Ropes & Challenge Course Facilitator (summer)
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 15 – August 15, 2026
Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit .
The Fresh Air Fund also owns and operates the Sharpe Reservation which houses five of the six Fresh Air Camps, the Sharpe Reservation Environmental Center which serves over 18,000 visitors each year. The Fresh Aid Fund also operates Camp Junior, a camp for young people from the Bronx in Harriman State Park.
Position Summary:
Challenge Course Facilitators work on the Sharpe Reservations and Camp Junior’s custom team building and high ropes challenge courses, and archery range. In addition to working and living in cabins with campers, Challenge Course Facilitators work six hours each day running team and community building programs, SEL activities, belaying on the high challenge course, and instructing archery. Challenge Course Facilitators have the opportunity to work with all six Fresh Air Camps. All Challenge staff are required to attend a five-day custom basics training course with The Fresh Air Fund’s ACCT vendor. No experience is required.
- Employment Period: June 15th – August 15th, 2026
- Compensation Range: $2,600
Responsibilities:
- Teach at least two three-hour lessons each day, working with a group of twelve to eighteen campers, ranging in age from eight to seventeen.
- Responsibilities include but are not limited to: running group dynamic sessions, leading ice breaker activities, facilitating the teams and high ropes courses, belaying at the high ropes course, course maintenance, and leading activities such as games and group team building programs.
- Teach basic archery to campers ranging from ages eight to seventeen, in one-hour session with groups of eight to twelve.
- Ensure the safety of campers in and out of the program area.
- Help to maintain the High Ropes, Teams Courses, and Archery Range to comply with all pertinent safety codes.
- Attend the five-day technical skills training during orientation. Must have or obtain during orientation a current First Aid and CPR certification. Both training courses are provided at Camp.
- Complete the online archery certification, as well as an in-person archery practical exam.
- Submit all evaluations and records as required by the Summer Challenge Course Supervisor.
- When not working at the Course, staff will take on General Counselor responsibilities at their assigned camp.
- Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to twelve campers with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with campers and behavior management.
- Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
- Live in a cabin with 6-12 campers and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp session. Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
- Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
- Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
- Be an active member of the camp community by participating in all camp programming including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. This includes but is not limited to going on hikes in the woods on camp property and going in the water during swimming activities. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
- Write daily reports and a final evaluation for each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals, and progress during their camp experience.
- Strive to work in a cooperative manner with fellow staff to achieve goals of the program.
- Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of camp.
- Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
- Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
- Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
- Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of one-year experience working with children is required. Staff must be passionate about working with children.
- Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
- Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude.
- Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone.
- Available for the entire duration of the summer program.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio, MMR, TDap, and varicella (and Hepatitis B for Health Care staff). As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment.
Application Instructions
We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
Pay: $2,600.00 per year
Work Location: On the road
