CCO Wilderness Expedition Leader (2026)

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Wilderness Expedition Leader provides 24-hour support with guidance, supervision, safety and comfort for participants during all activities. You will co-lead groups of up to ten campers through outdoor activities that may include: hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, white-water rafting (outfitted), horse packing (outfitted), rock climbing (outfitted), and/or surfing. Sessions are either one-week programs designed to expose campers to outdoor recreation, two-week programs designed to provide deeper exploration, or three-week programs designed to increase confidence in backcountry travel and leadership skills. A willingness to comply with YMCA driving rules and Colorado Department of Transportation regulatory requirements to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles is required. 

OUR CULTURE:   

At YMCA of the Rockies, we firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary experiences for our guests and for each other and we expect constant demonstration of our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ALL CAMP CHIEF OURAY STAFF: 

• Create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff. Promote safe work practices to allow for development and growth for all. 

• Possess the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first 

• Respond to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshoot problems and develop solutions in a patient and respectful manner. 

• Contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, be a team player  

• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions 

• Be able to hike on rugged terrain 

• Be responsible for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Report any repairs in a timely manner.  

• Assist other departments as needed 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR WILDERNESS EXPEDITION LEADER:  

• Training 

• Participate in staff training prior to working with campers 

• Train campers in the skills and safety practices they need for meaningful participation in the program 

• Program 

• Become familiar with total camp program 

• Lead outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, backpacking) with the help of outside vendors when applicable  

• Lead educational activities (e.g. Leave No Trace, YMCA Core Values) 

• Follow safety end emergency procedures to ensure safety and wellbeing of participants 

• Educate campers on safety practices and emergency procedures  

• Excellent relationship building, decision-making, adaptability and risk management skills 

• Responsible for checking the safety and operation of all equipment prior to each trip, keeping it in working condition and reporting any damage upon return if needed 

• Ability to work effectively in a shared leadership position 

• Create and distribute program journal/handbook to all campers during each session  

• Keep journal with a record of each camper and their progress. This might also include a daily record of activities and notable incidents  

• Assume weekend camp responsibilities  

• Meetings 

• Meet with each camper individually at the end of their session to present written feedback and discuss potential roles at CCO in the future  

• Meet with Leadership and Trips Director for your pre-season goal setting, your mid-season and end of season feedback 

• Meet with your co-leader following completion of each session to discuss successes and areas for improvement 

• Reports/Evaluations 

• Complete and present written feedback to each camper at the end of their session   

• Provide evaluation of programs and submit written feedback to Leadership and Trips Director prior to the end of the summer 

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of 21 years of age 

• Willingness to comply with YMCA and Colorado Department of Transportation rules to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles, including 15-passenger mini-buses.  

• Must conduct all vehicle operations within the Department of Transportation Regulatory Requirements that apply to the position's specific driving duties. 

• Must have a valid US Driver's license or, if required, a Commercial Driver's License. 

• Must have a satisfactory driving safety record (Verified by MVR Review) 

• Must have the ability to obtain a Department of Transportation Medical Card (Complete Department of Transportation Physical) in order to perform driving duties.  

• Drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test. 

• Drivers must complete a YMCA driver training program.  

• Experience working with youth in a summer camp setting  

• Minimum of three years education, training and/or experience related to outdoor education, backpacking, backcountry travel and living 

• Ability to work collaboratively with co-leaders/coworkers  

• Current certification in Wilderness First Aid or willingness to obtain certification 

• Must have current certification in CPR/First Aid or be willing to obtain certification 

• All other duties as assigned 

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS 

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions 

• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is required  

• Possess excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional 

• Support the Association safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff 

• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse environment 

• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards 

• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus  

• All other duties as assigned 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   

• Be able to work inside and outside in all weather conditions 

• Be able to hike on rugged terrain  

• Be able to lift 50 pounds 

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, 

or qualifications associated with the job.