Outdoor Education Hourly Instructor - Fall 2026

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Ingleside (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous learning opportunities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Program discounts

Free YMCA gym membership

Employee assistance programs

Company-sponsored events

Job summary

YMCA Camp Duncan is hiring Outdoor Education Instructors for Spring 2026. The role supports the Program Director in delivering comprehensive Outdoor Environmental Education and Group Services to participants, ensuring a safe, engaging journey across activities and trips.

This is a full-time seasonal position requiring a strong commitment to safety, supervision, and successful program execution, including evenings and weekends. Competitive hourly pay and YMCA benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• 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 preferred.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and working with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for program participants.
• Provide effective supervision of participants that is age-appropriate and meets safety policies.
• Interact positively with participants and staff to foster a respectful, warm environment.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, guests, campers, and staff.
• Prepare daily or weekly lesson plans and ensure materials are ready.
• Keep all program areas and supplies clean and well maintained.
• Teach outdoor education classes and programs to schools and retreat groups, including campfires or after-hours activities.
• Assist in hosting group rentals at camp.
• Participate in team meetings and special events.
• Support other departments as needed.
• Attend mandatory trainings and in-service workshops to uphold standards.

Skills

Outdoor Education

Risk Management

Team Leadership

Communication

Safety Protocols

Camp Activities

Job description

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

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

Pay is $17.05/hour-$17.10/hour depending on certifications and qualifications

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.

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, 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 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 - 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