Youth Learning Programs Facilitator

Youth Learning Programs Facilitator  

Location: Beverly, MA 

Reports to: Youth Learning Programs Manager  

Employment Type: Full Time: Entry Level 

Position Type: Salaried

Pay Range: $41,000-$47,000 

Position Summary 

Project Adventure is hiring for our youth learning programs. The primary focus of this position is the delivery of direct services to Youth Learning Program clients including Challenge Course Facilitation, in-school programs, and after-school & out-of-school time programs.  

Challenge Course Facilitation 

Facilitators deliver quality programs at our challenge course in Beverly, MA, to local clients and community partners. While on the challenge course, using both low and high elements, this person will facilitate adventure-based learning, engaging youth in a variety of activities to promote social emotion skill development, problem-solving, and team building. This person will lead youth through processes to reflect on their successes and struggles using creative movement, art, manipulatives, and/or visual aids. 

Afterschool & Out of School Time 

A facilitator is partnered with after-school and out-of-school time programs run by our community partners to facilitate in-depth programs that build social and emotional skills through purposeful play, teambuilding, and adventures in the classroom. This person might also act as a coach for after-school and out-of-school time program staff around skills such as group management, intentional activities, and using reflection to build learning connections.  

Professional Growth: Depending on a candidate's previous experience, this process may be expedited 

1 Month In:

• Complete onboarding and orientation 
• Shadow and assist experienced facilitators 
• Familiarize yourself with challenge course operations, safety procedures, and equipment 
• Engage in an entry-level Project Adventure workshop to gain familiarity with foundational methodology 

3-6 Months In:

• Complete co-facilitating and, under supervision, facilitating youth programs  
• Develop or enhance foundational skills in behavior management, group facilitation, and reflection techniques 
• Continue to strengthen technical challenge course skills, potentially through a mid-level Project Adventure workshop 

6 Months – 1 Year:

• Facilitate youth programs, including single and multi-day programs on the challenge course or at client sites 
• Assist coordinators and managers in special projects and initiatives to support program development 
• Begin shadowing Lead Facilitators to grow skills in designing and managing youth programs  

In the Long Term:

A successful Youth Learning Programs Facilitator will enhance their expertise in adventure education and youth development while contributing to Project Adventure’s growth. Professional growth opportunities include leading complex programs, supporting coordinators, joining initiatives, and expanding skills through training and mentorship. 

Minimum Requirements 

Strong communication skills, including verbal and written are essential. Proficiency in basic administrative software, such as Microsoft Office Suite. A flexible work schedule, including occasional travel, is required. Candidates should align with Project Adventure’s mission and values, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A successful candidate will actively seek feedback, embrace new challenges, and contribute to the organization’s impact on youth and communities. 

Candidates should have experience or working knowledge in experiential education, youth development, or a related field with a strong focus on facilitation and group leadership and demonstrate an interest in continuously refining these skills. 

This position requires a high level of physical activity, including prolonged periods of movement, navigating outdoor terrain, climbing, lifting equipment over 50 pounds, and engaging in dynamic actions such as jumping and stretching. Comfort and experience working outdoors in varying conditions are necessary. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Organizational Values & Expectations 

• Communication, project management, and leadership skills  
• Access to a vehicle for travel to school, afterschool, and out of school time program sites 
• Experience with Project Adventure’s Foundational Concepts (Challenge by Choice, Experiential Learning Cycle, and Full Value Commitment) a plus  

Youth Facilitation 

• Facilitation, teaching, or youth work experience  
• Experience with group processing/reflection, group management, and diverse populations 
• Knowledge of Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese a plus 

Challenge Course Experience 

• Comfort working in outdoor settings  
• Experience leading adventure programming 
• Willingness to obtain Association for Challenge Course Technology Practitioner Certification Level I    
• High and Low Challenge Course facilitation and/or top rope climbing experience  

Benefits:  

• Health insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Vision and dental plans 
• Retirement: 403b (employer match available) 
• Vacation: 2 vacation weeks per year, increases to 3 after 1 year of full-time employment 
• All major holidays and flexible time off for religious observance 
• Hybrid work schedule when programing permits 
• Free Project Adventure workshop for you and friend/family member every year 

About Project Adventure 

Mission  

Project Adventure advances the learning and development of people, schools, and communities through the power of adventure.  

Overview 

Project Adventure, Inc. is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Beverly, MA. We have been a leader in the field of adventure, ropes courses (challenge courses), teacher training, and experiential learning since 1971. We primarily serve K-12 schools, colleges, and summer camps in New England, but our clients vary and are located all around the country.   

Vision & Innovation 

We create a world in which we all embark on adventures – in our lives and in our learning – to discover our resiliency, solve problems, and connect more deeply with each other, our purpose, and ourselves. We know that adventure takes many forms: it can be a journey outdoors, a day on the ropes course, or experiential learning in the classroom. It can be a trip to a foreign place or a brave conversation between two people with differing views. Whatever the nature of the adventure, it takes us out of our comfort zones, sparks the imagination, bonds us to each other, and leads us toward growth. We know that the experience of adventure teaches the adventurer about their innate worth and strength and builds more resilient groups. Adventure can be a tool for social and emotional learning, healing, and connection.    

Project Adventure Staff Full Value Commitment & Expectations: 

• Be Here – Be present, focused and bring your best self to work ready to contribute. 
• Be Honest – Know that it is okay and encouraged to ask for help or support. Be honest about what you need to be successful and be honest if you have made a mistake. 
• Care for Self and Others – Be willing to lend a helping hand and step in to support the team. Be aware of your own needs, and when you may need space or time off to attend to physical and emotional well-being. 
• Set Goals – Come to work ready to engage as a learner! With support from others, set goals to grow, develop and maintain new skills and expertise in the field and workplace.  
• Let Go and Move On – Use self-management skills to recognize the moments in the workplace, in interactions with colleagues and with clients, when it is appropriate and best to let go of a situation and move on. 

To Apply:  

Send a cover letter, resume, and challenge course portfolio (if available) to ylpmailbox@pa.org with the title “Youth Learning Programs Facilitator Application.” No phone calls please.  

Project Adventure is an equal opportunity employer. Please reach out if you need accommodation throughout the interview process.