Trail Director

Position Summary

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 role ensures 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.

The Trail Director also provides leadership in training trip leaders, facilitates outdoor‑skills instruction, and models environmental stewardship. The Trail Director participates in camp life by assisting with evening programs, staff activities, and weekly overnight camping events.

• 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.

• 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. Ability 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…