Ropes Course Specialist

Summer Sleepaway 2026 at Camp Kaufmann Ropes Course Specialist

Position Description

The High Adventure Specialist is responsible for implementing fun and safe ropes courses, Archery elements and high adventure programming. They also ensure proper use, maintenance, and storage of ropes, archery, and climbing wall equipment. They act in accordance with the New York Department of Health (NYDOH), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), and the American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and demonstrate the mission of Girl Scouting and the positive impact of camp.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging climbing wall and ropes course (high and low) programming to campers from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Teach and lead campers in the proper use and safety procedures for ropes course games, team building challenges, and high adventure elements.
• Work independently and in collaboration with the Camp Leadership Team to deliver progressive, attainable programming appropriate for the ages and abilities of campers.
• Take an active role in risk management and camper safety by following NYDOH, GSUSA, ACCT, and ACA standards and regulations for challenge courses; training provided.
• Assist in maintaining the climbing wall, high ropes course, and low ropes course, including daily inspections of all equipment for safety, good repair, and cleanliness.
• Contribute to accurate record keeping of ropes course equipment inspections.
• Be prepared for each activity period, creating a safe and engaging environment for campers.
• Immediately report incidents, accidents, illnesses, and maintenance issues to the Camp Leadership Team and assist in preparing reports as required.
• Serve as program support for the “Galactic Mysteries” week at camp, developing content using the GSUSA badge curriculum in collaboration with Camp Leadership.
• Support Unit Staff and their campers as they complete badgework and prepare for their weekly badgework showcases.
• Mentor high school Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as they assist in facilitating programs.
• Provide coverage for Unit Staff during activities, meals, unit time, and overnight as needed.
• Assist campers and staff in emergency situations; training provided.
• Enthusiastically participate in all aspects of camp, including staff training, structured and unstructured activities, position-specific in-service training, team building, and debriefing.
• Demonstrate quick thinking, excellent communication, sound problem-solving techniques,and ability to work as a team player.
• Model and teach camp expectations for campers and staff regarding cleanliness, personal hygiene, punctuality, mutual respect, appropriate language, and appropriate attire.
• Comply with all policies communicated in staff training and staff manual.
• Abide by the mission and values of the Girl Scouts. 
• Provide excellent customer service to campers, caregivers, camp visitors, and other staff.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Camp Leadership Team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2026.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with youth.
• Successfully demonstrate required skills during archery and ropes course training.
• Demonstrated ability to manage challenging behavioral situations with youth effectively.
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to campers and staff from diverse backgrounds in an outdoor environment.
• Patience, sense of humor, integrity, and the ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a sleepaway (overnight) camp and that work hours are long and irregular.
• Possess the strength and endurance required to succeed in a sleepaway camp environment.
• Clearance through the Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Check.
• Willingness to prioritize the needs of Girl Scouts of Greater New York and Camp Kaufmann.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the outdoors.
• Documented experience or training in ropes course facilitation.
• Experience or interest in the Girl Scout program and youth leadership development.

Dates of Summer 2026 Employment

• Must live on site and be available to work the ENTIRE duration of: 
  • Staff training: June 22 – July 4 (Saturday, June 27th off) Additional certification classes may be required.
  • Summer camp programming (5 sessions): July 5 – August 7.
  • Campclosing/cleanup:August8–August9.
  • Time off: Friday evening to Saturday evening weekly, except July 4.
  • Applicants who cannot commit to these dates will NOT be considered.

Physical Demands

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

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Good health and the stamina necessary to work in a camp setting.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time while leading programming.
• Bending, crouching, kneeling, and climbing may all be a part of daily tasks.

Compensation

• $100-$120 per diem rate, based on prior experience and certifications.
• Room and board while at camp.
• Cost of travel to/from NYC weekly, plus other off-camp excursion opportunities.

No phone calls, please.

The Girl Scouts of Greater New York are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation(s) for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent or applicant when possible.