Camp Cherokee High Adventure Director

YMCA of Upper Palmetto; Blacksburg (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA Camp Cherokee is seeking a High Adventure Director to design and oversee a safe, engaging canopy tour and related activities for summer campers. The role includes program development, staff training, equipment checks, and daily safety oversight.

You will ensure adherence to ACA High Adventure standards, lead staff, and create engaging, progressive experiences while prioritizing camper safety and fun.

Qualifications

• ACCT Level 1 certification or equivalent preferred.
• Must be 21 years old or have two years of college completed.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and supervise a safe High Adventure program.
• Train High Adventure staff and conduct safety briefings.
• Maintain canopy tour, rope courses, rock wall and related equipment.
• Ensure ACA High Adventure standards are met and documented.
• Develop new activities and debriefing tools for campers.
• Communicate schedules and participant waivers with staff.

Skills

Leadership

Safety training

First Aid CPR

Decision making

Canopy tour training

Education

Two years of college

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide a safe and fun High Adventure program through YMCA Camp Cherokee’s program design and implementation, specific to camper age differences at Camp Cherokee. Manage the physical facilities and equipment specific to Camp Cherokee’s High Adventure program.

• Plan, manage and supervise a safe and fun High Adventure program.
• Evaluate High Adventure skill levels and abilities of campers and staff members.
• Implement progressive and challenging activities to the High Adventure program.
• Evaluate the overall success of the High Adventure program and develop new and creative changes as needed.
• Maintain and develop creative and new processing/ debriefing tools.
• Focus on skill development for all campers and staff related to Camp Cherokee’s High Adventure program.
• Ensure that campers and staff members are educated in safety and emergency procedures concerning the High Adventure program.
• Train High Adventure staff during staff training, prior to summer residential camp at Camp Cherokee, including emergency action plans.
• Provide and develop guidelines for High Adventure programs that adhere to both staff and campers.
• Identify and maintain American Camp Association (ACA) High Adventure Standards.
• Ensure staff and counselors are providing safe and fun High Adventure classes.
• Communicate directly with High Adventure staff and program director(s).
• Manage rope logs and ensure staff are maintaining records.
• Manage, organize and facilitate Camp Cherokee’s canopy tour expeditions during summer residential camp.
• Create canopy tour schedules for both campers and staff certified guides, including specific roles for staff members.
• Conduct canopy tour equipment inspections and frequently “clear” lines.
• Communicate which campers and staff members are participating on canopy tour with the Daily and Evening Program Directors.
• Manage the physical equipment and facilities specific to High Adventure programs.
• Upkeep the High Adventure areas including trash, lost and found clothing, canopy tour, mountain biking and rock climbing equipment.
• Assist High Adventure staff and counselors in the proper use of High Adventure equipment (rock wall, mountain bike and canopy).
• Properly set up High Adventure equipment prior to the arrival of participants.
• Conduct High Adventure equipment inventory prior to and concluding summer camp.
• Conduct daily equipment checks, and file any program orders or maintenance needed.
• Monitor the rock wall facility daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
• Assist other program staff when needed.
• Assist Evening Program Director.
• Create a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere at High Adventure areas for campers and staff.
• Opening/ Closing Day Responsibilities
• Plan and supervise campers and staff during “bridge” sessions.
• Actively assist in “OD” responsibilities.
• Assist with supervision during off site trips.
• Identify and maintain all High Adventure equipment including but not limited to belay devices, ropes, harnesses, helmets, trolleys, carabiners, rescue equipment, etc. Note when repairs are needed or new program materials are needed and report to Program Director.

Qualifications:

• High Adventure Director must have completed a training through an ACCT certified vendor. (Level 1 Certification).
• Canopy Tour Training
• Must be 21 years of age or have completed at least two years of college.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Must attend all pre-camp training, retreats, and opening training session.
• Possess leadership qualities and ability to use sound judgment.
• Good health, enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities, and communication skills.
• Possess interest in the development of children.
• Must be able to endure hot temperatures, physical exertion, manual labor, behavioral conflicts, and must be able to walk, run, and climb every day.
• Physical requirements of the High Adventure Director position include endurance during prolonged activities, bending, stooping and lifting. Must be willing to operate under daily exposure to hot temperatures. Requires sufficient strength and mobility in order to safely supervise children’s activities. Also, requires being able to complete all high and low rope courses, as well as the canopy tour.