Camp Instructor

Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Cent; Augusta (MI); On-site; USD 13,837 - 18,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free housing

Meals M-F

YMCA membership

Mental health supports

Gear discounts

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center is seeking staff to lead overnight cabin groups and facilitate a variety of outdoor activities for youth with a focus on SEL. The role involves creating a safe, inclusive environment and collaborating with a large instructor team.

Expect to work Monday through Friday with overnights, in a beautiful outdoor setting. Training includes free certifications such as BLS and First Aid, and housing with meals is provided.

Qualifications

• Lead and supervise overnight cabin groups (2–4 nights per week).
• Facilitate outdoor activities with an SEL lens (climbing, archery, fire building, kayaking, nature, team-building).
• Create a safe, inclusive environment and model YMCA values.
• Willing to complete certifications provided by the program.

Responsibilities

• Lead & supervise overnight cabin groups 2–4 nights/week.
• Facilitate outdoor activities with SEL focus and training provided.
• Maintain safe, inclusive environment and model YMCA values.
• Collaborate with a 20+ member instructor team.

Skills

Overnight leadership

Outdoor activity facilitation

Team coordination

Safety & inclusivity

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Lead & supervise overnight cabin groups (2–4 nights/week)
• Facilitate outdoor/camp activities with an SEL lens: climbing, archery, fire building, kayaking, nature, team-building (training provided)
• Create a safe, inclusive environment and model YMCA values
• Work closely with a collaborative 20+ member instructor team

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Make a real impact on 6,000–8,000 youth each year
• Build confidence, character & SEL skills through outdoor experiences
• Join an ACA award-winning, mission-driven program trusted by schools
• Fun, supportive team with global staff connections

What We Provide

• Free on-site housing (laundry, internet, furnished) & meals M-F
• $75-$100/day, pending certifications and program specifics
• Free YMCA membership
• Access to mental health supports
• Outdoor Pro Deals & gear discounts
• $500 recruitment referral bonuses

Training & Growth

• Free certifications (BLS, First Aid, plus optional specialty training)
• Technical outdoor skills: ropes, lifeguarding, fire building
• Facilitation skills: group management, public speaking, time management, and more
• Weekly professional development + ongoing mentorship
• Resume-building leadership & teaching experience

Work Environment

• Beautiful outdoor setting: trails, lakefront, camp environment
• Seasonal structure great for students & travelers; Program runs M-F during the months of Sept-Dec and/or Feb-May

• 18+
• Monday - Friday availability with overnights (HALF WEEK POSITIONS AVAILABLE, Monday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Friday)
• Team-oriented and adaptable
• Able to meet physical job needs
• Willing to complete required certifications (provided)