Summer Day Camp Challenge Course Director - Camp Chickami

Summer Day Camp Challenge Course Director

We are hiring for a Summer Day Camp Challenge Course Director at Camp Chickami for the 2026 Summer season! Please apply here if you are interested in joining us for the 2026 summer season.

YMCA Camp Chickami is a traditional summer day camp located in Wayland, MA. Founded in 1955, Camp Chickami has inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships. Together, our proven programs and trained counselors deliver meaningful and memorable camp experiences that keep families coming back year after year.

Position Summary

The Challenge Course Director is responsible for the recruitment, planning, management, licensing, and implementation of all Challenge Course Elements at Camp Chickami (Wayland, MA) including summer camp and spring, summer, and fall rental groups. The Challenge Course Director is responsible for High Ropes, Low Ropes, Climbing Tower, teambuilding, and outdoor education programming that allow all campers to achieve goals as a group, while providing the chance to challenge themselves. This position is part time in spring and fall and full time in the summer. Housing is not included and applicants must have access to their own transportation.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions

• Maintain safety standards and procedures in the field and is accountable for the assigned equipment care and use.
• Oversee licensing of courses with the Office of Public Safety and Inspection.
• Coordinate curriculum and programming for teambuilding and ropes activities for camp and rental groups.
• Lead in-service training for course facilitators as needed.
• Coordinate 1st generation training with ACCT recognized trainers as needed.
• Have an appreciation for the outdoors.
• Facilitate ice breakers, initiatives, and reflection for a variety of groups including youth students, campers, and adults.
• Maintain course and equipment according to Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards.
• Monitor safety procedures for both high and low elements of the challenge course program according to ACCT and ACA standards.
• Update and maintain applicable documentation and records as required (SOPs, LOPs, Rope Use Logs, Equipment Logs, Maintenance Logs, Near Miss Logs, Belay Certification Logs, Daily Inspection Logs, Equipment Inventory Sheets, etc.)
• Continually being conscious of safety concerns and to follow and always enforce safety guidelines ensuring a safe environment, both physically and emotionally, for all participants and staff.
• Keep up to date on relevant laws, regulations, operating standards, and best industry practices.
• Responsible for daily set-up and take down of elements when courses are scheduled for use.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
• Demonstrate and teach the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to all campers and staff.
• Actively participate and complete all staff meetings and training as scheduled.
• Help with all camp activities and participate as a member of the camp staff team.
• Active support of our DEIB statement and putting into practice our commitment to equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion. Continue to think about strategies to support diversity goals of the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' experience leading groups on a high and low ropes element, challenge course, team building, etc.
• Must have access to private transportation.
• Proven technical skills in the set-up and use of top rope belay systems in an outdoor setting.
• Demonstrated experience administering risk management practices for adventure programs.
• Capable of responding appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid and/or CPR.
• Able to perform high ropes rescues.
• Ability to handle assignments with minimal instruction and supervision.
• First Aid and CPR Certifications.
• ACCT recognized Challenge Course certification.
• Willingness to accept responsibilities and duties other than those assigned.
• Committing to support and further our anti-racist work as an organization. Learning about our initiatives and the continuous work and being able to vocalize with members if needed.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Physical Demands:

• Lift 40 pounds using proper technique.
• Must be able to climb a 5.7 rated climb safely using/demonstrating proper technique.
• Must be able to belay a top rope climber safely using/demonstrating proper technique.
• Able to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities visually and audibly.

The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that welcomes all by creating a community that hires individuals of any age, race, gender, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. We focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility to ensure all children, adults, and families are healthy, confident, and connected. *After completing the application process, you will have the opportunity to complete your Talent Profile by our joining our Talent Community!