Camp Chief Ouray is the residential camp for kids at YMCA of the Rockies. Making a difference in the life of a young person, learning skills that will help you throughout future jobs, and gaining lifelong friends in the process is a wonderful way to spend your summer. Join us! All positions listed on our website under About > Work at CCO.
Only 20 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park, Camp Chief Ouray offers scenic views in every direction. The camp is located on the property of Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado.
The Wilderness Expedition 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: hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, white-water rafting (outfitted), horse packing (outfitted), rock climbing (outfitted), and/or surfing. Sessions are either one-week programs designed to expose campers to outdoor recreation, two-week programs designed to provide deeper exploration, or three-week programs designed to increase confidence in backcountry travel 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.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of 21 years of age
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 Department of Transportation 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 Department of Transportation Medical Card (Complete Department of Transportation Physical) in order to perform driving duties.
Drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Drivers must complete a YMCA driver training program.
Experience working with youth in a summer camp setting
Minimum of three years education, training and/or experience related to outdoor education, backpacking, backcountry travel and living
Ability to work collaboratively with co-leaders/coworkers
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
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 WILDERNESS EXPEDITION LEADER:
Training
Participate in staff training prior to working with campers
Train campers in the skills and safety practices they need for meaningful participation in the program
Program
Become familiar with total camp program
Lead outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, backpacking) with the help of outside vendors when applicable
Lead educational activities (e.g. Leave No Trace, YMCA Core Values)
Follow safety end emergency procedures to ensure safety and wellbeing of participants
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Educate campers on safety practices and emergency procedures
Excellent relationship building, decision-making, adaptability and risk management skills
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 if needed
Ability to work effectively in a shared leadership position
Create and distribute program journal/handbook to all campers during each session
Keep journal with a record of each camper and their progress. This might also include a daily record of activities and notable incidents
Assume weekend camp responsibilities
Meetings
Meet with each camper individually at the end of their session to present written feedback and discuss potential roles at CCO in the future
Meet with Leadership and Trips Director for your pre-season goal setting, your mid-season and end of season feedback
Meet with your co-leader following completion of each session to discuss successes and areas for improvement
Reports/Evaluations
Complete and present written feedback to each camper at the end of their session
Provide evaluation of programs and submit written feedback to Leadership and Trips Director prior to the end of the summer
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
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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's 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