Communication Skills, Course Coordination, Documentation, Emergency Response, Fishing, Leadership, Policy Development, Policy Implementation, Procedure Development, Recreation, Risk Management, Safety Process, Safety Standards, Swimming, Team Building, Team Player, Training/Teaching
YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Employment Application
YMCA Camp Carteris a beautiful 360-acre year-round summer camp located right in the heart of Fort Worth, TX. At camp, we offer 11 weeks of care that runs from Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, August 7th with an exciting variety of camp options to please every kind of camper at every age! Our traditional multi-activity camp provides options like STEM, arts, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, and more! In our shoulder season, we offer Groups & Retreats, Conferences, Events, Equestrian Programs, Outdoor Education Field Trips, Family Camps, Holiday Camps, and much more. Learn more about Camp Carter in this quick video:
Position Summary
The Challenge Course Program Instructor is an energetic and safety-focused team member at YMCA Camp Carter, responsible for facilitating low ropes, high ropes, and team-building experiences that challenge and inspire participants year-round. This role is essential in delivering impactful outdoor experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.
During the summer season, the Challenge Course Instructor works full-time (40 hours/week), leading daily programming elements within summer camp. In the off-season, this position transitions to part-time, supporting outdoor education field trips, retreats, and group experiences that utilize the challenge course.
This role requires comfort working at heights, strong attention to safety protocols, and the ability to actively engage and motivate participants. The Challenge Course Instructor is a key contributor to both camper experience and group program success across all seasons.
Our Culture & Cause
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It's who we are, who we aspire to be, and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don't just show up-we show up with purpose. As a cause-driven team member, you are expected to be:
- Welcoming - Accept neighbors eagerly, warmly, and as equal participants
- Nurturing - Support and develop others through encouragement
- Hopeful - Take a positive and optimistic view of future outcomes
- Determined - Devote full energy and focus to the cause
- Genuine - Build honest and open relationships
We act with intentionality to connect people to our cause. Join us and help transform lives!
Reporting Structure
The Challenge Course Program Instructor reports to the Program Director of Day Camp & Outdoor Education and works closely with full-time and seasonal program staff.
Why You'll Love This Role
As a Challenge Course Instructor, you will have the opportunity to: - Lead transformative ropes course and team-building experiences
- Help participants overcome fears and build confidence
- Work outdoors in a dynamic, high-energy camp environment
- Gain hands-on experience in facilitation, risk management, and experiential education
- Be part of a collaborative team committed to youth development and community impact
- Play a vital role in both summer camp programming and year-round group experiences
Core Responsibilities
You lead engaging, meaningful challenge course experiences that promote growth and connection.
Key Responsibilities:- Facilitate low ropes, high ropes, and team-building initiatives
- Guide participants through experiential learning and reflection activities
- Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse groups and age ranges
- Encourage teamwork, communication, and personal development
- Create an inclusive and empowering environment for all participants
- Operate and supervise challenge course elements following established safety protocols
- Conduct daily inspections of course elements, equipment, and gear
- Ensure proper harnessing, belaying, and spotting techniques
- Maintain accurate documentation of inspections and incidents
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow YMCA safety procedures
Seasonal Expectations
Summer (Peak Season):- Full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week)
- Primary role facilitating challenge course activities within summer camp
Off-Season (Fall, Winter, Spring):- Part-time hours based on program demand
- Facilitate challenge course elements for schools, retreats, and groups
- Flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends
Qualifications- Experience in challenge course facilitation, outdoor recreation, or experiential education preferred
- Ability to obtain or willingness to complete challenge course certification (ACCT or similar training preferred; YMCA will provide training)
- Comfort working at heights and in physically active environments
- Strong communication, group facilitation, and leadership skills
- Ability to enforce safety standards with confidence and consistency
- Experience working with youth or groups in a camp, school, or recreational setting preferred
- Dependable, adaptable, and team-oriented mindset
Compensation- Pay: $15/hour (part-time, year-round)
- Summer: Full-time seasonal hours (40 hours/week)
- Opportunities for skill development, certifications, and advancement
This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonable association duties and will be responsible for implementation of the policies, procedures and standards established by the Metropolitan Board, the branch Board of Managers and the Association Leadership. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised at the discretion of management. This job description is not a written or implied contract.Y
YMCA
With an operating budget of $50 million, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington operates 17 facilities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia, employs over 1,500 employees and impacts the lives of more than 200,000 youth and adults each year. A leader in innovation, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington has made an impact in advancing health and education initiatives and strengthening the communities we serve. Picture your next career move to the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, joining one of the largest charity organizations in the country, where the expectations are high and where you can make a real difference in driving results. If your next career move includes leaving a legacy, then consider your future with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington!
1,500 to 1,999 employees
Nonprofit Charitable Organizations