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

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Fawnskin, CA

3d•$2,504 - $2,544•Onsite

About The Position

The Ropes Course Camp Counselor supports the YMCA’s mission by creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth during the summer season. The counselor delivers age-appropriate programs and specialized activities, including low- and high-ropes challenge course activities, team-building exercises, and group initiatives. The role includes supervising campers, communicating activity instructions, adapting programs to campers’ ages and abilities, and maintaining course equipment and activity areas in safe condition. For designated 2–3 weeks of the season, the counselor has primary residential responsibilities, including 24-hour supervision of a cabin group of 8–10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training. The counselor sleeps in the cabin, supports campers’ physical and emotional well-being, builds a positive cabin community, and participates in daily routines and activities. The position also supports camp operations through safety and emergency procedures, equipment and facility care, dishwashing, housekeeping, and maintenance duties as assigned. The counselor must complete required YMCA and American Camp Association training, certifications, and skills assessments before facilitating activities. The role requires following camp policies and safety procedures, reporting incidents and hazards, attending required meetings and training, and demonstrating YMCA Core Values and professional conduct. The position is seasonal and based at Camping Services in Fawnskin, California. Salary is listed as $2,504–$2,544 per month.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
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 appropriateness, enforce safety rules 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 to first-aid situations and assist campers during emergencies such as fires, evacuations, illness, or injury.
Strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment.
Normal range of hearing and eyesight for recording, preparing, and communicating camper activities and programs.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work with daily exposure to sun and heat.
Ability to work at elevated heights, climb and navigate high-ropes elements, maintain balance, and follow safety procedures.
Ability to obtain or maintain any required specialized training and certifications for assigned activity areas.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience in a related field preferred.
Former experience and/or certifications in high ropes, low ropes, team-building, zip lines, or climbing towers are desirable for challenge course assignments.
Experience or skills in one or more listed camp program areas, including outdoor adventure, aquatics, arts and crafts, athletics, or challenge course activities.

Responsibilities

Facilitate low- and high-ropes challenge course activities, team-building exercises, and group initiatives.
Supervise campers during ropes activities and ensure compliance with safety rules, procedures, and staff-to-camper ratios.
Inspect ropes course equipment and facilities, report hazards or maintenance needs, and keep activity areas clean, organized, and safe.
Provide instructions, demonstrations, and encouragement; adapt activities to campers’ ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Develop and deliver progressive, mission-driven activities, prepare activity areas, and teach safe equipment use.
Debrief activities, evaluate program outcomes, and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
Maintain positive relationships with campers, participants, members, and fellow staff to support youth well-being and camp culture.
Monitor participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions for hazards; mitigate and report unsafe conditions.
Follow emergency procedures and use sound judgment and clear radio communication during daily operations and incidents.
Care for, maintain, store, and secure camp supplies and equipment; clean and organize program areas after use and assist with seasonal packing.
Complete required YMCA and ACA training, certifications, and skills assessments; follow risk-management and manufacturer guidelines.
Complete required documentation and promptly report incidents, hazards, policy violations, and operational concerns.
Support dining hall dishwashing operations; wash, sanitize, store, and restock dishes and kitchen equipment and maintain a sanitary dish room.
Complete assigned housekeeping tasks and inspections; maintain facilities and safely store and replenish cleaning supplies.
Assist with camp facility and grounds upkeep, general repairs, supply replacement, and improvement projects using tools and PPE as trained and authorized.
For designated weeks, supervise 8–10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training around the clock, sleep in the cabin, and foster a safe, supportive cabin community.
Provide individual support, use positive discipline, escort campers between activities, and participate in cabin routines and programs.
Follow camp policies, curfews, and staff conduct requirements; maintain personal health and stamina for effective camper supervision.
If applicable, follow transportation policies and conduct pre-driving vehicle safety checks.
If applicable, maintain employee housing responsibly and comply with housing policies.
Accurately record and self-approve worked hours in Paycom; attend required staff meetings and trainings.
Demonstrate YMCA Core Values and the Six Pillars of Character and contribute to mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned.