Summer Camp Seasonal Challenge Specialist in Carnation, WA

Position: Onsite Temporary Camp Staff 

Location: Carnation, WA 

Duration:  June 19, 2025, to August 15, 2025   

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:  
Each position employed with CYO Camps helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description.  

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE:  

The Challenge Specialist is responsible for leading campers in engaging team bonding activities and challenges, with a primary focus on fostering teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication among participants. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:  

• Lead campers through small ropes and challenge platform activities, ensuring safety and proper technique while fostering a supportive environment. 

• Instruct and facilitate team bonding activities that promote cooperation, communication, and trust among campers, enhancing group dynamics. 

• Design and implement engaging challenges that cater to various age groups and skill levels, encouraging personal growth and teamwork. 

• Conduct safety briefings before each activity, ensuring all participants understand the rules, risks, and safety measures involved in challenge activities. 

• Monitor camper performance and provide constructive feedback to help individuals and teams improve their skills and confidence. 

• Maintain and inspect all challenge course equipment regularly, ensuring that all ropes and safety gear are in optimal condition. 

• Design and facilitate a variety of team bonding games and activities that promote cooperation, communication, and trust among campers. Examples may include trust falls, group problem-solving challenges, and team-building exercises that require collaboration. 

• Organize icebreaker activities to help campers get to know one another, building rapport and a sense of community within the group before engaging in more challenging tasks. 

• Implement engaging challenges that cater to various age groups and skill levels, encouraging personal growth and teamwork. Activities may include obstacle courses, relay races, and collaborative art projects. 

• Maintain accurate program records. Complete and submit incident reports, attendance logs, and other records as required to track camper progress and ensure safety. 

• Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program, including but not limited to evacuation routes, severe weather protocols, and first aid response. 

• Follow and enforce all camp safety guidelines at all times. Ensure that campers are aware of and adhere to safety protocols and that their whereabouts are known throughout each session. 

• Collaborate with camp staff in other areas as needed. Assist with camp-wide events, activities, and supervision to contribute to a positive and safe camp environment. 

• Support camper development and goal achievement. Foster an environment that helps campers reach the developmental goals set by camp leadership, encouraging skill-building, teamwork, and self-expression. 

• Incorporate faith-based learning into activities. Look for opportunities, both planned and spontaneous, to integrate Catholic faith lessons within craft activities, helping campers make meaningful connections and encouraging spiritual growth. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:  

Primary:  

• Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.  

• Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church.  

• A good example for youth in appearance, attitudes, as well as in moral, ethical and spiritual behavior. 

Education:  

• High School diploma, some college preferred 

Experience:  

• Experience in Outdoor Education or Recreation: Proven experience leading group activities, preferably in an outdoor setting, with a focus on team building, challenge courses, or similar environments. 

• Strong Leadership and Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate instructions, provide encouragement, and facilitate discussions among campers to foster teamwork and camaraderie. 

• Experience Leading Team Bonding Activities: Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate team bonding games and exercises that promote cooperation, trust, and effective communication among participants. 

Other Elements:  

• Commitment to the mission and values of CYO.  

• Ability to work under pressure in time constraints.  

• Must be able to lift/unload/move food and supplies.  

• Willingness to pitch in with other general camp duties when needed, like moving luggage, and cleaning areas other than the kitchen and dining hall.   

• Current CPR/First Aid and Food Handlers required or willingness to obtain prior to camp season.   

• Must be at least 18 years of age.  

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.