Ropes Course Director

Overview

The Ropes Course Director supervises the ropes course staff and all aspects of Wildwood’s challenge course programs including high and low elements, and teambuilding activities. As part of the camp leadership team, the Ropes Course Director supports residential cabin unit campers and their counselors to have a safe, fun, and enriching experience at camp. This position may be an hourly position or a residential position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ropes Course Specific

– Train and supervise ropes course staff. Verify skills of staff prior to allowing them to assume ropes course duties. Provide constructive feedback to ropes course staff, including periodic written evaluations
– Train ropes and non-ropes course staff in emergency procedures
– Conduct periodic in-service trainings and skill building workshops
– Deliver and supervise safe, fun, high-quality ropes course programs
– Monitor and enforce all safety practices and policies; ensure policies are in-line with recognized industry standards and Wildwood’s Local Operating Procedures
– Maintain an organized and safe facility and keep accurate written records

Camp-wide
– Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff, and make independent safety decisions when needed
– Act as a positive role model for campers, Counselors-in-Training (CITs) and staff members
– Assist with the direction of day-to-day activities, including special events and evening activities; lead spontaneous activities during unstructured time
– Support counselors of one residential camp unit by:
– Mentor and check in with staff, assist director team with observation and evaluation
– Ensure counselors are meeting campers’ needs and assist counselors with conflict resolution as needed
– Support unit cabins with cabin clean-ups, during meals, and on overnight camping trip
– Substitute as cabin counselor if needed
– Act as a full participant in the Wildwood Community
– All Wildwood staff will help work in the kitchen at least 2 days over the summer
– Complete evening security duties as assigned
– Perform other duties as assigned

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Camp Staff, Climbing Skills, Conservation, Full Time, Instruction and Guiding, Support Staff, Teaching/Education, Trail Supervisor, Crew, and Leaders

Qualifications:

- Must be 21+
- Must have 1+ season of documented experience facilitating a ropes course
- Valid driver's license; have or willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification
- Be willing to work in all weather conditions and access all camp terrain easily by foot
- Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques

Required Skills:

- Experience facilitating a ropes course
- Ability to interact with others in youth-centered environment
- Ability to observe staff and camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce and respond to safety regulations/emergency procedures, and apply behavior and management techniques
- Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and maintain constant supervision of campers

Preferred Skills:

- Have prior management or supervisory experience
- Have ropes course facilitation documentation outlining hours of experience with individual elements
- Have experience working in nature-based learning environments
- Studying or interested in a field related to conservation or environmental education
- Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics