Greenbayymca
Under the general supervision of the Summer Camp Director, the Trail Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading all out-of-camp and wilderness trip programs at YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. This position ensures that each trip provides a safe, educational, and adventure-filled experience that promotes personal growth, teamwork, and appreciation for the natural environment. The Trail Director oversees all aspects of trip logistics, including route planning, equipment management, staff supervision, and risk management procedures in accordance with YMCA, state, and ACA standards. This role provides leadership in training trip leaders, facilitating outdoor skills instruction, and modeling environmental stewardship. The Trail Director also participates in camp life by assisting with evening programs, staff activities, and weekly overnight camping events.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan, organize, and oversee all out-of-camp and wilderness trip programs by designing structured schedules and detailed itineraries to ensure participant safety, program consistency, and high-quality adventure experiences.
Develop and implement trip itineraries by incorporating teamwork, leadership development, and environmental education activities to promote campers’ personal growth and appreciation for the natural world.
Recruit, train, and supervise trip leaders and support staff by providing hands‑on instruction in outdoor skills, group management, emergency procedures, and YMCA policies to build a capable, confident, and safety-minded leadership team.
Ensure proper maintenance, storage, and inventory of all trip equipment and gear by conducting regular inspections and maintaining accurate records to guarantee readiness, functionality, and safety of supplies and materials.
Oversee all safety and risk management protocols by developing and implementing emergency response plans, reviewing medical documentation, and enforcing YMCA, state, and ACA standards to minimize risk and ensure the well-being of participants and staff.
Coordinate logistics such as transportation, food provisioning, permits, and communication with external partners or land management agencies by managing details proactively to ensure efficient trip execution and compliance with all regulations.
Lead and model environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace principles by integrating conservation practices into trip activities to foster campers’ respect, care, and responsibility for natural spaces.
Communicate effectively with parents and guardians by responding promptly to questions and providing clear updates to build trust and maintain positive relationships with families.
Assist in planning and leading evening programs, campfires, and community-building activities by engaging creatively with campers and staff to enhance connection, morale, and overall camp spirit.
Support overall camp operations by participating in camper supervision, staff meetings, and camp-wide initiatives to promote teamwork and contribute to a seamless and mission-centered camp experience.
Live on-site during the camp season by maintaining an active and approachable presence within the camp community to provide continuous leadership, support, and responsiveness to program needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least 20 years old (per ACA regulations); 21 years old preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in education, recreation, or youth development preferred.
2 years experience working with children or youth in a camp, school, or recreation setting preferred.
Experience camping in the wilderness is required. You must be able to read maps, plan wilderness trips, and anticipate dangers to ensure the campers and the program are prepared for anything.
CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and AED certifications required (may be obtained during staff training). Lifeguard certification (Deep Water) required; training available during staff training.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by Greater Green Bay YMCA policy.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to motivate, train, and support staff to achieve program goals.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organization in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and positive youth development, fostering an environment where all campers and staff feel valued and supported.
Proficiency in basic computer applications and administrative tasks such as scheduling, documentation, and parent communication.
Ability to lead a variety of camp activities—including sports, crafts, outdoor education, and team building—while promoting engagement and teamwork.
Sound judgment and calm decision-making in emergency or high-stress situations to ensure camper and staff safety.
Flexible, enthusiastic, and team-oriented approach with the adaptability to thrive in a residential camp environment and actively participate in all aspects of camp life, including evenings and weekends.
COMPETENCIES
Accountability:
Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
Youth Development:
Understands the physical, emotional, and social needs of children and teens; fosters independence, confidence, and positive relationships.
Relationship Building:
Develops genuine, supportive relationships with campers, peers, and staff while promoting inclusion and respect for all individuals.
Emotional Intelligence:
Demonstrates responsibility, patience, and professionalism; manages challenging situations calmly and effectively.
Communication:
Clearly and respectfully communicates with campers, parents, and staff; listens actively and adapts to different audiences and age groups.
Inclusion & Cultural Competence:
Creates a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and belonging among campers and staff.
Teamwork & Collaboration:
Works cooperatively with others to achieve camp goals and support a positive, mission-driven culture.
Adaptability & Initiative:
Adjusts quickly to changing situations, weather, or schedules; takes initiative to solve problems and contribute to camp operations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Residential outdoor camp environment with cabins, activity areas, wooded trails, open fields, and waterfront spaces.
Live on-site in shared housing and will work one weekend program during the summer.
