CCO Wilderness Expedition Leader

Join to apply for the CCO Wilderness Expedition Leader (2026) role at YMCA of the Rockies
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Be among the first 25 applicants. This range is provided by YMCA of the Rockies. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$627.60/yr - $627.60/yr

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/or 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.

A willingness to comply with YMCA driving rules and Colorado Department of Transportation regulatory requirements to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles is required.

At YMCA of the Rockies, we firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary experiences for our guests and for each other and we expect constant demonstration of our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

• Create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff. Promote safe work practices to allow for development and growth for all.
• Possess the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first.
• Respond to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshoot problems and develop solutions in a patient and respectful manner.
• Contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, be a team player.
• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions.
• Be able to hike on rugged terrain.
• Be responsible for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Report any repairs in a timely manner.
• Assist other departments as needed.

• Training
  • 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.
• Program
  • Become familiar with the total camp 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 and 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.
  • Assume weekend camp responsibilities.
• Meetings
  • 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 pre‑season goal setting, mid‑season and end‑of‑season feedback.
  • Meet with your co‑leader following completion of each session to discuss successes and areas for improvement.
• Reports/Evaluations
  • 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.

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Willingness to comply with YMCA and Colorado Department of Transportation rules to be…