Challenge Course and Initiatives Team Lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario • Spanish, ON

7d • CA$18 - CA$20 • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is seeking a Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead to join their team. This full-time contract position is based at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario. The role is responsible for all challenge course and initiatives programming, including planning, preparing, and leading programs such as low ropes elements, high ropes elements, and the climbing wall. The Team Lead ensures the safety and well-being of all staff and participants, supervises challenge course staff, manages program equipment and resources, and aims to deliver a high-quality, engaging, and meaningful experience for all campers. This posting is for the creation of an applicant pool and is not intended to fill a current vacancy.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres
• Experience or education in adventure programming, challenge course, and climbing wall operations
• Experience training and supporting staff in challenge course skills and group facilitation
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing challenge course and climbing wall programs in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff in challenge course environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
• Skilled in risk management related to challenge course and climbing wall operations
• Knowledgeable in challenge course and climbing wall safety, rescues, and life safety systems
• Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for challenge course staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Current Challenge Course Instructor (Level 2) certification required

Nice To Haves

• Bilingualism in both official languages is considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead all challenge course and initiatives programs, including high ropes elements, low ropes elements, initiatives activities, and the climbing wall
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in challenge course programs
• Supervise challenge course staff and support their training, development, and performance through ongoing feedback and evaluations
• Develop and deliver staff training sessions during Staff Training Week and throughout the summer
• Collaborate with the Camp Director to develop, review, and update all Local Operating Procedures for challenge course activities
• Work with third-party organizations to ensure all equipment and elements are operating safely and as intended
• Facilitate programs during individual choice and specialty program periods
• Conduct daily and monthly inspections of all challenge course equipment and elements
• Manage challenge course program equipment and resources
• Adhere to OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Benefits

• Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership
• Paid personal/sick days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports
• Mileage reimbursement
• Team events + staff recognition
• Learning & development opportunities
• Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed