Climbing and Outdoor Activities Specialist

Job Description

POSITION: Climbing and Outdoor Activities Specialist

RESPONSIBLE TO: CAMP PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal Staff Member

CAMP LOCATION: Camp Cloud Rim or Trefoil Ranch

Job Purpose

This position plays a key role in upholding the mission of Girl Scouts of Utah by modeling respect, integrity, and service, prioritizing camper well-being, and contributing to a collaborative, camp-wide culture. When not serving as Climbing and Outdoor Activities Specialist, this position supports general camp operations, demonstrating flexibility, teamwork, and a readiness to assist wherever needed to provide a memorable and meaningful camp experience for all.

Job Accountabilities

TREFOIL SPECIFIC:

o Work with the Program Coordinator to plan and provide a quality, progressive archery, challenge course and hatchet throwing program.

• Assist in teaching staff their high adventure responsibilities during staff training.
• Teach and enforce all safety rules; follow standards for Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Camp Association, and activity specific standards at all times.
• Help with the daily setup, take down, and equipment check of all high adventure areas.
• Safely and effectively execute group programming including, but not limited to, planning, facilitating, and debriefing activities.
• Assist in writing program outlines and lesson plans that allow for progression of activities and accomplish specific program goals.
• Teach and monitor the proper use of equipment; report broken or missing equipment in a timely manner.

CLOUD RIM SPECIFIC:

o Work with Program Coordinator to plan, develop, and manage quality rock climbing programs for all campers.

• Write program outlines and lesson plans that allow for progression of activities and accomplish specific program goals.
• Evaluate skill level of staff and campers; keep records on staff and campers.
• Teach and enforce all safety rules at the rock wall.
• Instruct and facilitate rock climbing and bouldering lessons.
• Teach staff their climbing, hiking, and overnight camping responsibilities during staff training.
• Train and monitor on the proper use of equipment; submit requests for equipment and supplies when needed.
• Direct the daily setup, take down, and equipment check of all climbing areas.
• Set up the climbing areas during staff training and break them down at the end of the season.
• Complete weekly and end-of-season reports.
• Train counselors in belaying and related skills during staff training.

o Manage health and safety conditions in the climbing areas.

• Ensure the first aid kits are properly stocked.
• Report and document accidents and incidents promptly.
• Verify the safety and cleanliness of climbing areas and equipment.
• Ensure staff follow all safety guidelines. Provide additional training and support as needed.
• Confirm climbing areas meet all health and safety standards.
• Complete and maintain daily ropes/equipment log.

o Collaborate with counselors to plan and facilitate outdoor activities

• Teach hiking and outdoor activity skills including but not limited to: knot tying, leave no trace principles, fire building, navigation, plant and animal identification, basic first aid, and more.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Supervisor to plan, schedule, and facilitate outdoor cooking experiences for campers, ensuring all necessary food and supplies for cookouts and overnight programs are properly stocked and available.
• Work with Program Coordinator to plan and facilitate overnight activities, including hammocking, boat camping, tent camping, and other overnight experiences.

o When not managing the ropes course, rock wall or outdoor activity programming, participate in general camp program and operations.

• Assist with unit and camp housekeeping, sanitation, and care of supplies and equipment.
• Help with weekly camper check in/out.
• Assist with camp-wide programs including workshops, all camps, campfire programs, camper’s choice activities, and flag ceremonies.
• Attend and participate in pre-camp staff training and the closing of camp.
• Eat meals with the campers and supervise clean up after meals.
• Understand and implement safety guidelines and standards as outlined by Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Camp Association, and any state and local codes
•  Perform additional duties as assigned
•  Job duties may be subject to change pursuant to the activities of the camp, camp needs, and the organization as a whole.

Qualifications

· Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

· Have completed certification or documented training from a recognized organization or certifying body for rock climbing, or equivalent documented experience.

· Possess extensive experience leading Leave No Trace principles

· Have extensive knowledge in outdoor cooking, camping, and other outdoor skills

· Hold or be willing to obtain Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certifications or the equivalent. Wilderness First Aid or higher certification preferred.

· Have or be willing to obtain Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding & First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Small Craft Safety certifications or the equivalent.

· Spanish-English bilingual communication skills are valued but not required.

· Prior Girl Scout experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications for All Positions at GSU Summer Camp

· Hold or be willing to obtain a Utah Food Handlers’ Permit.

· Capable of following directions from Team Leaders, adhering to policies, and following camp procedures.

· Ability to engage in effective, interactive, two-way communication with campers ages 6–17, including providing clear verbal instructions, actively listening, and responding appropriately to their needs and questions.

· Effectively communicate and engage in interactive, two-way communication with groups of adults, including providing clear verbal instructions, actively listening, and responding appropriately to questions and feedback.

· Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.

· Respond appropriately in a crisis situation.

· Complete the council required health forms and documentation to ensure the well-being of living and working in an outdoor camp setting.

Physical Requirements

· Must be able to bend down and move, lift, stock, and carry boxes, program materials, and supplies (up to 50 pounds).

· Ability to walk, stand, and work on feet up to 12 to 14 hours a day, including walking upwards of 10,000 steps a day on uneven, unpaved, very steep terrain.   

· Capable of living and working in a high elevation (up to 9200’) and outdoor setting.

· Have visual/auditory ability to respond to environmental and other hazards related to summer camp activities.

· Climb, balance, and maneuver on climbing walls, ropes courses, and other outdoor activity structures while safely using required equipment.

Core Competencies

· Business First Mindset

· Leadership and Stewardship

· Strong Communicator

· Relational Intelligence

· Social Justice and Inclusion (DEI)

· Customer Focused

· Alignment with Girl Scouts of Utah’s Mission

Camp Staff Role in Mission Efforts

· Represent Girl Scouts of Utah positively and professionally in all interactions with campers, families, volunteers, community members, and potential donors.

· Collaborate with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to support shared goals and positive outcomes.

· Model the values and principles of the Girl Scout Movement, regardless of personal beliefs, by demonstrating respect, integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to a safe and supportive environment.

· Prioritize the needs of girls, families, and volunteers, ensuring every camper has a meaningful, positive, and mission-centered experience.