Ropes Course Specialist

Elevate your summer leadership by guiding young adventurers across our high ropes challenge courses at Willow Lake Day Camp. As a Ropes Course Specialist, you will facilitate empowering aerial elements 3 through 15 across our 35-acre campus. You will coach campers through personal challenges, teaching them courage, communication, and resilience while maintaining top-tier safety standards. Working alongside group counselors and camp directors, you will cultivate an encouraging environment where every camper feels supported to take healthy risks and soar. This role delivers hands-on leadership, risk management, and mentorship experience that makes your resume stand out for future career paths.

- Lead daily high ropes adventure sessions across three age-appropriate adventure courses, obstacle elements, and ziplines.- Conduct daily equipment inspections, harness fittings, and helmet checks to uphold the highest physical safety protocols.- Coach and cheer on campers of all skill levels, empowering them to step outside their comfort zones and conquer personal goals.- Collaborate with group counselors and Unit Leaders to manage group dynamics, encouraging supportive teamwork and sportsmanship on every course.- Assist with taking harnesses and helmets out daily, equipment maintenance, inventory logging, and end-of-day clean up of the Outdoor Adventure area.

- Prior experience working with children or teens in camp, recreational, school, or youth group settings.- Personal or recreational familiarity with climbing walls, ropes courses, outdoor recreation, or adventure education (comprehensive on-site training provided during pre-camp orientation).- Demonstrated track record of encouraging peers or youth to overcome hesitation and build self-confidence.

- Passion for outdoor adventure, youth mentorship, and active outdoor leadership.- Exceptional verbal communication and motivational coaching skills to connect with campers of all backgrounds and ages.- Strong attention to detail regarding safety procedures, equipment handling, and risk management.- Ability to maintain high energy, composure, and a positive attitude in dynamic outdoor environments.- Reliable team player committed to working the full summer season from June 21 to August 13, 2027.

- Bachelor's degree (completed) or equivalent experience in Outdoor Education, Recreation Management, Education, Kinesiology, Psychology, or related fields.

- Ability to work outdoors on active challenge courses and wooded terrain in various summer weather conditions.- Physical stamina to climb, belay, demonstrate course elements, and assist campers at height throughout the camp day.- Capability to lift, carry, and inspect adventure equipment such as harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and helmets.- Agility and mobility to traverse outdoor trails and navigate multi-level adventure park platforms comfortably.- Must be comfortable with heights.

- Competitive seasonal salary.- Daily complimentary hot and cold lunches provided throughout the season.- Comprehensive pre-camp ropes course facilitation and safety training led by outdoor adventure professionals.- Standout leadership, risk assessment, and group management experience for resumes in education, sports management, and outdoor recreation.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- An inspiring, close-knit camp community with lifelong friendships and meaningful mentorship opportunities.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp located on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey serving campers ages 3 through 15. For over 40 years, our mission has centered on delivering healthy, spirited summer experiences grounded in our Dream Big values of discovery, respect, and character development. Our passionate staff and dynamic program create an inclusive summer home where campers and counselors alike build lasting confidence and lifelong friendships.

Our scenic 35-acre shaded campus is situated in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, featuring modern outdoor athletic fields, heated pool complexes, and specialized adventure courses. Staff enjoy state-of-the-art facilities nestled in a beautiful natural setting just steps from private lakefront waterfront areas.