Rock Climbing Camp Counselor

Keystone, CO - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 550 - 550

Posted on: 18 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Job Title: Pathfinders Camp Counselor

Compensation: $550.00 per week base rate 5% increase for those who speak both English and Spanish

Housing: Yes

Dates of Employment: May 11th 2026 or May 18th 2026 - August 15 2026

Reporting to: Day Camp Manager

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

As a Pathfinders Camp Counselor youll lead middle schoolers through exciting weekly themes (Rock Horse and Water) while guiding them in rock climbing paddleboarding rafting fly fishing and horse care. Youll create a fun safe environment where campers build confidence teamwork and outdoor skills.

This role is dynamic and hands-on with most of your time spent leading high-energy adventures and sparking curiosity through environmental science lessons. Youll also manage daily logistics like camper supervision transportation and activity setup. From facilitating team-building challenges to driving a 15-passenger van youll help make every Pathfinder experience unforgettable!

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Facilitation

Supervise up to 13 campers daily and ensure individual needs are met.
Lead activities in rock climbing paddleboarding fly fishing and horse care.
Facilitate environmental science team building games and crafts.

Rock Climbing

Teach climbing safety belaying and basic techniques.
Manage top rope climbing sites and ensure proper gear use.
Provide hands-on coaching and support for campers of all skill levels.
Maintain high safety standards and follow risk management policies.

Support & Logistics

Oversee camper safety logistics and risk management.
Support with the Tuesday day camp sleepover shifts on a rotating basis.
Assist with meals setup/cleanup and student free time.
Handle check-in/out take photos and maintain camp equipment.
Drive a 15-passenger van (Van Driver Training required)
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills

Ability to work with and create an inclusive environment for diverse campers.
Experience in risk management for outdoor and environmental education.
Strong group management skills especially with youth in outdoor settings.
Creativity adaptability and flexibility in managing children in various situations.
Outdoor recreation experience (e.g. hiking camping backpacking rock climbing).
Knowledge of science-based curriculum (e.g. ecology geology biology).
Desire to contribute positively to the KSS community.
Rock Climbing Skills:

Teach climbing safety belaying and basic techniques.
Manage top rope climbing sites and inspect/maintain climbing gear.
Tie essential knots and hitches for sport climbing.
Provide hands-on coaching for campers of all skill levels.
Lead belay and ensure high safety standards.
Experience with sport/trad climbing (5.8) lead climbing (5.9 preferred).
Ability to set up/clean top rope climbs and manage institutional climbing.
Familiarity with rappel safety and basic rescue techniques (e.g. belay transfers).
Knowledge of KSS climbing crags (preferred but not required).
Professional climbing certifications (e.g. SPI) are a plus.

Education Experience and Certifications

Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.
Preferred - Age 20 with an excellent driving record and a valid drivers license.
Awareness of outdoor climbing safety practices.
Experience leading youth in outdoor recreation excursions.
Familiarity with climbing gear (harnesses helmets ropes belay devices slings quickdraws).
SPI or other climbing certifications are a plus.
Current First Aid and CPR certifications from an approved vendor or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment.

Physical Requirements

Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.
Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.
Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
Dexterity auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests students clients on a daily basis.
Able to successfully manage multiple high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment

Keystone Science School: Who We Are

Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on nature-based learning. Nestled at 9200 feet in Colorados Rocky Mountains our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976 we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education empowering students teachers and communities. Our programsincluding summer camps school-based learning and outdoor educationpromote scientific exploration leadership and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms a dining hall an outdoor amphitheater and an observatory KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.

Benefits for Seasonal Staff

At KSS our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.

Free meals and housing may be provided depending on position.
Up to 32 paid sick hours.
Paid holidays.
Access to medical dental and vision benefits after four months of employment.
Sick time EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.
Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.

Work Schedule and Environment

This position primarily operates in a high-altitude outdoor environment. Day Camp programs run five days a week from Monday through Friday with Saturdays and Sundays off. Additional hours are required on Thursdays for the weekly campus reset. Programming takes place both on campus and at remote off-site locations. Employees will work closely with teammates and campers in this highly collaborative role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Keystone Science School is committed to building a diverse equitable and inclusive community and we seek to recruit develop and retain the most talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color national or ethnic origin sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation pregnancy age religion disability veteran status genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

DescriptionJob Title: Pathfinders Camp CounselorCompensation: $550.00 per week base rate 5% increase for those who speak both English and SpanishHousing: YesDates of Employment: May 11th 2026 or May 18th 2026 - August 15 2026Reporting to: Day Camp ManagerDirect Reports: NonePosition SummaryAs a Path...