Head Adventure Coach
Job Description
Reports to: Camp Director & Program Director
Academy Camps is an overnight sports-specific sleepaway camp experience that takes place on the campus of Suffield Academy (CT). We are seeking an Adventure Coach to be a member of our coaching staff for our 2026 summer season.
Who we are
Academy Camps is a
modern approach to the sports camp experience. We offer 1-week sessions for Boys & Girls aged 10 - 15 interested in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis & volleyball. Our campers choose one of our 8 "Academy Sports" and receive 2 intensive training sessions per day with our high-performance coaching staff.
We are a dedicated team of high performance coaches, nurturing & exemplary counselors, and experienced camp professionals, passionate about the 'whole athlete'. Outside of sports specific training sessions, AC is distinguished in delivering programming focused on its pillars of Performance, Wellness, Mindset, and Leadership mixed in with a healthy dose of fun through a daily schedule of traditional sleepaway camp activities.
Position
Our Adventure Coach will be responsible for delivering a program aimed to improve physical, mental, and emotional skills for our athletes. With your coaching, athletes will focus on expanding their comfort zone in the safe and nurturing environment of the outdoor learning center. The core of our program will involve indoor rock climbing, high ropes, and low ropes. The program will also teach confidence, growth mindset, and teamwork skills.
In addition to coaching our camper athletes, our Head Adventure Coach has responsibilities as to mentor and support the team of Assistant Adventure Coaches.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
COACH LIFE -
- Update & implement the one-week Academy Camps Adventure Program to support athletes in achieving their goals, inclusive of potential overnight or team outing for the Varsity Class program
- Lead staff-specific leadership training and ropes activities during pre-season training or in between sessions
- Mentor camper athletes to foster athletic, emotional, and social growth
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers and staff through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth
CAMP LIFE -
- Assist in the planning of, and participate as a member of the camp team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, and other all-camp activities and camp functions (as needed)
- Actively participate in all staff training & meetings (as needed)
- Prepare for, accept feedback, and constructively problem-solve during supervision sessions
Your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 6+ years of experience in the challenge course/rock climbing industry
- Must hold a current ACCT Level 2 certification or a certification of equivalence (80 hours of basic training, inclusive of Level 1)
- Proven experience leading an adventure program
- Possess a high passion for rock climbing, challenge courses, and outdoor education
- Experience working with youth in sports or educational programs
- An excellent relationship builder - quick to connect, build trust, and rapport
- A goal-oriented coach - motivated to help our athletes achieve their goals
- A creative problem-solver - with an empathetic approach to customer service, team management, and ability to ask for help when needed
- A growth mindset - an orientation towards learning and development; willing to receive and implement feedback and learn from mistakes
Expectations, Compensation, and Benefits
- Available and on-site for full summer season including staff orientation and post-camp: June 20 - August 8
- Option to live on-campus in a dorm or commute to camp, if local.
- Complete Wingspeed Training pre-camp with the full adventure coach team
- The AC compensation package is competitive and is commensurate with skills and experience. Compensation for a full summer commitment is $3,000 - 5,000 and includes room and board. Travel stipends are provided to support relocation.
- Follow camp staff rules and regulations as outlined in the Academy Camps Staff Playbook
