Fall 2026 Outdoor Education Program Staff

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Burlington (WI); On-site; USD 19,437 - 24,242; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workshops

Diversity & inclusion

Gym membership

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Outdoor Education Instructor to support the Program Director in delivering environmental education and group services. The role focuses on safe, engaging experiences for participants with potential to grow within the organization.

Salary begins at a $480 weekly stipend with housing provided; candidates should be able to commit to a season and 40+ hours per week, including some nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to work with children and other program participants in a camp setting.
• Proficiency in risk management and safety protocols for outdoor activities.
• Experience leading outdoor activities (education, canoeing, rock climbing, team building) in camp settings preferred.
• Proven ability to be a positive role model and uphold YMCA values.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and serving diverse communities.
• Excellent verbal communication and ability to tailor messaging to audiences.
• Willingness to work a full season and 40+ hours per week, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for program participants.
• Provide effective supervision that is age-appropriate and safety/policy compliant.
• Interact positively with participants and team members to maintain a respectful environment.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, guests, campers, and staff.
• Prepare daily/weekly lesson plans and ensure materials are ready.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of program areas and supplies.
• Teach outdoor education classes and programs to schools and groups, including campfires/outdoor activities.
• Assist in hosting group rentals at camp.
• Participate in team meetings and special events; support other departments as needed.
• Attend mandatory trainings and workshops to uphold standards.

Skills

Outdoor education

Risk management

Teamwork

Verbal communication

Flexibility

Experience leading outdoor activities

Tools

First Aid/CPR

Job description

Outdoor Education Instructor

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.

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

Benefits

• 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 18 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 and passion for the 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

• 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.