Lead Program Facilitator

YMCA of Youngstown; North Springfield (PA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Youngstown is seeking a Lead Program Facilitator to deliver high‑quality outdoor education and retreat programming while mentoring seasonal staff and participants in a safe, inclusive environment. This leadership role emphasizes hands‑on instruction, student engagement, and positive risk management.

You will collaborate across camps, lead large‑group activities, coordinate schedules with schools, and help develop new curriculum, ensuring memorable experiences for youth, teachers, and

Qualifications

• Previous experience in outdoor education or residential camping preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with youth or volunteer teams.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred; related field accepted.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Strong communication, group management, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead outdoor education classes, activities, and large‑group programs for school groups and camps.
• Facilitate experiential learning opportunities that support social‑emotional growth and environmental literacy.
• Serve as Group Host, coordinating schedules and ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Assist in planning and evaluating seasonal and school‑year programming.
• Mentor and train seasonal facilitators, interns, and volunteers.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and safety practices.
• Conduct safety checks and respond calmly during emergencies and behavior issues.
• Assist with camp operations and site upkeep; participate in opening/closing duties.

Skills

Outdoor education

Youth development

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, environmental science, outdoor leadership, or related field

Job description

Salary: $150.00/day (housing and meals may be included based on season and assignment)

Reports to: Senior School Year Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Program Facilitator supports the mission of the YMCA through experiential learning, youth development, environmental stewardship, and community building. This leadership role is responsible for delivering high – quality outdoor education and retreat programming while providing mentorship, oversight, and support to seasonal staff and participants.

Lead Facilitators serve as role models who cultivate safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for students, teachers, campers, volunteers, and guests. This position combines hands‑on instruction, team leadership, program innovation, and operational support across outdoor education, retreat, and camp experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead engaging outdoor education classes, recreational activities, team‑building initiatives, and large‑group programs for school groups, retreats, and camp participants.
• Facilitate experiential learning opportunities that support social‑emotional growth, environmental literacy, leadership, and personal development.
• Serve as a Group Host by coordinating schedules, communicating with school staff and group leaders, and ensuring a positive guest experience from arrival through departure.
• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of seasonal and school‑year programming.
• Provide day‑to‑day mentorship, training, and support for seasonal facilitators, interns, and volunteers.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, adaptability, and positive risk management practices.
• Actively prevent child abuse by adhering to and monitoring the following standards:
  • No Alone Time
  • No Inappropriate Language
  • No Inappropriate Touch
  • No Outside Contact
  • No Favoritism
• Conduct routine safety checks of program spaces, equipment, and facilities.
• Respond appropriately and calmly during emergencies and behavior‑management situations.
• Support overall camp operations through collaboration with all departments.
• Assist with upkeep and stewardship of program areas, cabins, trails, equipment, and shared camp facilities.
• Participate in opening and closing duties, cleaning responsibilities, inventory management, and site improvement projects.
• Represent the YMCA and camp community positively to guests, families, schools, donors, and community partners.
• Contribute ideas for new programs, curriculum development, and activity enhancements.
• Lead or participate in special projects and action teams focused on improving camp experiences and operations.
• Support outreach efforts, volunteer engagement, and relationship‑building with schools and community organizations.
• Serve as an ambassador for all camp and YMCA programs.

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 who builds collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy‑in and support 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 that embraces 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:

• Previous experience in outdoor education, residential camping, youth development, recreation, education, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience working with youth, peers, or volunteer teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, environmental science, outdoor leadership, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong communication, group management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced camp environment.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Completion of all required YMCA trainings within designated timelines, including: Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, Anti‑Harassment, New Staff Orientation, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires living and working in an active outdoor camp environment with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, mud, snow, and uneven terrain.

Essential physical requirements include but are not limited to:

• Standing, walking, hiking, and leading activities for extended periods
• Lifting, carrying, and moving equipment up to 50 pounds
• Working indoors and outdoors in moderate to high noise environments
• Using computers, radios, phones, and digital communication systems as needed

Visual and auditory ability to supervise participants and respond to emergencies