High Ropes Team Coordinator

American Youth Foundation; Grant Township (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Staff training on-site

Job summary

American Youth Foundation is seeking a High Rope Coordinator to run adventure programming at Miniwanca, Shelby, Michigan, including the archery range, ropes course, and climbing wall. Housing and meals are provided; onsite living during staff training and camps.

The role emphasizes camper safety, leadership, and active participation in camp activities, with strong facilitation and communication needed to support youth development throughout the season.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Previous climbing experience.
• Strong facilitation/teaching skills.
• Previous experience working with youth.
• Demonstrated positive leadership with young adults.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage people for their development.
• Demonstrate mental, emotional, and social resiliency in a fast-paced camp setting.

Responsibilities

• Camper supervision and safety of campers in care.
• Manage behavior challenges with respect and focus on social-emotional growth.
• Lead 2–3 interest groups daily with 5–12 campers each.
• Plan four-day curriculum to develop new skills age-appropriately.
• Facilitate engaging activities that promote skill development and social interaction.
• Manage all adventure team equipment and facilities.
• Participate actively in all camp activities and mentor campers.

Skills

Climbing experience

Facilitation/teaching

Youth leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Diversity awareness

Job description

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The High Rope Coordinator coordinates all adventure programming including the archery range, ropes challenge courses, and climbing wall.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• The Miniwanca site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The High Rope Coordinator lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Requirements

Position Responsibilities

• Camper Supervision
• Primarily responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers.

Interest Groups

• Lead 2–3 interest groups per day with 5–12 campers in each, as well as additional team-building programming throughout the season.
• Plan and implement a four-day curriculum focused on developing new skills in an age-appropriate manner.
• Facilitate highly engaging activities that allow for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.
• Manage all adventure team equipment and facilities.

General Programming

• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Previous climbing experience.
• Strong facilitation/teaching skills.
• Previous experience working with youth.
• Demonstrated positive leadership with young adults.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage people in a way that positively supports their development.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Previous archery experience.
• Experience instructing in climbing and/or archery.
• Valid driver’s license.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.