1.  Job Summary: 

The Trail Counselor is responsible for leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for groups of teenagers, families, or adults as well as program support.  

2.  Essential Functions: 

·       Provide professional and culturally sensitive leadership to diverse groups of campers on overnight wilderness trips and during pre-trip preparation

·       Provide inclusive instruction in wilderness camping, canoeing, and backpacking

·       Participate in camp programs, such as campfires, group singing, and games

·       Guide and influence the trail group’s social interaction and personal growth

·       Observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply the necessary behavior-management techniques

·       Promote the core values – Caring, Equity, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

·       Enforce safety and health regulations and emergency procedures

·       Comfortable leading a group of teenagers for at least 7 days in remote and backcountry wilderness areas

·       Complete all paperwork including camper evaluations, parent letters and trip reports etc. in a timely, high-quality manner

·       Participate in routine camp maintenance, facility upkeep and other duties as assigned

3.  Relationships: 

This position reports to both the Program Director and Executive Director. Trail Counselors need to maintain professional, positive working relationships with the entire camp team including kitchen staff, office and support staff and other trail counselors.

4.  Qualifications: 

Required: 

Required certifications provided by YMCA or other certified organization may be acquired after hire but must be completed before an employee supervises youth in the backcountry:

·       Lifeguard certification. The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, and Boy Scouts of America

·       Basic Life Support/CPR for the Professional Rescuer (renewed annually). Must include adult, child, and infant 1 and 2 person and use of an AED.

o   The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Safety and Health Institute BLS, American Red Cross BLS or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Heart Association Basic Life Support.

·       Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

o   The YMCA recognizes and accepts WFR certifications from a variety of institutions if they meet certain requirements. A full course must be at least 70 hours with a practical in-person component, must be called a “Wilderness First Responder” certification, and the institution providing the certification must have a medical director who is an MD and advises on the curriculum.

·       Minimum age of 18 years

·       If applicable, valid DOT Medical Examiners Certificate

o   Valid US Driver’s License and ability to pass both external driving background check and camp driving evaluation

o   Minimum age of 20 to drive a camp vehicle in state

o   Minimum age of 21 to drive a camp vehicle across state lines

·       Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

·       Experience or education in wilderness risk management, camp counseling, outdoor education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or related field

·       Training or experience in wilderness camping, canoeing, backpacking, and/or trip planning

·       Demonstrated good judgment without direct supervision

·       Ability to operate in an emotionally demanding environment without access to front-country support systems

·       Strong organizational and communication skills

·       A sense of adventure

·       Rock Guide Counselor position: requires documented climbing experience 

Preferred: 

·       1 season of experience leading wilderness trips, camp counseling or a related field

·       Leadership experience with groups of youth

·       Wilderness camping experience

5.  Work Conditions: 

·       Ability to communicate and work with groups of campers, adults and families

·       Emotional awareness, health and stability to create a supportive, empowering and affirming environment for young people

·       Visual, auditory, and decision-making ability to calmly and effectively identify and respond to environmental, human and other hazards related to remote travel.

·       Ability to lift and carry canoe and backpack weighing up to 100 lbs in rough and hilly terrain for extended periods of time.

·       Ability to live and work outside in a wide variety of conditions including extreme weather.

6.  Additional Notes: 

At all times the Trail Counselor must keep the safety and enriching experience of the campers in the forefront of their thoughts and actions. 

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Trail Counselor is also responsible for taking direction from the Executive Director and Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Branch or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge 

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility. 

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.