Requires long hours, outdoor activity, and exposure to varied weather conditions (sun, heat, rain, insects).
Physically active role involving walking, standing, bending, kneeling, swimming, hiking, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Requires stamina for sustained periods of high activity and the ability to visually and audibly monitor camper safety.
Work hours include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
Camp environment is active, energetic, and often loud; staff must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy setting.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan, organize, and oversee all out-of-camp and wilderness trip programs by designing structured schedules and detailed itineraries to ensure participant safety, program consistency, and high-quality adventure experiences.
Develop and implement trip itineraries by incorporating teamwork, leadership development, and environmental education activities to promote campers’ personal growth and appreciation for the natural world.
Recruit, train, and supervise trip leaders and support staff by providing hands‑on instruction in outdoor skills, group management, emergency procedures, and YMCA policies to build a capable, confident, and safety-minded leadership team.
Ensure proper maintenance, storage, and inventory of all trip equipment and gear by conducting regular inspections and maintaining accurate records to guarantee readiness, functionality, and safety of supplies and materials.
Oversee all safety and risk management protocols by developing and implementing emergency response plans, reviewing medical documentation, and enforcing YMCA, state, and ACA standards to minimize risk and ensure the well-being of participants and staff.
Coordinate logistics such as transportation, food provisioning, permits, and communication with external partners or land management agencies by managing details proactively to ensure efficient trip execution and compliance with all regulations.
Lead and model environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace principles by integrating conservation practices into trip activities to foster campers’ respect, care, and responsibility for natural spaces.
Communicate effectively with parents and guardians by responding promptly to questions and providing clear updates to build trust and maintain positive relationships with families.
Assist in planning and leading evening programs, campfires, and community-building activities by engaging creatively with campers and staff to enhance connection, morale, and overall camp spirit.
Support overall camp operations by participating in camper supervision, staff meetings, and camp-wide initiatives to promote teamwork and contribute to a seamless and mission-centered camp experience.
Live on-site during the camp season by maintaining an active and approachable presence within the camp community to provide continuous leadership, support, and responsiveness to program needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least 20 years old (per ACA regulations); 21 years old preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in education, recreation, or youth development preferred.
2 years experience working with children or youth in a camp, school, or recreation setting preferred.
Experience camping in the wilderness is required. You must be able to read maps, plan wilderness trips, and anticipate dangers to ensure the campers and the program are prepared for anything.
CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and AED certifications required (may be obtained during staff training). Lifeguard certification (Deep Water) required; training available during staff training.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by Greater Green Bay YMCA policy.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to motivate, train, and support staff to achieve program goals.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organization in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and positive youth development, fostering an environment where all campers and staff feel valued and supported.
Proficiency in basic computer applications and administrative tasks such as scheduling, documentation, and parent communication.
Ability to lead a variety of camp activities—including sports, crafts, outdoor education, and team building—while promoting engagement and teamwork.
Sound judgment and calm decision-making in emergency or high-stress situations to ensure camper and staff safety.
Flexible, enthusiastic, and team-oriented approach with the adaptability to thrive in a residential camp environment and actively participate in all aspects of camp life, including evenings and weekends.
COMPETENCIES
Accountability:
Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
Youth Development:
Understands the physical, emotional, and social needs of children and teens; fosters independence, confidence, and positive relationships.
Relationship Building:
Develops genuine, supportive relationships with campers, peers, and staff while promoting inclusion and respect for all individuals.
Emotional Intelligence:
Demonstrates responsibility, patience, and professionalism; manages challenging situations calmly and effectively.
Communication:
Clearly and respectfully communicates with campers, parents, and staff; listens actively and adapts to different audiences and age groups.
Inclusion & Cultural Competence:
Creates a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and belonging among campers and staff.
Teamwork & Collaboration:
Works cooperatively with others to achieve camp goals and support a positive, mission-driven culture.
Adaptability & Initiative:
Adjusts quickly to changing situations, weather, or schedules; takes initiative to solve problems and contribute to camp operations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Residential outdoor camp environment with cabins, activity areas, wooded trails, open fields, and waterfront spaces.
Live on-site in shared housing and will work one weekend program during the summer.
Requires long hours, outdoor activity, and exposure to varied weather conditions (sun, heat, rain, insects).
Physically active role involving walking, standing, bending, kneeling, swimming, hiking, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Requires stamina for sustained periods of high activity and the ability to visually and audibly monitor camper safety.
Work hours include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
Camp environment is active, energetic, and often loud; staff must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy setting.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
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