Ropes Course Lead – Team Building & Adventure Programs in Sanger, California at Western Camps, Inc.

About Western Camps, Inc.

Western Camps, Inc. is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Operating under the names Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center, and River Way Ranch Camp, we offer a range of programs and services that emphasize personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

Located in the foothills near Sanger, California, our facilities are situated within close proximity to Sequoia National Park, offering a unique setting that combines natural beauty with accessibility. With a long-standing commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence, Western Camps, Inc. strives to create environments where guests, students, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.

We value collaboration, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, and we are proud of the positive impact our programs have on the people and communities we serve. Join our team and enjoy meaningful work, great benefits, and perks that make every shift rewarding!

6450 Elwood Rd. Sanger, CA 93657

Western Camps, Inc. – Wonder Valley Ranch Resort
Location: 6450 Elwood Rd., Sanger, CA
Pay: $20.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience and certification
Job Type: Part-Time, Casual

Western Camps, Inc. is seeking a Ropes Course Lead to facilitate safe, engaging, and impactful high ropes, low ropes, challenge course, team building, and outdoor adventure programs at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort (Located in the foothills of Sanger, California).

This part-time, casual position is ideal for a Ropes Course Lead, Challenge Course Facilitator, Outdoor Educator, Adventure Guide, Camp Professional, Recreation Professional, or Group Leader who enjoys working with people and creating meaningful outdoor experiences.

As a Ropes Course Instructor, you will lead school groups, youth groups, corporate teams, and other organized groups through activities designed to build teamwork, communication, confidence, leadership, and connection.

• Facilitate high ropes and low ropes course elements, challenge course activities, team building initiatives, and group warm-ups.
• Lead team building, experiential education, outdoor recreation, and adventure programming for school, youth, corporate, and adult groups.
• Provide clear safety briefings, participant orientations, and activity instructions before and during programming.
• Monitor participants and enforce ropes course safety procedures, course rules, equipment requirements, and participation guidelines.
• Conduct pre-use inspections of ropes course elements, climbing equipment, harnesses, helmets, ropes, carabiners, and other safety equipment.
• Identify, report, and document safety hazards, equipment concerns, maintenance needs, and other operational issues.
• Demonstrate proficiency in ropes course rescue procedures, emergency response, participant evacuation, and rescue systems.
• Perform or assist with high ropes rescues and emergency procedures as required.
• Monitor group dynamics and adapt facilitation techniques and activities to meet participant and group goals.
• Provide professional, enthusiastic customer service and guest support while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
• Ensure participant waivers and required documentation are completed before participation.
• Communicate effectively with guests, teachers, group leaders, coworkers, supervisors, and other staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional ropes course and activity area.
• Follow company policies, operating procedures, safety standards, and risk-management practices.
• Perform other duties related to outdoor recreation, challenge course operations, camp programming, and guest services as assigned.

• Level 1 or Level 2 Ropes Course Certification preferred.
• Prior ropes course, challenge course, climbing, adventure programming, or outdoor recreation experience preferred.
• 50–200+ hours of ropes course experience preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Previous lead, rescue, belay, or challenge course facilitation experience is a plus.
• Experience working with youth, school groups, corporate groups, camps, education programs, outdoor programs, recreation programs, or guest services is preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, leadership, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to confidently communicate safety procedures and instructions to individuals and groups.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional during emergency and rescue situations.
• Comfortable working at significant heights and participating in high ropes and low ropes activities.
• Physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, including climbing, walking, standing, lifting, and assisting with participant safety and rescue operations.
• Dependable, safety-conscious, positive, flexible, and team-oriented.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.

Experienced ropes professionals are encouraged to apply, but we are also willing to train candidates with relevant experience in outdoor education, camps, recreation, climbing, youth programs, teaching, group leadership, or adventure programming.

This is a part-time, casual position with flexible scheduling based on program and guest needs.

Candidates should be available for some combination of:

• Morning shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Overtime or extended shifts when needed
• School group and corporate program schedules

$20.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience, ropes course certification, rescue experience, and qualifications.

Regular Full-Time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid vacation

Part-Time and Full-Time employees may also enjoy:

• Meals provided when guests are on property
• Employee discounts
• Facility use privileges, including fitness room and fishing pond access
• Outdoor recreation opportunities
• Training and professional development

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort provides outdoor recreation, group programs, lodging, and memorable experiences in a beautiful setting near Sanger, California. Our team creates safe, welcoming, and engaging experiences for school groups, corporate teams, families, and other guests.

If you are an experienced Ropes Course Lead, Challenge Course Facilitator, Outdoor Educator, Adventure Guide, or Group Leader who enjoys working with people and leading safe, meaningful outdoor experiences, we encourage you to apply.

Western Camps, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.