Outdoor Education Instructors

The Outdoor Education Instructor is responsible for assisting the Program Director in providing and facilitating the overall Outdoor Environmental

Education and Group Services programming. The Group Services Specialist plays a:

key role in ensuring that program participants have a safe, supportive, interactive, and enriching program experience while ensuring safety and security of all program participants.  The Outdoor Education staff will facilitate program areas and teach outdoor education classes to school groups, girl/boy

scouts, church groups, and many other different customers. Training will include how to teach outdoor education, facilitate classes, risk management, marketing,

• budget, and customer service. Ideal candidates will be committed, energetic, and

enthusiastic individuals that are looking for a positive and rewarding experience.

Salary starts at $480 stipend per week with housing provided and opportunities to grow within the organization

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and

benefits, including:

• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, free YMCA gym membership, employee assistance

programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Creates a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for program

participants.

• Provides effective supervision of program participants that is

age-appropriate, considers diverse abilities and interests and meets program quality, safety and policy requirements.

• Positively interacts with program participants and other team members to
• create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, guests, campers, and staff

peers.

• Prepares lesson plans on a daily and/or weekly basis outlining program

activities, ensures materials and supplies are available and ready for daily program activities.

• Ensures all program areas and supplies are clean and well maintained

regularly.

• Teach Outdoor Educational classes and programs to schools and retreat group

rentals, this may include campfires and evening programs outside of scheduled program hours.

• Assist Program Directors in hosting group rentals at camp.
• Participates in team meetings and other special events.
• Support other departments as needed.
• Participate in all mandatory training sessions and in-service workshops to
• enhance skills and knowledge, ensuring compliance with organizational

standards and best practices.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years of age or older
• Ability to work effectively with children, young adults, or other program

participants in a camp setting.

• Proficiency in risk management and safety protocols related to outdoor

activities.

• Experience leading outdoor activities such as outdoor education, canoeing,

rock climbing, or team building exercises in a variety of camp experiences preferred.

• Must have proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact

as a positive role model for program participants and staff demonstrating the values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.

• Commitment to YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission is required including a passion

for working with diverse communities.

• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and

concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences.

• Passion for outdoor education and environmental stewardship.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and schedules.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Must be able to commit to one season and commit to working 40+ hours a week.
• Must be willing and flexible to work various hours/shifts including nights

and weekends.

• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The

YMCA will provide reasonable accommodation(s) for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse

prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff,

members or guests to your supervisor

• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our

facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children

• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to

your supervisor

• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

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