Head Of Climbing

Alford Lake Camp’s ‘Adventure’ activity consists of an outdoor rock wall and high and low ropes course where campers learn skills in team building, problem-solving, developing trust, and taking safe risks. The Head of Adventure for the Alford Lake Camp Challenge Course will be a facilitator who works in a co-instructor position, working closely with a second facilitator (we are also looking for someone to fill this role!) and possibly counselors-in-training to cover and share the instruction, supervision, safety, and debriefing responsibilities associated with the ALC Challenge Course. The facilitator will use the ALC program to allow campers to recognize and safely take risks, push themselves, and reach their potential. This will include promoting self-confidence, positive group dynamics, and the expansion of their problem-solving abilities. These individuals must be well-organized, experienced, compassionate, and exceptional communicators when it comes to teaching others.

Qualifications:

• Must have a current American Red Cross CPR with AED and First Aid certification
• Certification within the past three years from a recognized organization or certifying body 
  • This certification must be the Project Adventure Level II, High 5 or the equivalent (at minimum)
  • Requires documentation of training and experience in Challenge Course facilitation 
  • If you do not have a current certification, you must be able to obtain it prior to the start of work. We may be able to provide financial support for coursework to achieve appropriate certifications
• SAFETY: The Head will be responsible for ensuring the safety of each camper participating in the program.
  • Work will include properly setting up the course, ongoing inspection of the course and equipment, and properly instructing the campers in the proper use
  • Maintain records of equipment use and condition
  • Understanding of emergency procedures and being comfortable responding to situations in a professional AND calm demeanor
• ​LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING: Be a positive role model
  • Directs activities
  • Maintain records of camper participation
  • Aids in developing the full potential of the course
  • Deals calmly and efficiently with stressful situations 
• PHYSICAL: Able to tie specific knots, belay (rope technique) campers, move from element to element, and climb structures as needed
• SUPERVISION: The Head of Adventure will be responsible for supervising all activities connected with the course elements
  • Work will include directing activities and debriefing 
  • Able to work independently
  • Train and manage climbing co-counselor and counselors-in-training
  • Communicate effectively with the Directors
• COMMUNICATION: Excellent communication skills are required
  • The Climbing Head should be adept at effectively communicating with a broad range of campers from varied backgrounds and encouraging communication between others

• JUDGMENT: Uses good judgment while making independent decisions regarding all facets of the safe and effective use of the course

• TEAMWORK: Works as a valuable team member within the community, facilitating and operating the course with their staff member

• DEPENDABILITY: Available for the summer to lead programs
  • Arrives on-site on time. Maintains a commitment to the success of the course
  • Follows procedures

• EXPERIENCE: Takes responsibility for knowing the ALC course and equipment 

• TEACHING: Cultivates learning among the campers, including the technical skills as well as the experiential aspects of the course

• DEBRIEFING: Promotes constructive discussion processing the campers' experiences in order to integrate what has been learned

• Physical Requirements (must be able to):
  • Stand/walk for long periods
  • Use of ladder
  • Bending/stooping
  • Kneeling/squatting
  • Reaching/grasping
  • Overhead work
  • Pushing/pulling
  • Repetitive use of hands
  • Lift at least 35 lbs
  • Camper interaction: Strong verbal, written, and listening skills
     
• Technical Skills:
  • Ability to quickly and confidently tie all necessary knots (including Double Figure 8, Figure 8 follow through, Sliding double barrel knot (redundant knot), Bowline, Clove Hitch)
  • Capability to set up and take down each and every low and high course element
  • Ability to safely PBUS Belay and Team Belay campers
  • Successfully demonstrate a high-course rescue
  • Ability to prepare (front-loading) and follow-up (debriefing) of the group
     
• Understanding of all safety requirements of the following elements:
  • Vertical Elements: Climbing tower, Rappel wall, Leap of Faith
  • High Traversing Elements: Two Ships Crossing, Burma Bridge
  •  Low Elements: Mohawk Walk, Wild Woozy, Spider's Web, Swing (Nitro Swing)