Ropes Course Camp Counselor (Summer Season)

ROPES COURSE PROGRAM DELIVERY & CAMPER ENGAGEMENT

• Facilitate ropes challenge course activities, including low- and high-elements, team-building exercises, and group initiatives.
• Supervise campers during ropes course activities, ensuring adherence to established safety rules and procedures.
• Conduct routine equipment and course inspections and report any safety concerns, hazards, or maintenance needs.
• Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and encouragement to campers while promoting teamwork, confidence, and personal growth.
• Adapt activities to accommodate varying ages, abilities, and experience levels.
• Monitor camper participation and behavior, maintaining appropriate supervision and established staff-to-camper ratios.
• Follow all required safety protocols, emergency procedures, and equipment-use guidelines.
• Maintain ropes course equipment and activity areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition

PROGRAM DELIVERY & CAMPER ENGAGEMENT

• Develop, facilitate, and deliver progressive, mission-driven activities tailored to the ages and abilities of the campers.
• Prepare activity areas, provide appropriate orientations, and teach the proper and safe use of equipment to ensure positive outcomes.
• Debrief activities with participants to reinforce learning and participate in continuous improvement efforts by evaluating the success of the program.
• Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and fellow staff to promote a supportive camp culture and prioritize overall youth well-being.

HEALTH, SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Monitor participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions continuously to identify, mitigate, and report hazardous or unsafe conditions.
• Review and execute all emergency procedures immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, maintaining readiness for specific scenarios including missing delegates, first aid responses, and facility failures.
• Use problem-solving skills to make quick decisions, supervise campers actively, and ensure that both staff and campers follow all established safety procedures.
• Play an active role in elevating safety standards, maintaining clear and professional communication via standard radio procedures during daily operations and critical incidents.

FACILITY & EQUIPMENT STEWARDSHIP

• Conduct pre-use inspections and demonstrate good stewardship of camp resources through the proper care, maintenance, and storage of all supplies.
• Clean, secure, and organize program areas following each use, and assist in packing materials both on a daily basis and at the close of the season.

COMPLIANCE, TRAINING & ADMINISTRATION

• Complete all required YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) training, certifications, and annual skills assessments prior to facilitating any activities.
• Follow all risk management and manufacturer guidelines, operating equipment only as authorized and seeking guidance when a task falls outside current training.
• Complete required documentation efficiently and promptly report any incidents, hazards, policy violations, or operational concerns to management.

DISHWASHING RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Report to the dining hall before meal service and support dishwashing operations.
• Wash, sanitize, store, and restock dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment according to health and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary dish room, including cleaning work areas and removing trash.
• Follow safe work practices and report safety, sanitation, or equipment concerns.
• Coordinate with the Head Cook before leaving the kitchen when assigned other duties.

HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Complete assigned cleaning tasks and inspections in a timely manner.
• Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities, reporting maintenance or safety concerns as needed.
• Properly use, store, secure, and replenish cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring they remain inaccessible to participants.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of camp resources and complete required housekeeping documentation.

MAINTENANCE & FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist with the upkeep and operation of camp facilities, grounds, and infrastructure.
• Perform assigned maintenance tasks and projects, including general repairs, grounds care, supply replacement, and camp improvement initiatives.
• Safely use tools, PPE, and equipment as trained and authorized.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety, or facility concerns.
• Demonstrate good stewardship of camp resources, equipment, and facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of camp operations and guest experiences.

CABIN LIFE & 24-HOUR CAMPER SUPERVISION

• Supervise a designated group of 8-10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) during the summer session.
• Provide 24-hour supervision, sleep in the cabin, and use proven leadership and safety practices to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the campers.
• Develop the cabin into a cohesive "family unit" using positive discipline techniques that build skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and living together. Provide personal attention and one-to-one support to ensure each camper has an enriching, fun experience.
• Escort campers safely from place to place, ensuring the group is on time to all assemblies, meals, and activities. Participate actively in programs alongside campers and manage the daily issues and routines of the cabin.
• Maintain personal health and stamina by getting adequate food, hydration, and sleep to remain a capable leader.
• Understand and strictly abide by all camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.

DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE) 

• Uphold and follow all transportation guidelines and procedures as outlined in the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Transportation Policies
• Conduct pre-driving safety check of assigned vehicles and note down any and all safety and/or maintenance requirements

EMPLOYEE HOUSING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE) 

• Employee housing is a privilege connected to employment and is subject to all YMCA and Camping Services policies.
• Maintain housing areas in a clean, safe, functional, and respectful manner.
• Obtain approval before hosting visitors or engaging in activities outside normal housing expectations.
• Properly care for camp housing, furnishings, and resources, and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Conduct yourself professionally and serve as a positive representative of the YMCA while residing on camp.

GENERAL EXPECTATION & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Ensure all your worked hours are accurately recorded AND self-approved in Paycom
• Reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.  
• Plays an active role in continuing to identify ways to improve and expand upon safety standards
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
• Uses problem solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.  
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
• The Program Director is authorized to cancel the Camp Staff agreement for all, or part, of the camp season without notice.  Reasons for termination of employment include but are not limited to insufficient registration/reservations, emergencies (epidemic, fires, etc.), personal negligence, personal health that limits performance, violations of Camping Services or YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Staff Personnel Policies.

RETURNING STAFF EXPECTATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)

• Serve as a positive role model for first-year staff and Center Volunteers, demonstrating best practices in camper engagement, behavior management, and camp operations.
• Utilize your prior experience to anticipate daily camp needs, take initiative during transitions, and proactively assist new staff in understanding camp routines and standard operating procedures.
• Play a leading role in elevating safety standards by actively guiding peers in the proper execution of emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA Core Values.