Ropes Course Specialist

Congo Camp; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Congo Camp in Falls Church, VA seeks a Ropes Counselor to deliver challenge-course sessions under supervision. You will focus on safe facilitation, equipment/PPE checks, and positive group experiences using approved SOPs and lesson plans, supporting a “challenge-by-choice” environment.

You will belay, supervise, document incidents, and help meet ACA practices and Virginia licensing standards while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience facilitating challenge-course or climbing activities with youth or campers.
• Certification or training in challenge course operations and safety procedures.
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or ability to obtain/certify.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate low- and high-element activities per SOPs.
• Conduct PPE and equipment checks and maintain safety standards.
• Belay and supervise to maintain participant ratios and safety.

Skills

Challenge course experience

Course training/certification

First Aid/CPR/AED

Clear communication

Outdoor work at height

Education

Congressional Camp Challenge Course training/certification

Job description

About the role

Ropes Counselors deliver challenge-course sessions under the supervision and direction of the Ropes Director. You’ll focus on safe facilitation, equipment/PPE checks, and positive group experiences using approved SOPs and lesson plans, supporting a “challenge-by-choice” environment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate low- and high-element activities as assigned by the Ropes Director, using approved SOPs.
• Conduct daily visual/function checks per checklist; set up/close down elements and maintain orderly staging areas; document as directed.
• Fit and verify PPE (helmets, harnesses, lanyards) to campers and counselors.
• Belay and supervise per training, maintain ratios, and provide constant oversight.
• Maintain rescue readiness (e.g., belay escape/assisted lower) and participate in drills led by the Ropes Director.
• Monitor weather/heat index and enforce holds, boundaries, hydration, and behavior expectations.
• Care for gear (ropes, webbing, carabiners, pulleys) within scope; report damage/hazards immediately to the Ropes Director.
• Uphold “challenge-by-choice”; adapt activities for varied abilities per Director guidance.
• Complete incident/accident reports and other logs accurately; communicate promptly with camp leadership.
• Meet or exceed ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; be punctual, prepared, and flexible; perform other duties as assigned by the Ropes Director/Camp Director.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience facilitating challenge-course or climbing activities with youth (camp, school, outdoor ed).
• Challenge Course training/certification specific to Congressional Camp Challenge Course done before camp sessions begin.
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (or ability to obtain and maintain)
• Strong risk management, clear communication, and calm decision-making under pressure.
• Comfortable working outdoors at height; able to lift/move ~40–50 lbs and manage ladders as trained.

Eligibility:

Must be at least 18 years old by the first day of employment and able to pass required background checks per School and Virginia regulations.