Overview:
The Learn to Ride / Mountain Biking Camp Lead is responsible for designing and delivering safe, developmentally appropriate cycling instruction for campers ranging from first-time riders (ages 4–6) to intermediate and teen mountain biking participants. This role requires deep knowledge of cycling fundamentals, trail etiquette, bike handling, and youth coaching. The Lead ensures all sessions are fun, progressive, and safety-focused while supervising counselors and managing group flow on both indoor and outdoor riding areas.
Key Responsibilities:
- Teach beginners how to balance, pedal, steer, brake, and ride safely using age-appropriate methods
- Lead progressively challenging riding sessions for older campers, including basic trail skills, climbing/descending, cornering, and bike control
- Design or adapt daily lesson plans based on preset themes and skill goals
- Demonstrate proper helmet use, bike fitting, and equipment safety checks
- Lead small and large groups on beginner-friendly riding loops, skills zones, and controlled trail sections
- Maintain a safe riding environment and enforce all gear, spacing, and speed rules
- Support campers who are nervous, struggling, or learning at different paces
- Train counselors on spotting, rider supervision, and proper instructional cues
- Manage all cycling equipment (balance bikes, youth bikes, helmets, cones, ramps, etc.)
- Facilitate camper confidence-building activities and daily skills challenges
- Communicate clearly with Camp Leads, Office Admin, and families (as needed) about camper progress or concerns
- Create a positive, structured, and encouraging environment for all riders
Qualifications:
- Strong background in cycling instruction, mountain biking, youth coaching, or outdoor recreation
- Experience teaching beginners, including young children ages 4–6
- Knowledge of bike safety, basic maintenance, trail etiquette, and rider progression
- Ability to lead groups confidently in both controlled environments and beginner trail settings
- Patient, energetic, and skilled at breaking skills into clear, simple steps
- Prior youth-program, outdoor education, or camp leadership experience preferred
Skills Required
- Strong background in cycling instruction, mountain biking, youth coaching, or outdoor recreation
- Experience teaching beginners, including young children ages 4-6
- Knowledge of bike safety, basic maintenance, trail etiquette, and rider progression
- Ability to lead groups in controlled environments and beginner trail settings
- Patient, energetic, and skilled at breaking skills into clear, simple steps
- Prior youth-program, outdoor education, or camp leadership experience
What We Do
The St. James is a national sports, performance, wellness and active-entertainment platform that builds and operates large multi-sport complexes and premium fitness clubs. Its flagship venue in Springfield, VA spans ~450,000 sq ft and houses turf fields, courts, pools, ice rinks, a health club, spa, and family entertainment. The company runs youth programs, camps, performance academies and is expanding a network of clubs and training destinations nationally.
