Ropes Course Camp Counselor (Summer Season - Big Bear, CA) (5270)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Fawnskin, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ropes Course Camp Counselor supports the YMCA’s mission by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth during the summer season. The counselor delivers age-appropriate programs and specialized activities, including ropes-course experiences, while fostering teamwork, confidence, personal growth, and a positive camp culture. The role includes maintaining equipment and facilities, following safety and emergency procedures, completing required training and documentation, and serving as a positive role model who demonstrates YMCA Core Values. For designated periods of 2–3 weeks, the counselor has primary residential responsibilities, including sleeping in a cabin and providing 24-hour supervision to a group of 8–10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training. The counselor supports campers’ physical and emotional well-being, builds a cohesive cabin community, and manages daily routines and transitions. Other camp duties may include dishwashing, housekeeping, maintenance, and—if applicable—driving or employee housing responsibilities.

Requirements

Minimum age of 18.
Current first aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification during employment.
Ropes-course certification, or willingness to obtain certification during employment.
Ability to communicate with and instruct groups of campers and staff across age and skill levels.
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply behavior-management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other activity-related hazards.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to first-aid situations and assist campers during emergencies such as fires, evacuations, illness, or injury.
Strength and endurance to maintain constant camper supervision; manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to manipulate equipment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work with daily exposure to sun and heat.
Ability to work at elevated heights, including climbing, navigating, and facilitating high-ropes-course elements while maintaining balance and following safety procedures.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience in a related field preferred.
For challenge-course assignments, prior experience and/or certifications in high ropes, low ropes, team building, zip lines, or climbing towers.
For aquatics assignments, current lifeguard certification or ability to obtain it before or during staff training, strong swimming skills, and ability to demonstrate all strokes efficiently.
For equestrian assignments, at least 2–3 years of experience riding and working with horses.
Experience or skills in one or more listed camp program areas, including adventure activities, arts and crafts, athletics, aquatics, or challenge-course activities.

Responsibilities

Facilitate low- and high-ropes challenge-course activities, team-building exercises, and group initiatives.
Supervise campers during ropes-course activities and enforce applicable safety rules, procedures, and staff-to-camper ratios.
Inspect ropes-course equipment and areas, report hazards or maintenance needs, and keep equipment and activity areas clean, organized, and safe.
Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and encouragement, adapting activities to campers’ ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Develop and deliver progressive, mission-driven activities; prepare activity areas, orient participants, and teach safe equipment use.
Debrief activities, evaluate program outcomes, and contribute to continuous improvement.
Monitor participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions; identify, mitigate, and report hazards or unsafe conditions.
Follow emergency procedures and risk-management policies, respond promptly to emergencies, and communicate using standard radio procedures.
Inspect, care for, maintain, store, clean, and secure camp supplies, equipment, and program areas; assist with daily and end-of-season packing.
Complete required YMCA and American Camp Association training, certifications, skills assessments, and documentation; report incidents, hazards, policy violations, and operational concerns.
Support dishwashing operations before meal service, including washing, sanitizing, storing, and restocking dishes and equipment, and maintaining a clean dish room.
Complete assigned housekeeping and facility-cleaning tasks, safely manage cleaning supplies and equipment, and complete required housekeeping documentation.
Assist with camp facility, grounds, and infrastructure upkeep, including assigned repairs, grounds care, supply replacement, and improvement projects.
During designated residential periods, supervise 8–10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training 24 hours a day, sleep in the cabin, support camper well-being, and build a positive cabin community.
Escort campers safely, keep the group on schedule, participate in camp programs, and manage cabin routines and daily issues.
Maintain personal health and stamina and comply with camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.
If applicable, follow transportation procedures and complete pre-driving vehicle safety checks.
If applicable, maintain employee housing in a clean, safe, and respectful condition, follow housing policies, and report concerns.
Accurately record and self-approve worked hours in Paycom; attend required staff meetings and training.
Maintain positive relationships, use sound judgment and problem-solving, uphold safety and mandated-reporting policies, and demonstrate YMCA Core Values and the Six Pillars of Character.
If returning staff, model best practices, support new staff, anticipate camp needs, and help peers follow safety and operational procedures.
If assigned to a specialized activity, complete its required training and certifications and follow applicable safety guidelines; duties may include activity-specific instruction, supervision, equipment checks, or animal care.
Perform other duties as assigned.