CCO Backpacking Adventure Leader (2026) - County Road Granby, Colorado, United States

Description · POSITION SUMMARY:   · The Backpacking/Adventure Leader provides 24-hour support with guidance, supervision, safety and comfort for participants during all activities. You will co-lead groups of up to ten campers through outdoor activities that may include: mountain ...

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Backpacking/Adventure Leader provides 24-hour support with guidance, supervision, safety and comfort for participants during all activities. You will co-lead groups of up to ten campers through outdoor activities that may include: mountain biking, backpacking, horse packing (outfitted), white-water rafting (outfitted) and rock climbing (outfitted). Sessions are either one-week programs designed to expose campers to outdoor recreation or two-week programs designed to build competency in outdoor living and leadership skills. A willingness to comply with YMCA driving rules and Colorado Department of Transportation regulatory requirements to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles is required. 

OUR CULTURE:   

At YMCA of the Rockies, we firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary experiences for our guests and for each other and we expect constant demonstration of our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ALL CAMP CHIEF OURAY STAFF: 

• Create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff. Promote safe work practices to allow for development and growth for all. 
• Possess the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first 
• Respond to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshoot problems and develop solutions in a patient and respectful manner. 
• Contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, be a team player  
• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions 
• Be able to hike on rugged terrain 
• Be responsible for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Report any repairs in a timely manner.  
• Assist other departments as needed 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR BACKPACKING/ADVENTURE LEADER:  

• Training 
  • Participate in staff training prior to working with campers 
  • Train campers on the skills and policies needed for meaningful participation in the program 
• Program 
  • Become familiar with total camp program  
  • Lead outdoor activities (e.g. mountain biking, hiking, and rafting trips) with the help of outside vendors when applicable  
  • Follow and educate campers on safety protocols to ensure safety and wellbeing of participants 
  • Responsible for checking the safety and operation of all equipment prior to each trip, keeping it in working condition and reporting any damage upon return  
  • Work effectively in a shared leadership position 
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the living space to which your group is assigned 
  • Create and distribute a program journal/handbook for all campers at the start of each session 
  • Keep journal or record of each camper and their progress. This might also include a daily record of activities and notable incidents 
  • Assume weekend camp responsibilities for one weekend of the summer 
• Meetings 
  • Meet with each camper individually for a mid-session and end of session check-in to discuss their progress and provide feedback  
  • Meet with your co-leader following completion of each session to discuss successes and areas for improvement  
  • Meet with Leadership and Trips Director for your pre-season goals, mid-season and end of season feedback 
• Reports/Evaluations 
  • Complete and present written feedback to each camper at the end of their session  
  • Write an end of season report of the program, facilities, equipment and recommendations for the future  

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of 21 years of age, and have experience working with youth in a summer camp setting    
• Willingness to comply with YMCA and Colorado Department of Transportation rules to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles, including 15-passenger mini-buses.  
• Must conduct all vehicle operations within the DOT Regulatory Requirements that apply to the position's specific driving duties. 
• Must have a valid US Driver's license or, if required, a Commercial Driver's License. 
• Must have a satisfactory driving safety record (Verified by MVR Review) 
• Must have the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card (Complete DOT Physical) in order to perform driving duties.  
• Drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test. 
• Drivers must complete a YMCA driver training program. 
• Relevant combination of education, training and/or experience related to outdoor education, leadership training, backcountry travel and living  
• Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time   
• Current certification in Wilderness First Aid or willingness to obtain certification   
• Must have current certification in CPR/First Aid or be willing to obtain certification   
• All other duties as assigned 

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions 
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is required  
• Possess excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional 
• Support the Association safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff 
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse environment 
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards 
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus  
• All other duties as assigned 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   

• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions 
• Be able to hike on rugged terrain 
• Be able to lift 50 pounds 

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. 
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, 
or qualifications associated with the job.