gained during this internship will be powerful and highly valued in all areas of your life, personal or professional.

2019 Internship Hiring, Training and Employment Timeline

The following dates are required for all potential interns. Please disclose any conflicts in the application.

• January 28, 2019 Applications Due
• January 30, 2019 Interview Invitations Sent
• February 13, 2019 @ 7PM – 8:30PM Interview Session I
• February 20, 2019 @ 7PM – 8:30PM Interview Session II
• February 27, 2019 @ 7PM – 9PM Final Interview Session
• March 6, 2019 Internship Offers Sent
• March 15, 2019 Deadline for Internship Acceptance
• March 30, 2019 @ 9AM – 5PM Facilitation Training I
• March 31, 2019 @ 9AM – 5PM Facilitation Training II
• April 3, 2019 @ 6:30PM – 9:30PM Facilitation Training III
• April 10, 2019 @ 6:30PM – 9:30PM Facilitation Training IV
• April 17, 2019 @ 6:30PM – 9:30PM Facilitation Training V
• May 6 – 10, 2019 Wilderness First Responder Training
• May 15 – 17, 2019 Trip Leader Training
• May 22 & May 23, 2019 @ 9AM – 5PM Low Element Training
• May 29 & 30, 2019 @ 9AM – 5PM High Adventure Training
• May 31 & June 1, 2019 by appointment Skill Verification Days
• June 5, 2019 – September 4, 2019 Wednesday Evening Bi-Weekly In-Service Trainings
• August 24 – 31, 2019 Peak Week – MANDATORY

Expected Time Commitment

• May 13, 2019 – September 2, 2019 Minimum 15 hours/week (maximum 40) as assigned
• September 3, 2019  – November 30, 2019 Additional hours available based on program schedule

Compensation

• $9.45/hour

Application

Please respond to the following prompts with a short paragraph (2-3 sentences). Attach your resume and your responses in a document and email to Jessa Lytle, Assistant Director, at jessal@umich.edu.

• What do you hope to gain as a member of the AL Internship 2019 Cohort?
• Do you have prior experience working in an adventure, education, outdoor recreation, experiential learning, or challenge program? Please list any skills, qualifications, and/or certifications you possess as they apply to this type of work.
• Please share an example of a time you felt outside of your comfort zone.
• Please list any dates/times that conflict with the internship timeframe. This information will be used to create each intern’s individual schedule, so please be as thorough as possible. Examples include but are not limited to: class, family vacation, study abroad programs, research expectations, part time job hours, other commitments, etc.
• How did you hear about this opportunity?

Adventure Leadership Camp is packed full with opportunities and experiences for your teen to cultivate wonder, gain confidence and independence, and further develop their leadership style. Adventure Leadership Camp utilizes the experiential learning model to focuses on each camper’s own personal growth as the week goes on. Campers will have the chance to explore high adventure challenges, embark on field trips near and far, be actively involved in their community, and create new friendships.