YMCA Camp Silver Creek - BOLD & GOLD Director 2026

Family YMCA Marion & Polk Counties

22h•$684•Onsite

About The Position

Who We Are: Since 1938, generations of campers have come to experience the joy and beauty of Camp Silver Creek. Located deep inside Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, historic Camp Silver Creek is a magical place for children and adults alike. Towering evergreens and a stream flow through the camp’s four units. In the center of camp, a beautiful field is perfect for field games and the lake welcomes boaters, fishermen, and even the early morning polar bear swimmers. We are actively hiring great role models who are energetic, collaborative, and hard working to join the team for this summer. The Role: Our BOLD & GOLD Director will be the primary leader of our new BOLD & GOLD team, an outdoor teen excursion program designed to promote leadership skills. The director will be responsible for all aspects of leading the trip, and leading and mentoring the BOLD & GOLD staff and campers, along with two B&G counselors. These counselors will accompany campers on trips, and act as leaders utilizing the BOLD & GOLD curriculum. They will share responsibility of supervising 8-12 teenagers, and will faithfully facilitate leadership development as outlined in the BOLD & GOLD curriculum.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Prior leadership or childcare experience.
Prior backcountry camping trip-leading experience.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments.
Strong work ethic and desire to grow as a leader.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, campers, and leadership.
Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
Completion of all training and onboarding prior to program start date or training due dates. Training is provided as needed after hiring.
Must be WFR/WFA or W-EMT certified or ability to become certified prior to camp start date.
Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Must be available during all of the following date: May 4 - May 9 (Mandatory National BOLD & GOLD training) June 8 - June 14 (Program Staff Retreat) June 15 - June 21 (Mandatory All-Staff Training) July 12 - August 15 (BOLD & GOLD Trips & Planning)
Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rocks, shoreline, mud, etc.) up to 15 miles per day, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants.
Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.
All candidates must have reliable transportation.
Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Direct all aspects, and oversee the safe delivery of multi-day wilderness-based backpacking and camping trips including logistics, staff supervision, participants, risk management situations, and a positive group culture for a group of 8-12 teen campers and staff, with an emphasis on multicultural leadership.
Work within a leadership team to ensure all staff and participants have the equipment, tools and knowledge needed to be successful.
Faithfully facilitate leadership development as outlined in the BOLD & GOLD curriculum.
Communicate directly with parents, guardians, or case workers pro- and re-actively to gain tips for working with specific participants and to give updates on the participants’ experience.
Maintain detailed reports and accounts of all work with participants, families, and staff.
Train and mentor staff in how to:
Build emotionally and physically safe environments with groups of middle and high school participants.
Help participants build emotional intelligence and multicultural leadership skills through wilderness experience.
Ensure both a physically and an emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Lead and attend all BOLD & GOLD Trips, serving as counselor, role model, and trip leader as needed.
Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based trip
Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment.
Create values-forming experiences for participants.
Create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors.
Supervise campers during all key times, including campfire, bedtime, meals, values discussions, and transition periods.
Attend and fully participate in all required training sessions, orientations, and staff meetings to stay informed and prepared.
Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating positive behavior, effective communication, safety awareness, and appropriate language use.
Treat all children with dignity and respect, ensuring a camp environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all.
Support and contribute to a safe, clean camp environment, including the daily care and maintenance of equipment and program areas ensuring they remain in excellent condition and meet Leave No Trace, ACA accreditation standards and State Park agreement requirements.
Manage personal time in accordance with camp policies, maintaining professionalism and reliability throughout the camp season.
Demonstrate commitment to quality, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth.