Challenge Course and Initiatives Team Lead

The 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.

To learn more about our programs and services offered please visit our website.

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, 2026

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

Major Responsibilities

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 OCA, YMCA, and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines

Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Qualifications

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

Benefits

As 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 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 

HOW TO APPLY

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. 

CAMP EQUITABLE EMPLOYMENT FUND

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.

Fund Application Process:

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 or Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered.

---