American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The High Ropes Specialist leads interest groups and programming in adventure-based activities, including the archery range, ropes challenge course (high and low elements), climbing wall, and athletics. This role works with campers across elementary, middle, and high school ages, plans and facilitates climbing and adventure activities with a strong focus on safety, and is responsible for taking camper attendance at all blocks, maintaining an inventory of supplies, and maintaining all equipment. The High Ropes also supports additional camp programming as needed, alongside the Activities and In Camp Leader teams.

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• Merrowvista necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The High Ropes Specialist lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

Camper Supervision

• Responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers; assist In Camp Leaders with camper care and behavior management, as needed.
• Utilize coordinating and supervisory staff to adequately meet the needs of campers when necessary.
• Cover for cabin leader days off as needed by sitting with a cabin at meals and rest hour, making sure campers get to the appropriate activities, and engaging with them throughout the day.
• Manage camper sign-ups for activities and ensure accurate attendance-taking for camper safety.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards with attention to risk management.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.

Interest Groups and Activity Instruction

• Lead 2–3 adventure interest groups and activity blocks daily, including archery, the ropes challenge course, and the climbing wall.
• Plan and implement multi-day curriculums that differentiate for various skill levels of campers.
• Facilitate highly engaging instruction that allows for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.
• Instruct campers in climbing techniques and proper belaying; assess campers’ belaying to ensure climber safety.
• Assist with leading other interest groups and program areas as needed, such as athletics, arts and crafts, drama, pottery, or fitness.

Climbing and Equipment Safety

• Conduct regular inspections of climbing equipment to ensure it is in good condition; maintain equipment logs and make purchasing recommendations to ensure equipment quality.
• Manage the climbing site, including instructing assisting staff in their roles; manage any emergencies that arise during climbing activities, including medical needs and rescues.
• Document any incidents or near-misses using the camp’s Incident Report Form.
• Be familiar with the camp’s climbing policies and ensure they are followed; recommend any policy changes to the Director of Programs.

Program Support and Planning

• Create lesson plans; prepare for and facilitate programmatic events across camp throughout the day.
• Assist the Activities Coordinator with maintaining schedules and ensuring proper staff coverage throughout camp at all program times.
• Prepare all camp programming in advance, including gathering supplies, setting up, and cleaning up.
• Share new, creative ideas for games, team-building activities, carnival activities, and special events.
• Lead early morning exercises and evening games and camp traditions, as assigned.
• Inventory all program supplies, order additional resources when needed, and store properly between uses.
• Create and deliver alternative activity plans in case of inclement weather or other urgent changes.
• Provide support in other areas of camp when needed, including additional support on outdoor adventure trips and temporary staff coverage for absences, illness, terminations, or early departures.
• Support a designated village as assigned, which may include sharing a daily meal, joining or facilitating Village Time activities, and helping with homesick campers.

General

• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• Participate in community activities such as flag raising, evening reflection, and meals, striving to model the mission and values of the AYF.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 21 years old (Merrowvista notes a minimum of 18 years old with at least one year of post-high school experience).
• First Aid and CPR certification (training available).
• Climbing-specific training and certification for this role (training available).
• Previous experience working with youth.
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills; ability to facilitate activities and teach skills to children with confidence and humor.
• Close attention to detail, highly organized, and able to take initiative; demonstrated ability to follow through on projects and deliver on deadlines.
• Ability to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers.
• Ability to respond to, teach, and manage the behaviors of campers in their care.
• Ability to effectively manage emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of campers in a variety of situations.
• Communicate effectively with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds; ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities.
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers.
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Previous adventure team related experience (archery and/or climbing); formal climbing experience.
• Demonstrated history of leadership with youth or young adults; demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to balanced personal development and excellence.
• 1–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Experience organizing and executing recreational programming or event planning.
• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• Skills in specialty areas such as arts, sports, archery, pottery, team-building, or drama (training will be provided).
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.