Camp Abnaki is looking for a Ropes & Tripping Coordinator to help lead our adventure programming, guide campers through unforgettable outdoor experiences, and keep our ropes course running safely and smoothly. If you love hiking trails, teaching outdoor skills, and spending your summer outside, this role puts you right in the heart of camp life. As a member of our Program Team, you’ll help campers grow, explore, and build confidence—all while living on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain.

This seasonal position has a contract from June 18 through August 22. Possibilities of pre-season and post-season work are also available.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Live the Adventure: Spend your summer hiking, camping, leading trips, and running our high ropes course. Housing and meals are included in compensation.
• Make an Impact: Help campers build resilience, independence, and outdoor confidence.
• Grow Your Skills: Gain hands-on leadership experience in tripping, facilitation, and risk management.
• Join an Incredible Community: Be part of a mission-driven camp team grounded in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Outdoor Trips: Organize and guide day and overnight trips, ensuring safe and meaningful outdoor experiences for campers.
• Supervise Campers: Oversee campers during trip prep, on-trail activities, campsite setup, and transitions throughout the day.
• Teach Outdoor Skills: Instruct campers in backpacking, hiking, camping basics, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Run the Ropes Course: Facilitate high and low ropes activities that promote confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Maintain Equipment & Safety: Inspect, repair, and organize ropes course gear, trip equipment, and safety systems.
• Provide Safety Briefings: Deliver clear instructions and support risk management throughout ropes and tripping programs.
• Respond to Emergencies: Act effectively in both aquatic and land-based emergency situations, providing first aid when needed.
• Coach and Support Staff: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff assisting with trips or ropes course activities.
• Complete Required Documentation: Maintain accurate inspection records, trip logs, and safety reports.
• Assist Camp Programs: Support the Program Department with activities beyond ropes and trips when needed.
• Build Positive Relationships: Foster strong connections with campers, staff, and families to support a welcoming camp community.

Salary

$630 - $782.52 / week based on a 6-day workweek

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age, with at least one year of college/university or work experience post high school.
• Leadership experience working with children ages five to sixteen.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated patience, compassion and empathy.
• Provide certification in CPR/First Aid within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to work closely and cohesively with a co-leader throughout trips.
• Ability to carry a pack of at least 40 lbs for a full day of hiking for consecutive days.
• Level 1 Ropes Course Certification
• Experience working with ropes courses, adventure programs, or outdoor education.
• Experience in staff supervision and training.
• Experience in risk management and safety protocol

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be 21 years old and have a clean driving record
• Current Wilderness First Aid Certification or Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Waterfront Lifeguard Certification
• Experience driving a 15-passenger van
• Level 2 Ropes Course Certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to navigate camp property, including uneven terrain and remote areas.
• Visual and auditory awareness to respond to safety hazards.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Endurance to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to promptly and adequately respond all emergency situations on camp