Turn adventure into an unforgettable experience at the South Shore YMCA!
The SkyTrail Guide helps participants challenge themselves, build confidence, and experience the excitement of navigating our aerial adventure course. From welcoming first-time climbers to encouraging participants as they tackle new obstacles, the Guide creates an experience that is safe, supportive, and fun.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being active, working outdoors, connecting with people, and helping others step outside their comfort zones. SkyTrail Guides are responsible for preparing participants, monitoring the course, inspecting equipment, and consistently following all safety procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Welcome participants and create an upbeat, encouraging environment from the moment they arrive.
• Explain course rules, demonstrate proper equipment use, and ensure participants understand all safety expectations before entering the course.
• Properly fit and inspect harnesses and other required safety equipment.
• Actively supervise participants throughout their SkyTrail experience.
• Remain within one course level of participants and stay alert to activity across the course.
• Provide clear instructions, encouragement, and assistance to participants navigating obstacles.
• Respond calmly and appropriately when a participant needs additional support or assistance.
• Ensure the SkyTrail course is never left unattended while participants are using it.
• Complete required daily inspections of the course, harnesses, and safety equipment.
• Immediately report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, injuries, incidents, or participant concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming course area.
• Follow all YMCA safety, emergency-response, check-in, and incident-reporting procedures.
• Refrain from using personal phones or other distractions while supervising the course.
• Support YMCA programs, special events, and other activities as needed.
• Enthusiastic, dependable, and comfortable working in an active outdoor environment.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Ability to confidently provide directions and enforce safety rules.
• Ability to remain focused, attentive, and calm in challenging situations.
• Comfortable working at heights and assisting participants who may feel nervous or uncertain.
• Experience working with children, families, recreation programs, adventure courses, or customer service is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Must successfully complete and maintain all required SkyTrail training and certification.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required within the timeframe established by the South Shore YMCA.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, reach, and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to work comfortably at elevated heights and move throughout all levels of the course.
• Ability to properly use required harnesses and safety equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely when a participant requires assistance.
YMCA COMPETENCIES
MISSION AND COMMUNITY ORIENTED
Demonstrates the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Creates an inclusive environment in which participants of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels feel welcome and supported.
PEOPLE ORIENTED
Builds positive relationships with participants, families, members, and coworkers. Communicates clearly, offers encouragement, and remains calm and supportive when challenges arise.
RESULTS ORIENTED
Creates a high-quality participant experience while consistently following established safety procedures. Uses sound judgment, remains attentive, and takes responsibility for maintaining a safe course environment.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Welcomes feedback, pursues continued training, recognizes opportunities for growth, and adapts positively to changing participant and program needs.
Skills Required
- Pass SkyTrail training/certification
- Minimum age 16
- Previous ropes course experience
- Able to wear a safety harness while on course
- Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds
- Comply with South Shore YMCA child protection policies (background check/compliance)
- No personal cell phones on course
- Attend staff meetings and complete required skill trainings
What We Do
The South Shore YMCA is a nonprofit association dedicated to improving the quality of life for all by nurturing the potential of children, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. Serving residents of twelve communities south of Boston, Massachusetts, it operates as a multipurpose service organization providing a wide range of programs, from early education and youth development to health and wellness services.
