Camp Specialist - Ropes Course

YMCA OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD INC•West Springfield, MA

About The Position

ROPES COURSE SPECIALIST ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Create a program curriculum that aligns with the YMCA of Greater Springfield's values and mission, tailored to the age ranges that they serve Rope Specialists are required to be available and participate in Rope-course specific camp training prior to the first day of Camp. Responsible for safe operation, instruction, and supervision of campers and staff on the camp’s high ropes elements, climbing structures, and challenge course areas. Work comfortably and effectively 20–50 feet above ground, often while moving across elements or assisting participants. Encourage a supportive environment where participants feel physically and emotionally safe while navigating challenging elements. Facilitate team‑building initiatives that complement high‑ropes programming. Specialists are also expected to sing camp songs throughout the day and participate in or lead other camp spirit-based activities Uphold and follow all values, practices, and policies of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. Adhere to, and act in accordance, with all camp policies particularly as they relate to safety. Adhere to, and act following, the requirements of the local Department of Health and all other Massachusetts laws governing our summer camp programs. Assist with general camp duties such as arrival/dismissal procedures, group transitions, and supervision during non-program times. Work with staff to ensure a safe environment for participants. Must promote the best practices of customer service. Must professionally represent the YMCA and promote a cheerful environment during each work shift. Occasional weekend and extended day shifts are required. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire. Preferred 2 years of experience in programming and camp operations or equivalent Y experience. Must have at least 2 years of experience in program design and implementation. Must have a high school diploma, its equivalent, or be enrolled in a GED program Additional years of professional experience or a Rank of E-5 or better may be used in place of education requirements where permitted. Must be comfortable working at height, often for extended periods while clipped into safety systems. Ability to safely belay, manage ropes systems, and operate course equipment (training provided). Must have, or be willing to earn, and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications. Strong ability to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and make safe judgment calls. Proven experience in teaching and directing diverse populations in youth enrichment programs. Must be able to role-model positive behaviors. Ability to lift, climb, balance, and perform physical tasks associated with rope-course operations. Must be able to work in a high-value, and potentially high-stress, environment. An ability to work with a diverse population. Exhibit core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Excellent relationship-building skills. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand or reach for extended periods of times, move around the work environment independently Work performed outdoors for most of the day in varying weather conditions. Requires frequent climbing, belaying, lifting up to 40 lbs, kneeling, reaching, and use of safety harness systems. Must be able to remain alert, attentive, and responsive while supervising participants at heights.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
Must have at least 2 years of experience in program design and implementation.
Must have a high school diploma, its equivalent, or be enrolled in a GED program
Additional years of professional experience or a Rank of E-5 or better may be used in place of education requirements where permitted.
Must be comfortable working at height, often for extended periods while clipped into safety systems.
Ability to safely belay, manage ropes systems, and operate course equipment (training provided).
Must have, or be willing to earn, and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
Strong ability to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and make safe judgment calls.
Proven experience in teaching and directing diverse populations in youth enrichment programs.
Must be able to role-model positive behaviors.
Ability to lift, climb, balance, and perform physical tasks associated with rope-course operations.
Must be able to work in a high-value, and potentially high-stress, environment.
An ability to work with a diverse population.
Exhibit core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Excellent relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Preferred 2 years of experience in programming and camp operations or equivalent Y experience.

Responsibilities

Create a program curriculum that aligns with the YMCA of Greater Springfield's values and mission, tailored to the age ranges that they serve
Rope Specialists are required to be available and participate in Rope-course specific camp training prior to the first day of Camp.
Responsible for safe operation, instruction, and supervision of campers and staff on the camp’s high ropes elements, climbing structures, and challenge course areas.
Work comfortably and effectively 20–50 feet above ground, often while moving across elements or assisting participants.
Encourage a supportive environment where participants feel physically and emotionally safe while navigating challenging elements.
Facilitate team‑building initiatives that complement high‑ropes programming.
Specialists are also expected to sing camp songs throughout the day and participate in or lead other camp spirit-based activities
Uphold and follow all values, practices, and policies of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.
Adhere to, and act in accordance, with all camp policies particularly as they relate to safety.
Adhere to, and act following, the requirements of the local Department of Health and all other Massachusetts laws governing our summer camp programs.
Assist with general camp duties such as arrival/dismissal procedures, group transitions, and supervision during non-program times.
Work with staff to ensure a safe environment for participants.
Must promote the best practices of customer service.
Must professionally represent the YMCA and promote a cheerful environment during each work shift.
Occasional weekend and extended day shifts are required.