Challenge Course and Initiatives Team Lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario; Spanish; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

10% off family membership

Paid personal/sick days

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Mileage reimbursement

Team events

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA John Island Camp is seeking a Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead for a full-time contract based at John Island Camp, near Spanish, Ontario. The role focuses on planning and leading challenge course activities, managing staff, and maintaining equipment to deliver high-quality experiences for campers.

Starting May 1, 2026, the position requires strong safety focus, staff supervision, and collaboration with leadership to update procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in adventure programming and challenge course operations.
• Experience in training staff in challenge course skills and group facilitation.
• Experience planning and instructing challenge course and climbing wall programs in camp settings.
• Strong safety and risk management knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead all challenge course and initiatives programs, including high ropes elements, low ropes elements, initiatives activities, and the climbing wall
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in challenge course programs
• Supervise challenge course staff and support their training, development, and performance through ongoing feedback and evaluations
• Develop and deliver staff training sessions during Staff Training Week and throughout the summer
• Collaborate with the Camp Director to develop, review, and update all Local Operating Procedures for challenge course activities
• Work with third-party organizations to ensure all equipment and elements are operating safely and as intended
• Facilitate programs during individual choice and specialty program periods
• Conduct daily and monthly inspections of all challenge course equipment and elements
• Manage challenge course program equipment and resources
• Adhere to OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Skills

Adventure programming

Challenge course operations

Climbing wall operations

Staff training

Group facilitation

Risk management

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Bilingualism

Education

Challenge Course Instructor Level 2

Job description

We are currently looking for a Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This full-time contract position within the Association is based at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario.

Under the leadership of the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp, the Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead is responsible for all challenge course and initiatives programming at camp. This includes planning, preparing, and leading programs such as the low ropes elements, high ropes elements, and the climbing wall. The Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead ensures the safety and well-being of all staff and participants, supervises challenge course staff, manages program equipment and resources, and works to deliver a high-quality, engaging, and meaningful experience for all campers.

START DATE: May 1, 2026

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead all challenge course and initiatives programs, including high ropes elements, low ropes elements, initiatives activities, and the climbing wall
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in challenge course programs
• Supervise challenge course staff and support their training, development, and performance through ongoing feedback and evaluations
• Develop and deliver staff training sessions during Staff Training Week and throughout the summer
• Collaborate with the Camp Director to develop, review, and update all Local Operating Procedures for challenge course activities
• Work with third-party organizations to ensure all equipment and elements are operating safely and as intended
• Facilitate programs during individual choice and specialty program periods
• Conduct daily and monthly inspections of all challenge course equipment and elements
• Manage challenge course program equipment and resources
• Adhere to OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres
• Experience or education in adventure programming, challenge course, and climbing wall operations
• Experience training and supporting staff in challenge course skills and group facilitation
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing challenge course and climbing wall programs in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff in challenge course environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
• Skilled in risk management related to challenge course and climbing wall operations
• Knowledgeable in challenge course and climbing wall safety, rescues, and life safety systems
• Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for challenge course staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Bilingualism in both official languages is considered an asset
• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Current Challenge Course Instructor (Level 2) certification required

Benefits

As a charity and community-based organization, we know how important connection and wellness is, and we offer a workplace that invests in people. We provide:

Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership

Paid personal/sick days

Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports

Mileage reimbursement

Team events + staff recognition

Learning & development opportunities

Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

CAMP EQUITABLE EMPLOYMENT FUND

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry.

The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are a part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth. Camp-specific experience is not required.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry. This could include: certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.

If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact [e-mail]