Outdoor Education Hourly Instructor - Fall 2026

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Ingleside (IL); On-site; USD 22,868 - 23,556; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous learning opportunities

Discounts on programs

Free YMCA gym membership

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Outdoor Education Instructor for Spring 2026 at Camp Duncan. The role includes assisting the Program Director and ensuring a safe, interactive experience for participants.

This position requires a passion for outdoor education, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse communities. Benefits include a supportive work environment and continuous learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age or older.
• Ability to work effectively with children and young adults in a camp setting.
• Experience leading outdoor activities preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Must be willing to work various hours, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and engaging environment for program participants.
• Provide supervision and support to participants.
• Prepare lesson plans outlining program activities.
• Teach outdoor educational classes.
• Assist Program Directors in hosting group rentals.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Risk management

Ability to work with children

Problem-solving skills

Adaptability

Job description

YMCA Camp Duncan is now hiring Outdoor Education Instructors for Spring 2026!

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.

Pay: $16.60/hour-$17.10/hour depending on certifications and qualifications.

Benefits

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.

Being flexible to work various hours which are dependent on customer needs is very important. Some days start very early, and some run late. Evenings and weekends may be required.

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, including 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 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.