GUIDE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

THE CAMERON SAUVAIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Leadership grows from lived experience.

Participants become peer leaders, supported by guides who understand adversity firsthand. Structured pathways for guides-in-training and interns build skills, confidence, and leadership, creating a cycle of empathy, belonging, and shared leadership.

  • A structured growth path where young people move from participants to Guides-in-Training, to Interns, and ultimately professional river guides, opening doors to careers in outdoor recreation.

  • A 1–2 week immersive experience with the LEAP guide team for aspiring wilderness leaders. Participants build leadership, whitewater, and base-camp skills while spending meaningful time on the river. Prior LEAP participation is recommended but not required.

    Who this is for: Young people curious about outdoor leadership who want hands-on experience in a supportive, team-based river environment.

    Eligibility: Participants must be 16+ by the start of the mentorship.

    Expectations

    • Commit to at least one program

    • Contribute on and off the river

    • Demonstrate curiosity, growth, and a positive attitude

    Pathway Forward

    Participants who demonstrate strong expeditionary behavior, initiative, and care for self and others may be invited to continue as a Guide Intern.

  • Supported by the Cameron Sauvain Scholarship Fund

    The Guide Internship is the next step after a Guide-in-Training experience or a stand-alone role for those committed to outdoor leadership. Interns gain hands-on experience building professional guiding skills while working as part of the LEAP guide team.

    Who this is for: Individuals seeking deeper experience and mentorship while exploring a career path in outdoor leadership and guiding.

    Eligibility: Interns must be 18+ by the start of the mentorship.

    Details

    • Join the guide team for approximately 3 weeks

    • Receive thorough training and hands-on experience

    • Assist with guiding and logistics between programs

    • LEAP covers transportation, food, gear, and lodging

    • Interns are paid per trip and training period

    • Competitive, limited positions available

    Expectations

    • Commit to at least 2–3 programs plus training

    • Contribute on and off the river

    • Learn and uphold professional guide responsibilities

    • Maintain a growth-oriented learning mindset

    Pathway Forward

    Interns who exhibit professionalism, competence, and strong rapport with the guide team may be invited to continue on the path toward becoming a LEAP Guide.

    APPLY TO BE A GUIDE INTERN HERE

The Cameron Sauvain

Guide Scholarship Fund

Honoring the life and spirit of Cameron Sauvain, grounded in friendship, creativity, and a deep connection to the outdoors.

APPLY HERE

The Cameron Sauvain Scholarship Fund honors Cameron Sauvain, a young man from the Portland community who found meaning and camaraderie through time spent camping with friends, snowboarding in the mountains, and fishing along rivers. He was a gifted glass artist and aspiring oil painter, drawing inspiration from the natural world around him.

Cameron’s life ended far too soon at the age of 23. In his memory, the Cameron Sauvain Endowment Fund creates opportunities for young adults to find solace, growth, and community through the outdoors, particularly during times of hardship—and to carry those experiences forward as leaders in their communities.

  • To provide lasting outdoor leadership opportunities for young adults who embody the spirit of Cameron Sauvain: curiosity, creativity, camaraderie, and care for others.

  • The fund supports scholarship opportunities for young adults ages 18–24 to participate in a three-week summer internship with LEAP. Interns receive training and hands-on experience while participating in two LEAP river programs, serving as a first step into outdoor leadership and facilitation.

    This internship is designed for individuals who:

    • Share Cameron’s spirit of connection and creativity

    • Are interested in cultivating outdoor leadership skills

    • Are motivated to support individuals and communities overcoming adversity

    Applications are open to LEAP program alumni and outside applicants, with priority given to those who have completed a LEAP program or have an existing relationship with one of LEAP’s partner organizations.

  • Each scholarship provides comprehensive support to reduce financial barriers and ensure full participation, including:

    • Whitewater and program facilitation training

    • A gear stipend

    • Transportation, food, and lodging during the internship

    • A work stipend awarded upon successful completion of the internship

    Scholarship recipients are selected and announced annually in late spring.