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.

  • Guide-in-Training Mentorship

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

    LEAP covers transportation, food, gear, and lodging. 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 show 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 skills for a career in the outdoor industry while working in a team environment.

    Details:

    Join the guide team for ~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

    Must be 18+ to apply

    Expectations:

    Commit to at least 2-3 programs + training

    Contribute on and off the river

    Learn and understand professional guide responsibilities

    Maintain a learning mindset

    Pathway to a Guide Position:

    Exhibit professionalism

    Demonstrate competence in guide responsibilities

    Build strong rapport with the guide team

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.