Backpacking & Mountain Biking Leader-Camp Chief Ouray

Backpacking / Mountain Biking Leader

Camp Chief Ouray | YMCA of the Rockies

Do you feel most alive on singletrack and high-alpine trails? Are you passionate about mentoring youth through challenging, meaningful outdoor experiences?

Camp Chief Ouray is seeking Backpacking/Mountain Biking Leaders to guide campers through intensive, three-week expedition programs that build confidence, resilience, and leadership—on and off the bike.

The Adventure

As a Backpacking/Mountain Biking Leader, you’ll co-lead small groups of up to 10 campers in immersive backcountry programs featuring:

Mountain biking (minimum 6 hours documented experience required)

Backpacking & hiking

White-water rafting (outfitted)

These three-week sessions are designed to deepen outdoor skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and foster independence in the backcountry.

You’ll provide 24-hour care, supervision, and mentorship, ensuring campers are safe, supported, and challenged every step—and pedal—of the way.

Why Camp Chief Ouray?

At YMCA of the Rockies, our mission guides everything we do: putting Christian principles into practice while nurturing healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

We expect our leaders to model our core values every day:

Caring • Honesty • Respect • Responsibility • Faith

Here, your leadership helps shape lives.

What You’ll Do

• Lead mountain biking, backpacking, and rafting trips with co-leaders and vendors

Teach riding skills, outdoor living, safety protocols, and leadership principles

Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive group culture

• Maintain equipment, journals, living spaces, and program materials

• Track camper growth and provide meaningful feedback and evaluations

• Collaborate with leadership on goals, program improvement, and end-of-season reports

Uphold YMCA safety standards and DOT driving requirements

We’re Looking for Leaders Who:

Are 21+ years old with youth or camp experience

Have experience in mountain biking, backpacking, and wilderness travel

Can document at least 6 hours of mountain biking experience

Thrive in a shared leadership role and manage time effectively

Hold or are willing to obtain Wilderness First Aid & CPR/First Aid

Can meet YMCA and Colorado DOT driving requirements

Are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism

(Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus!)

More Than a Summer Job

This is an opportunity to spend three powerful weeks at a time shaping young leaders, pushing your own limits, and working with an inspiring, mission-driven community in the Colorado mountains.

Ready to lead from the front of the pack? Apply today and help campers discover their strength at Camp Chief Ouray.