Summer 2024 Adventure Trip Leader Opportunity at YMCA Camp Duncan with the BOLD & GOLD Program! The Adventure Trip Leader is responsible for co-leading 6-day outdoor expeditions in wild and scenic locations.

About BOLD & GOLD

BOLD & GOLD is an outdoor leadership development program for teens that is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of young people through outdoor adventures. Our summer program runs single-gender and all-gender off-site expeditions that engage youth through front country and backcountry trips. Our goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in participants. We do this through activities such as backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.

Job Summary:

The Trip Leader will be responsible for co-leading 6-day outdoor expeditions in wild and scenic locations. This includes driving minibuses with participants, leading activities like canoeing and backpacking, and facilitating leadership and team building curriculum. Because of the nature of these off-property expeditions, a high degree of responsibility and independence is required. Experience camping, canoeing, backpacking, and hiking, comfortability in the outdoors, and the ability to swim is required.

Trips will run concurrently with resident camp sessions, with 1-week sessions beginning Sunday afternoon and running through Friday afternoon. Trip Leaders will be on-duty for the duration of trips. Shared housing is provided at Camp Duncan or local leaders can choose to live off site when not working.

Pay range starts at $980 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Co-lead 6-day wilderness-based backpacking, paddling, or rock-climbing courses with minimal supervision. Up to 10 participants aged 13-17 will be on each trip.
• Build strong rapport with participants and staff, foster positive group development and multicultural leadership, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
• Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
• Ensure a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
• Transport participants in 14-passenger mini-buses to and from program areas.
• Cook meals in the backcountry on camping stoves.
• Manage the unique risks of wilderness-based programs.
• Other duties around camp as assigned (could include kitchen, maintenance, or resident camp).

Staff will gain the following skills:

• Complete trainings and certifications in Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Risk Management, Child Abuse Prevention, Leadership Development, and the overall function of the camp.
• Learn valuable outdoor living, cooking, and navigating skills.
• Learn to facilitate at the archery range, climbing tower, teams course, high ropes course, waterfront, and more.
• Grow your communication and leadership skills by working with all departments at camp, including kitchen, maintenance, and resident/day camp.

Requirements

• One or more years of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including facilitating activities that address issues facing adolescents.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually.
• Personal or professional experience in backpacking, paddling, hiking, camping, etc.
• Be able to hike and/or backpack over a variety of terrain (up to 8 miles/day) and teach techniques for approaching that type of terrain.
• Have experience and knowledge of basic backcountry equipment or techniques such as stove use, bear hangs, or water purification (or be able to learn).
• Have experience and knowledge of reading maps and using them for navigation.
• Effectively manage physical risks for yourself and participants including terrain, weather, and wildlife interactions.
• Ability to carry/lift objects over 50 lbs, travel over varied terrain (rocks, mud, roots, hills, etc.) up to 10 miles a day, and be comfortable spending extended periods of time in a wilderness setting (including sleeping in a tent for every night of each trip).
• Current WFA, CPR, and Lifeguarding certifications (or ability to obtain).
• This position requires driving, must be at least 21 with a clean driving record and ability to pass the Y's van driver training.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Leader - Inspires teammates to follow them
Team Player - Works well as a member of a group

Self-Starter - Inspired to perform without outside help
Flexibility - Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals