Backpacking and Leadership Camp Counselor

Backpacking and Leadership Counselor

Preferred Age: 21

Camp Description

              YMCA Camp Shaver serves New Mexico as an amazing Traditional overnight camp experience.  Located in the Jemez Mtns we have been around since 1945 making lasting memories for the lives of our campers and staff.  We care about helping people reconnect with the natural world, and hope that you will join us for a summer of lasting friendship and growth.

Job Description

Our backpacking lead will oversee making sure our multi-day backpacking trips for our LIT (leaders in training) program run smoothly and with the support they need. 

You will be a positive role model and guide for our leadership campers while in camp or out on trail. 

You will help this program by supporting the core Values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility through your actions and intentional conversations throughout the program.

Qualifications

• Wilderness First Responder (preferred) or Wilderness First Aid certified or willing to obtain such before employment.
• Backpacking experience – preferably having done so with groups
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace Principles and practices
• Fit enough to travel for multiple days with a loaded frame pack over variable terrain.
• Outdoor leadership skills and desire to empower campers with knowledge and practice of said skills.
• Knowledge of GPS use and map reading
• Ability to coordinate and work with a variety of staff and campers from different backgrounds.

Essential Functions

• Leading trips in a safe and supportive environment for the highlight of an LIT experience.
• Managing the health and wellbeing of a group of campers/staff while in challenging environments.
• Maturity and flexibility to make decisions that best serve the group’s growth and development, but ultimately safety both physically and mentally.
• Leading by example the best practices in the field, and desire to educate on those practices.
• Supporting all staff in making Camp Shaver an open and welcoming place for anyone who wants to have an amazing camp experience this summer.
• Keeping open communication with Leadership staff on status of the group
• Making clear plans for any trip and adequately preparing the group and supplies required to make it happen.
• Keep records and evaluations for the leadership campers to help them grow
• Make Camp Shaver a place that people will want to return to for years to come.
• Help support the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Be a positive role model for campers/staff