1

Adventure Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Growth potential with clear paths to leadership and higher earnings Who We Are We curate journeys that embrace dreams and turn them into reality. We believe travel and adventure should be ...

New

Growth potential with clear paths to leadership and higher earnings Who We Are We curate journeys that embrace dreams and turn them into reality. We believe travel and adventure should be ...

New

Day Camp Adventure & Transportation Coordinator The Adventure and Transportation Coordinator will ... leadership team and Summer Enrichment Coordinators who serve at each site. * You will be engaging ...

Day Camp Adventure & Transportation Coordinator The Adventure and Transportation Coordinator will ... leadership team and Summer Enrichment Coordinators who serve at each site. * You will be engaging ...

Growth potential with clear paths to leadership and higher earnings Who We Are We curate journeys that embrace dreams and turn them into reality. We believe travel and adventure should be ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Adventure Leader information

See salary details

$10

$25

$72

How much do adventure leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Adventure Leader vs Activity Coordinator?

AspectAdventure LeaderActivity Coordinator
Required CredentialsFirst aid, outdoor activity certificationsEvent planning, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, adventure settingsIndoor/outdoor event spaces
Employer & IndustryOutdoor recreation, adventure tourismResorts, event companies

Adventure Leaders focus on guiding outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and climbing, requiring outdoor skills and certifications. Activity Coordinators plan and organize events, often indoors or in controlled environments, with a focus on logistics and customer experience. While both roles involve organizing activities, Adventure Leaders are more hands-on with outdoor adventure skills, whereas Activity Coordinators handle event planning and coordination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adventure Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adventure Leader, you need expertise in outdoor safety, group management, and first aid, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or outdoor leadership training. Familiarity with GPS navigation tools, emergency communication devices, and risk assessment protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help you inspire confidence and ensure group cohesion during challenging activities. These skills are crucial for ensuring participant safety, delivering memorable experiences, and effectively responding to unexpected situations in remote environments.

What are some common challenges Adventure Leaders face while managing group dynamics during outdoor expeditions?

Adventure Leaders often work with groups of varying experience levels, personalities, and physical abilities, which can present challenges in maintaining group cohesion and morale. They must balance ensuring everyone's safety with fostering a positive and inclusive environment, while adapting plans when unexpected issues like weather changes or participant fatigue arise. Effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for successfully guiding diverse groups through memorable and safe outdoor experiences.

What are Adventure Leaders?

Adventure Leaders are professionals who guide individuals or groups through outdoor activities and experiences, such as hiking, rafting, climbing, or eco-tours. They are responsible for planning trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and creating a positive and engaging environment for participants. Adventure Leaders often work for tour companies, outdoor education organizations, or travel agencies, and must possess strong leadership, communication, and outdoor skills. Their main goal is to deliver safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventures while fostering a love for the outdoors.
More about Adventure Leader jobs
What states have the most Adventure Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Adventure Leader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adventure Leader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Adventure Programs Coordinator

YMCA of Youngstown

North Springfield, PA

$32K - $34K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Adventure Programs Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Status: Full Time
Grade: 6
Salary: $32,000 - $34,000
Housing: Provided
Reports to: Program Directors

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community
through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Program Coordinators are heavily
involved in the day-to-day program delivery in all our program modes by leading program facilitators
(coaching, scheduling, challenging, empowering), driving innovation, supporting a culture of safety,
and providing at-the-scene oversight of experiences for campers in all of our program modes including
Summer Camp and School Year Programs.
The Adventure Programs Coordinator will serve as Lead for all Adventure Programs (including but not
limited to Rock Climbing, High and Low Ropes, Mountain Biking, Trail Maintenance, and Team
Building). This position may also support Camp Fitch YMCA Adventure Trips Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Support year-round programming through Hosting groups, innovating and developing programs, teaching and leading activities, Leader on Duty coverage, and logistical support.
  2. Develop and maintain all Adventure Program activities and facilities for year-round use.
  3. Evaluate and support year-round programming to drive our mission of developing Friendship,
  4. Achievement, and Belonging to build perseverance in campers and staff.
  5. Collaborate in the recruitment, interviewing, and training of new staff; adhering to all
  6. expectations developed by the Program Leadership Team.
  7. Coach and model appropriate interactions, adhering to all policies and procedures with staff, campers, parents, and guests.
  8. Model Camp Fitch Core Values: Growth Mindset, Teamwork, and Servant Leadership.
  9. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions.
  10. Resonds to all participants and community inquiries and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS RELATED TO ADVENTURE PROGRAMS:
  1. Leads the supervision, maintenance, improvement, and inspection of all Adventure Program activities and facilities to meet or exceed ACA and PA Amusement Ride standards.
  2. Train, mentor, and support year-round program staff with a focus on Adventure elements and activities through site-specific in-services.
  3. Serves year-round programming by coaching and evaluating seasonal program staff at assigned activities.
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively
communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCAs efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective
systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures
resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.
Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds
and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community
leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals.
Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources
for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves
members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans.
Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear
accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates
a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack
or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required
to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Bachelor's degree or significant and related life experience.
  2. Minimum two years’ experience directly leading a team.
  3. Minimum ACCT 2 Certification
  4. Willingness to obtain or currently certified in additional ARC and other adventure related program certifications.
  5. Personal commitment to YMCA core values.
  6. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  7. Attain required training within 90 days; CPR/O2/FA, New Staff Orientation, Child Abuse
  8. Prevention, Blood Borne Pathogens.

WORK ENVIRONMENT amp; PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands of the job, that include (but are not limited to) being on your feet and walking for long periods of time on uneven terrain in all weather conditions (hot sun, ice and snow, rain, wind, etc.), must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using smart devices.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with periods of high noise and auditory chaos.
  • The working schedule may include holidays, weekends, evenings, overnight responsibilities, and off-site travel