Challenge Course Coordinator

Join our vibrant and dedicated community at the Burgess Outdoor Education & Retreat Center, a beautiful YMCA facility nestled on over 300 acres of forested land on Cape Cod. Our property includes three freshwater ponds, two state-of-the-art high ropes courses, a low ropes teambuilding course, a climbing tower, an educational farm, waterfront, hiking trails, and overnight and dining facilities. At Burgess, we strive to inspire curiosity, foster stewardship, and build community through engaging outdoor experiences for all ages.

Challenge Course Coordinator Job Duties

The Challenge Course Coordinator is a key leadership position designed for an experienced challenge course facilitator or outdoor educator. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse range of youth and adult groups, providing transformative outdoor education and teambuilding programs over a dynamic spring and summer season. The Challenge Course Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Challenge Course Manager in overseeing the high ropes course, low ropes course, and climbing tower, ensuring smooth operations, safety, and program delivery.

This job description outlines three related seasonal roles (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

Applicants may apply for one season, two seasons, or all three. Preference given to applicants available for all 3 seasons.

Spring 2026

Facilitate experiential outdoor programs for overnight youth groups, emphasizing environmental education, team-building, and leadership development. Help with the setup and running of the challenge course.

Summer 2026

Join our summer camp staff as an ‘Outdoor Pursuits (OP) Director’ - facilitate high ropes course for all summer campers and act as a resource for other OP Directors .

Fall 2026

Facilitate teambuilding programming for middle school, high school, and college students through use of our varied adventure education options.

Qualifications

• Passion for working outdoors with youth, teens, and adults.
• Desire to facilitate environmental, teambuilding, and challenge course programs.
• 21 years old with a degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/AED certification or willingness to obtain at own expense.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player in a collaborative residential setting.
• Safely facilitate all positions on the high and low challenge courses
• Assist Challenge Course Manager in training staff on the challenge course
• Assist Challenge Course Manager in the maintenance and organization of all challenge course elements and gear
• Lead environmental education classes and teambuilding programming with confidence, accuracy, and enthusiasm
• Speak clearly and audibly in front of large audiences
• Provide friendly and helpful customer service to all of our guests
• Support house-keeping, grounds-keeping, and dining operations
  
  

Hours

Expect long, rewarding days spent outdoors, with work hours aligned to guest needs. Evening and weekend work is required. You will have two days off for every five days worked.

Compensation

We offer competitive pay starting at $110 per day, with an increase to $116 per day for those who have a lifeguard certification. Additionally, we provide comfortable staff housing, all meals while you are working, access to the kitchen, laundry facilities, and internet. Cape Cod is a fantastic place to live, and you will have access to a wide range of outdoor recreation equipment to help you enjoy it!