Course and Initiatives Team Lead

Overview

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is seeking a full-time Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead to join our Team at John Island Camp near Spanish, Ontario. This is a contract position within the Association, posted to create an applicant pool and not intended to fill a current vacancy at this time. The role reports to the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp and is based at YMCA John Island Camp.

The incumbent will be responsible for all challenge course and initiatives programming at camp, including planning, preparing, and leading programs such as low ropes, high ropes, and the climbing wall. The Team Lead will ensure safety and well-being of staff and participants, supervise challenge course staff, manage equipment and resources, and deliver a high-quality, engaging, and meaningful camper experience.

START DATE:

May 1, 2026

LOCATION:

YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

This posting is for building an applicant pool for future opportunities. It is not a current vacancy.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications.

• Plan, prepare, and lead all challenge course and initiatives programs, including high ropes elements, low ropes elements, initiatives activities, and the climbing wall
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in challenge course programs
• Supervise challenge course staff and support their training, development, and performance through ongoing feedback and evaluations
• Develop and deliver staff training sessions during Staff Training Week and throughout the summer
• Collaborate with the Camp Director to develop, review, and update all Local Operating Procedures for challenge course activities
• Work with third-party organizations to ensure all equipment and elements are operating safely and as intended
• Facilitate programs during individual choice and specialty program periods
• Conduct daily and monthly inspections of all challenge course equipment and elements
• Manage challenge course program equipment and resources
• Adhere to YMCA and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres
• Experience or education in adventure programming, challenge course, and climbing wall operations
• Experience training and supporting staff in challenge course skills and group facilitation
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing challenge course and climbing wall programs in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff in challenge course environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
• Skilled in risk management related to challenge course and climbing wall operations
• Knowledgeable in challenge course and climbing wall safety, rescues, and life safety systems
• Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for challenge course staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Bilingualism in both official languages is considered an asset
• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Current Challenge Course Instructor (Level
  2) certification required

• Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership
• Paid personal/sick days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports
• Mileage reimbursement
• Team events + staff recognition
• Learning & development opportunities
• Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

If you would like to work in a family-friendly environment, please apply by website only, with a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026 to the attention of the Hiring Manager.

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry. The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25,…