Wilderness Expedition Leader

Position Summary: 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 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. This role includes pre-trip packing, itinerary planning and providing camper feedback and debriefs. Wilderness Expedition Leaders provide natural and cultural history education relevant to their location. Minimum of 21 years of age. Backpacking experience required. Current driver’s license with a clean driving record. A willingness to comply with YMCA driving rules and Colorado Department of Transportation regulatory requirements to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles is required.

Work Dates: May 16 - August 9, 2025

Essential Functions: Camp Chief Ouray staff are expected to create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff while allowing development and growth for all. They should possess the mental, social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first. Responding to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshooting problems and developing solutions in a patient and respectful manner is an important aspect of our work. All staff should contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, take responsibility for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Assist with other departments as needed.

• 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 

• 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 

• 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  

• 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 

• 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 

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 have a valid US Driver's license or, if required, a Commercial Driver's License and satisfactory driving safety record.

• Must have the ability to obtain a Department of Transportation Medical Card (Complete Department of Transportation Physical) in order to perform driving duties., as well as passing a YMCA driver training program.

• Drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test. 

• 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 
  

Employee Perks & Compensation:

• $628/week

• Room and board

  • Housing: Based on gender identity. Administrative staff for overnight camp will live in dorm style housing with shared bathrooms. Leadership and Trips staff will have a bunk in the dorm housing to store their belongings, sleep, and shower when not with campers. However, when they are supervising campers, these staff will camp in tents on property. Day Camp staff will live in Snow Mountain Ranch’s dorm building with shared bathrooms. All positions will have the ability to park a vehicle for no extra cost.

    Meals: For employees working overnight camp programs, meals when working will be provided and eaten with campers, served family style. For employees working Day Camp programs, a sack lunch will be provided when working and they may eat all other meals at the Snow Mountain Ranch Commons, a buffet style dining hall at no additional cost. During time off, overnight camp staff may eat at the Commons as well. A varied menu is provided to accommodate the majority of food preferences and restrictions

• Laundry on-site

• Practice 21st century skills

• CPR/First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certification

• Diverse and global experiences

• Welcoming and inclusive team environment

• Free and/or discounted program rentals

• Close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and additional outdoor recreation areas

• Discount on summer camp registration for immediate family members

• Pro deal discounts to outdoor retail companies

Health Care: Camp Chief Ouray has a health center team consisting of registered nurses and a health center assistant to provide health care for campers and staff. Staff may visit the camp nurses to seek treatment for minor concerns. Staff may be referred to the clinic in town if the health center team is tending to campers or if treatment needs extend beyond a registered nurse’s ability to diagnose or treat. The CCO health center team is unable to run diagnostic testing or prescribe medication.

Application Process: We value your time and appreciate your interest in working at Camp Chief Ouray.

• All interviews are conducted via video call.

• We aim to reach out with an invitation for an interview or to decline your application within one to two weeks of your application being submitted

• Returning Staff: There is typically only one interview for returning staff.

• We will do our best to make a hiring decision within two to three weeks from the date of your interview(s).

• After your interview(s), we meet as a full-time team at CCO to discuss each applicant.