Description

Challenge Course Manager - Camp Taconic | Hinsdale, Massachusetts

Position Type: Seasonal, Residential Summer Camp
Dates of Employment: June 10 – August 15, 2027
Salary: $7,500 – $12,000 for the season, based on experience and qualifications
Certifications Required: Massachusetts Challenge Course Manager Certification and ACCT Level 1 & Level 2 Certifications

About Camp Taconic
Camp Taconic is a premier co-ed overnight summer camp located in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Since 1932, we have provided campers with unforgettable summer experiences focused on personal growth, friendship, teamwork, and adventure.

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and safety-focused Challenge Course Manager to lead our challenge course program for the summer of 2027.

Position Overview
The Challenge Course Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe operation, maintenance, and daily programming of Camp Taconic's challenge course facilities, including high and low ropes elements.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with extensive technical knowledge of challenge course operations, a passion for working with children, and the ability to train and supervise a team of instructors.

This position plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and confidence-building environment where campers develop teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

Challenge Course Operations & Safety

• Oversee all daily operations of the camp's high and low ropes challenge course programs.
  Ensure all activities comply with applicable Massachusetts regulations, ACCT standards, and Camp Taconic safety policies.
  Conduct and document routine safety inspections of course elements, equipment, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and related gear.
  Maintain accurate equipment, inspection, training, and incident records.
  Implement and enforce proper belaying, spotting, and participant safety procedures.
  Develop and maintain emergency action plans and ensure staff are trained in appropriate rescue and evacuation procedures.
  Identify and address potential safety hazards, removing elements or equipment from service when necessary.
  Staff Leadership & Training

Train, supervise, and evaluate challenge course instructors.

• Lead preseason staff orientation and ongoing technical training throughout the summer.
  Ensure instructors demonstrate competency in all required safety procedures and technical skills.
  Provide regular feedback, mentorship, and professional development to challenge course staff.
  Foster a positive, collaborative, and safety-conscious team environment.

Camper Programming & Experience

• Develop and facilitate age-appropriate challenge course activities for campers ages 7–16.
• Create engaging experiences that promote teamwork, trust, communication, problem-solving, and personal growth.
• Adapt activities to accommodate varying ages, abilities, and confidence levels.
• Collaborate with camp leadership and program staff to coordinate daily schedules and special events.
• Encourage campers to challenge themselves while maintaining a supportive, inclusive, and emotionally safe environment.

Compensation & Benefits
Seasonal Salary: $7,500 – $12,000, based on experience and qualifications.
Employment Dates: June 10 – August 15, 2027.
Room and board provided throughout employment.
Opportunity to lead an established challenge course program at a premier overnight summer camp.
Supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment.
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on campers' confidence, independence, and personal development.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume outlining their relevant challenge course experience, certifications, and leadership background.

Applicants must hold a valid Massachusetts Challenge Course Manager Certification and ACCT Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications to be considered for this position.

Requirements

Certifications Required: Massachusetts Challenge Course Manager Certification and ACCT Level 1 & Level 2 Certifications

• Current Massachusetts Challenge Course Manager Certification.
• ACCT Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications.
• Previous experience operating and supervising high and low ropes challenge courses.
• Strong understanding of challenge course safety standards, equipment inspection, belaying, and rescue procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to train, lead, and supervise staff.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children and young adults in a residential summer camp environment.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification before the start of camp.
• Ability to meet all applicable Massachusetts regulatory requirements for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Challenge Course Manager or Director at a summer camp or outdoor education facility.
• Experience developing team-building and experiential education programs.
• Additional relevant certifications in technical rescue, ropes course facilitation, or outdoor education.
• Experience working in a traditional overnight summer camp environment.