Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs

Job Title: Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs

FLSA Status: Full Time - exempt
Reports to: Camp Director

Schedule: 40 hours
Supervises: N/A

Rate of Pay: $58,240

Closing Date: 11/13/2025

Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

• Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit – 20 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0769 hours for each hour worked (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)

Function

The Director of Wilderness & Adventure Programs oversees the planning, development, and execution of wilderness and adventure programs at High Peak Camp. This position is responsible for designing outdoor activities, securing necessary permits, maintaining wilderness areas, and leading ministry-based programming in outdoor settings. They also collaborate with camp leadership to rebuild and evolve Salvation Army Wilderness Summer Programs, maintain high-risk activities and structures, and oversees all program activity areas of camp on a year-round basis for both summer camp and guest groups. The role requires outdoor leadership skills, safety certifications, and a commitment to integrating ministry into all wilderness experiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all Wilderness Programs and Activities
  • Plan and lead hikes and camping trips for guests and campers, both on-site and in surrounding areas
  • Secure permits for activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge and experience with hiking trails and routes
  • Obtain Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification to ensure participant safety
  • Design and lead Salvation Army Wilderness Camps activities
  • Organize and lead activities such as hiking, fishing, geocaching, orienteering, ecology, survival skills, team building, campfires, and wilderness cooking
• Develop and Implement “Ministry through Wilderness” Program
  • Lead devotions at breakfast, campfires, and during hikes
  • Create and deliver faith-based messages and lessons integrated into activities
  • Provide leadership mentoring and devotions for seasonal Wilderness staff
• Maintain Wilderness Structures and Areas
  • Work with Property Manager to design and maintain tent platforms and structures in Wilderness areas
  • Monitor Larimer County and Colorado fire bans and restrictions
• Rebuild and Expand Salvation Army Wilderness Summer Programs
  • Collaborate with Camp Director and Director of Youth Ministries on program development
  • Hire and mentor seasonal Wilderness staff
  • Assist in budgeting for Wilderness activities, gear, equipment, and permits
• Develop Vision for Wilderness Program and Ministries
  • Expand outreach across the Intermountain Division through Wilderness Ministries with the DYM.
  • Adapt and diversify programs to include activities like rafting, flyfishing, outdoor rock climbing, trail and mountain biking
• Run and Maintain High Risk Programs and Activities
  • Obtain certification and training for high ropes course, climbing tower, zipline, and archery operations. Level 1 required, Level 2 preferred for archery and challenge course certifications
  • Be willing to obtain Challenge Course Manager certification
  • Train High Peak Camp summer staff on archery and challenge course (with Level 2/Challenge Course Manager Certifications)
  • Maintain and care for high-risk activity equipment and structures. Work with outside companies to schedule and coordinate high ropes and archery inspections and certifications. Maintain compliance with safety standards and make repairs when needed/recommended by inspectors.
• Maintain and Facilitate Program Areas for Guest Groups
  • Maintain in good working order all program areas and equipment (to include the sports field and equipment, ponds, mini golf, disc golf, low ropes, archery tag, fishing equipment, snowshoes, ice skates, Fort, etc.) for year-round guest group usage. Recommend areas of improvements and equipment upgrades to Camp Director.
  • Work with Director of Guest Services and Programs to schedule and coordinate requested activities. Schedule appropriate staff and facilitate activities for guest groups as requested.
  • Set up and tear down requested buildings and program areas for guest groups.
• Assist Camp Director and Property Manager as needed
  • Assist Camp Director with ACA accreditation and Colorado Childcare Licensing as it pertains to activity areas.
  • Occasionally assist Property Manager with projects around camp not related to programming, including operating heavy machinery, chainsaws, snowplows, tractors, etc.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications

• Education/Experience
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification (required)
  • Level 1 Archery and Challenge Course Certifications (required)
  • Level 2 Archery and Challenge Course Certifications (preferred)
  • Challenge Course Manager Certification (preferred/willing to obtain)
  • Prior experience planning and leading outdoor adventure activities
  • Experience in Christian ministry programming, especially outdoor ministry (preferred)
• Skills
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills
  • Excellent planning, organizational, and risk management abilities
  • Proficient knowledge of outdoor activities, safety protocols, and Colorado wilderness areas
• Qualifications
  • Ability to obtain certifications for high ropes, climbing tower, zipline, and archery operations
  • Ability to secure necessary permits for outdoor activities
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings as necessary
• Driving
  • A minimum age of 21 (for insurance provision) and possession of a valid in-state driver’s license is required.
  • An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies.
• Background Check
  • Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maneuver.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate telephone.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Salary : $58,240