Learn to Ride / Mountain Biking Camp Lead

 

The St. James is a premier sports, wellness, and entertainment brand, empowering people of all ages to reach their peak potential. Our 450,000-square-foot flagship complex in Springfield, VA, offers a unique combination of world-class sports venues, elite training spaces, recovery amenities, and athletic and wellness programs. We also operate Performance Club locations in Springfield, VA, and Bethesda, MD, providing signature group classes, customized performance training, recovery, and high-performance programming in convenient club settings. From comprehensive training to family-friendly fun, lifestyle events, and sporting experiences, The St. James is your destination to discover your best self.

 

At The St. James, we are in the business of human development. Our success in delivering exceptional guest experiences—experiences that engage, inspire, and delight—depends on our ability to recruit, retain, and cultivate team members who embody the true spirit of hospitality. We seek individuals who are committed to personal and organizational excellence, who are proactive and action-oriented, and who thrive in a collaborative team environment. If you have a passion for service and a dedication to continuous growth, we want you to be part of our team.

Overview: The Learn to Ride / Mountain Biking Camp Lead is responsible for designing and delivering safe, developmentally appropriate cycling instruction for campers ranging from first-time riders (ages 4–6) to intermediate and teen mountain biking participants. This role requires deep knowledge of cycling fundamentals, trail etiquette, bike handling, and youth coaching. The Lead ensures all sessions are fun, progressive, and safety-focused while supervising counselors and managing group flow on both indoor and outdoor riding areas.

Key Responsibilities:

· Teach beginners how to balance, pedal, steer, brake, and ride safely using age-appropriate methods

· Lead progressively challenging riding sessions for older campers, including basic trail skills, climbing/descending, cornering, and bike control

· Design or adapt daily lesson plans based on preset themes and skill goals

· Demonstrate proper helmet use, bike fitting, and equipment safety checks

· Lead small and large groups on beginner-friendly riding loops, skills zones, and controlled trail sections

· Maintain a safe riding environment and enforce all gear, spacing, and speed rules

· Support campers who are nervous, struggling, or learning at different paces

· Train counselors on spotting, rider supervision, and proper instructional cues

· Manage all cycling equipment (balance bikes, youth bikes, helmets, cones, ramps, etc.)

· Facilitate camper confidence-building activities and daily skills challenges

· Communicate clearly with Camp Leads, Office Admin, and families (as needed) about camper progress or concerns

· Create a positive, structured, and encouraging environment for all riders

Qualifications:

· Strong background in cycling instruction, mountain biking, youth coaching, or outdoor recreation

· Experience teaching beginners, including young children ages 4–6

· Knowledge of bike safety, basic maintenance, trail etiquette, and rider progression

· Ability to lead groups confidently in both controlled environments and beginner trail settings

· Patient, energetic, and skilled at breaking skills into clear, simple steps

· Prior youth-program, outdoor education, or camp leadership experience preferred