Adventure Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE: Adventure Specialist 

DEPARTMENT: Camp O’Malley 

REPORTS TO: Camp Director  

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Seasonal 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:  

Provide a safe and positive environment that aligns with the Camp O’Malley mission through the development and delivery of adventure challenge activities at the camp including aquatics activities. 

Key Roles  

• Deliver a fun adventure challenge & aquatic program to campers. 

• Develop and deliver lesson plans or learning activities that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers. 

• Evaluate adventure challenge & aquatic abilities of campers and staff. 

• Deliver progressive adventure challenge & aquatic program activities. 

• Evaluate the success of the adventure challenge & aquatic programs and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills in adventure challenges. 

• Expand the camp’s activities with new games and initiatives. 

• Work with other Camp staff in a collaborative manner. 

• Participate in all camp functions. 

• Provide guidance to campers and serve as a positive role model. 

• Plan and lead daytime and evening adventure-based activities (e.g., campfires, night hikes, team-building challenges). 

• Support cabin groups during non-program times, including mealtimes and evening programs. 

• Participate in overnight supervision duties as assigned (e.g., on-call rotation or cabin overnight coverage). 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level or work expected of employees in the classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

Additional Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures in adventure challenge & aquatic areas. 

• Assist in the implementation of staff training for adventure challenge & aquatic activities. 

• Provide guidelines for a program utilizing the initiatives, the challenge course, and the aquatics area. 

• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures for adventure challenge & aquatic activities. 

• Ensure a positive and respectful environment by implementing effective behavior management techniques, addressing any behavioral issues promptly, and using positive reinforcement to encourage campers to follow camp rules and demonstrate good citizenship. Maintain consistency in enforcing camp policies to promote a safe and supportive atmosphere for all campers. 

• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the challenge & aquatic program area. 

• Conduct daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair. 

• Maintain the adventure challenge course & aquatic equipment and elements. 

• Clean challenge course & aquatic area daily keeping it free of hazards and debris. 

• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior. 

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures. 

• Attend and participate in pre-camp training and weekly camp staff meetings  

• Assist in daily property clean up: program areas, restrooms, cabins, dining hall, and grounds 

• Participate in special programs and/or events as necessary for programming needs. This may include occasional weekends. 

• Agree and follow the staff code of conduct and all staff policies. 

• May be required to drive an organizational vehicle. 

• Handle and serve food. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: 

• Must be at least 18 years old. 

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent. 

• Experience working with youth ages 6-18. 

• Experience working with diverse groups of children 

• Experience with adventure components such as fishing, rock climbing, low ropes courses, rivers, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and/or swimming pools. 

• Knowledge of youth development principles and practices. 

• Ability to motivate youth and manage behavioral problems in a supportive and constructive manner. 

• Ability to develop, plan, and implement quality programs and activities for youth. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with the general public, including campers, parents, and colleagues. 

• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain). 

• Ability to obtain belay certification and lifeguard certification  

• Valid State ID. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  

This position is primarily spent in physical activities outdoors. While performing this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and stand; talk or hear; use hands and fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and may be frequently required to run. The employee must remain physically fit enough to keep children safe in an emergency. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to perform certain duties. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to loud in recreation and play settings when children are present. All employees working directly with children may be required to work outdoors in various types of weather conditions.  

The information presented indicates the general nature and level or work expected of employees in the classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.