Ava Arellanes
Ojai
Summary
Passionate about the outdoors, conservation, and providing safe, engaging experiences for others. EMT certified with hands-on experience in emergency response and first aid. Skilled in supervising high-risk activities like zip lines, climbing walls, and wilderness hikes, while managing guest needs and coordinating events. Experienced in leading teams, teaching environmental education, and maintaining safe, clean facilities and equipment. Adaptable, professional, and reliable, with strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outdoor guide
Pacific Wildlife Institute
Ojai, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Led guided outdoor hikes for children ages 6–9, teaching about local ecosystems, native vs. invasive species, wildlife tracking, and regional geography.
- Ensured participant safety during hikes and water crossings, working alongside EMTs and Wilderness First Aid-trained staff to respond to emergencies.
- Collaborated to design engaging, educational activities to foster passion for learning about nature, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Camp Host
Forest Home Christian Camps
Ojai, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Managed guest needs by answering the host phone, responding quickly to requests.
- Transported guests, staff, and supplies safely around camp using a golf cart or staff vehicle.
- Assisted with event setup, decorating, and preparing activity areas to enhance guest experience.
- Assisted with event setup, decorating, and preparing activity areas to enhance guest experience.
Groundskeeper
Forest Home Christian Camps
Ojai, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Maintained and landscaped camp grounds, including gardening, weed removal, and general upkeep, ensuring safe and inviting outdoor spaces for guests.
- Sanitized and prepared cabins, communal areas, and bathrooms, following strict hygiene protocols for guest safety.
- Responded to maintenance emergencies promptly, prioritizing tasks to maintain safe, functional, and clean facilities.
Recreation Assistant
Forest Home Christian Camps
Ojai, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Supervised high-risk recreational activities including 2 zip lines, climbing wall, manual belay, and auto-belay systems, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Operated the “launch,” "Dismount," "Deck," "Rope catch" system for zip line guests, performing thorough safety checks and harness inspections to prevent accidents.
- Provided on-the-spot instruction and support to guests to maintain confidence and safety without going into panic, during high-adrenaline activities.
- Responded immediately to safety incidents, demonstrating calm, decisive action in high-pressure situations.
Lifegard
Forest Home Christian Camps
Ojai, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Monitored pool area to ensure safety of all patrons and prevent accidents.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, providing first aid and rescue assistance as needed.
- Enforced camp rules and regulations to maintain a safe swimming environment.
- Conducted regular safety drills and training sessions for campers and staff.
Education
No Degree - VC Biology-AS-T
Ventura College
Ventura, CA12-2028
Certificate - NREMT
Ventura College
Ventura, CA12-2025
High School Diploma -
Legacy High School
Ojai, CA02-2023
Skills
- Emergency response and first aid – EMT certified, able to respond quickly to medical situations
- Outdoor safety and risk management – experience supervising high-risk activities like zip lines, rock walls, and hikes
- Guest services and customer care – skilled at helping guests and making sure their needs are met
- Team leadership and supervision – led groups of children and worked with teams to keep activities safe
- Communication skills – able to give clear instructions and stay calm when under pressure
- Multitasking under pressure – able to handle several responsibilities at once in busy environments
- Event and activity coordination – set up and supported recreational activities and camp events
- Facility and grounds maintenance – keep cabins, grounds, and equipment clean and safe
- Technical equipment operation – experienced with climbing gear, belay systems, and golf carts
- Environmental and outdoor education – knowledge of local plants, animals, ecosystems, and teaching kids about nature
- Adaptability and problem solving – able to adjust to changing conditions and handle unexpected situations
- Professionalism and reliability – follow safety and hygiene standards and complete tasks responsibly
Certification
- NREMT certified
- Deepwater professional rescue lifeguard certified
- ICS 100 certified "principles of the Incident Command System"
- ICS 200 certified "Management of single resources and the initial response to an incident"
- ICS 700 certified "National Incident Management System"
- ICS 800 certified "National Response Framework"
- BLS certification
Timeline
Outdoor guide
Pacific Wildlife Institute
02.2025 - Current
Camp Host
Forest Home Christian Camps
08.2022 - Current
Groundskeeper
Forest Home Christian Camps
08.2022 - Current
Recreation Assistant
Forest Home Christian Camps
08.2022 - Current
Lifegard
Forest Home Christian Camps
08.2022 - Current
No Degree - VC Biology-AS-T
Ventura College
Certificate - NREMT
Ventura College
High School Diploma -
Legacy High School