CHALLENGE COURSE PROGRAM LEAD - Summer Camp 2026

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a seasonal role from June - August and supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Program Leads will provide overall leadership and management in their specific program area. They are responsible for implementing safe and engaging activities that are age appropriate, supervise counselors in their program area, maintain a clean and safe environment, ensure program equipment is well looked after, communicate supplies that need to be ordered in a timely manner, and program evaluation. The Program Lead position serves as a member of our program team and is charged with working in a collaborative way with their peers to ensure the success of all program areas at camp.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee daily operations of challenge course (low ropes course) for campers entering grades K-9th.
• Delegate and support staff assigned to the challenge course areas in facilitating activities, providing supervision, spotting techniques, framing, and debriefing.
• Maintain strict safety protocol for all ropes course programs according to Camp Lincoln’s policies and industry standards.
• Ensure all campers and staff are equipped with well-fitting and appropriate safety equipment for their activity and monitor the use of equipment and camper safety at all times.
• Prepare program supplies for activities ahead of program start time.
• Responsible for inspecting all equipment for functionality and safety before each use as well as proper records and storage after use.
• Lead large and small groups through a progression of teambuilding activities and low ropes elements and reflective discussions tailored to their program goals
• Work closely with the Ropes Course Director and Ropes Course Program Lead(s) to maintain a high level of program quality.
• Assist with and lead high ropes course programs.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 18
• Level 1 or 2 ropes course certification. Level 2 certification provided for successful applicants.
• Experience working with youth aged 5-14 in an educational setting preferred.
• Must pass Skills Verification, including rescue skills, following staff training, and necessary shadowing
• Familiarity with various camp activities.
• Patient and reliable.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Organizational and communication skills.
• Energetic and positive personality.
• Must be able to complete YMCA required training as scheduled by management.
• Must maintain updated certifications of the job (CPR and First Aid/AED).
• Must successfully clear FBI and state criminal background checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs.
• Ability to push, pull, bend and kneel regularly.
• Ability to work outdoors for entire shift, regardless of weather.

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.