Challenge Course and Initiatives Team Lead

Challenge Course and Initiatives Team LeadSpanish, ON P0P 2A0, CanadaJob DescriptionPosted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:00 AMThe YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has been serving our local communities for over 180 years and we are committed to supporting our local families, children, adults, youth and seniors in our various programs and services today.At the YMCA, our values and purpose drive everything that we do. As a charity, we’ve championed values of empathy, health, trustworthy, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Helping people develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility is the cornerstone of our legacy of caring. Please visit our website for more information about our programs and services. This job posting is for the creation of an applicant pool and is not intended to fill a current vacancy at this time.We are currently looking for a Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This full-time contract position within the Association is based at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario.Under the leadership of the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp, the Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead is responsible for all challenge course and initiatives programming at camp. This includes planning, preparing, and leading programs such as the low ropes elements, high ropes elements, and the climbing wall. The Challenge Course & Initiatives Team Lead ensures the safety and well-being of all staff and participants, supervises challenge course staff, manages program equipment and resources, and works to deliver a high-quality, engaging, and meaningful experience for all campers.START DATE: May 1, 2026LOCATION: YMCA John Island CampRATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50Major ResponsibilitiesPlan, prepare, and lead all challenge course and initiatives programs, including high ropes elements, low ropes elements, initiatives activities, and the climbing wallEnsure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in challenge course programsSupervise challenge course staff and support their training, development, and performance through ongoing feedback and evaluationsDevelop and deliver staff training sessions during Staff Training Week and throughout the summerCollaborate with the Camp Director to develop, review, and update all Local Operating Procedures for challenge course activitiesWork with third-party organizations to ensure all equipment and elements are operating safely and as intendedFacilitate programs during individual choice and specialty program periodsConduct daily and monthly inspections of all challenge course equipment and elementsManage challenge course program equipment and resourcesAdhere to OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelinesPerform other duties as assigned by the AssociationQualificationsMust be at least 18 years oldMinimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centresExperience or education in adventure programming, challenge course, and climbing wall operationsExperience training and supporting staff in challenge course skills and group facilitationExperience planning, facilitating, and instructing challenge course and climbing wall programs in an overnight camp settingExperience supervising staff in challenge course environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participantsSkilled in risk management related to challenge course and climbing wall operationsKnowledgeable in challenge course and climbing wall safety, rescues, and life safety systemsAbility to facilitate staff training sessions for challenge course staffStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skillsBilingualism in both official languages is considered an assetCurrent and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector ScreeningAs a charity and community-based organization, we know how important connection and wellness is, and we offer a workplace that invests in people. We provide:Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membershipPaid personal/sick daysEmployee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supportsTeam events + staff recognitionExplore different YMCA roles and career pathsHOW TO APPLYIf 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 created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry.The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are a part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth. Camp-specific experience is not required.Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry. This could include: certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.Apply for a position at YMCA John Island Camp and complete the interview process. Submit the CEEF Application Form (on the Employment Opportunities page of our website). Receive your offer of employment, based on successful interview and reference checks. Receive notice of any awarded funds before the need to respond to your offer of employment.Funding will be awarded to successful applicants across Canada in the order received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible after applying for employment at camp.If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact Please ensure that your cover letter and resume both specify the job title of the position that you are applying for.All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, you must advise the Human Resources Department.Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check for review prior to starting employment. Police records are reviewed on an individual basis, and any offences are considered in relation to the nature of the position and its responsibilities, particularly in working with children and vulnerable populations. A positive record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.Please note that candidates invited for an interview will be required to submit three professional references.YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications.Educational credentials completed outside of Canada require an Educational Evaluation along with your credentials. If you do not have an evaluation document, please visit ca/ or ada.ca. Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr