Outdoor Education Instructors - Fall 2026

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Ingleside (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous learning opportunities

Supportive work environment

Discounts on programs

Free YMCA gym membership

Employee assistance programs

Company-sponsored events

Job summary

YMCA Camp Duncan in Ingleside, IL seeks an Outdoor Education Instructor to support the Program Director in delivering Environmental Education and group services. The role emphasizes a safe, engaging environment and hands-on outdoor activities for participants.

The position requires 18+ and strong communication, risk management, and teamwork. A stipend with weekly pay and housing is provided, with opportunities for growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to work effectively with children and program participants in a camp setting.
• Proficiency in risk management and safety protocols for outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Creates a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for program participants.
• Provides supervision that is age-appropriate and meets safety and policy requirements.
• Interacts positively with participants and staff to foster a respectful, warm environment.
• Serves as a positive role model for students, guests, campers, and staff.
• Prepares daily/weekly lesson plans outlining activities and ensures materials are ready.
• Keeps program areas and supplies clean and well maintained.
• Teaches Outdoor Education classes to schools and retreat groups, including campfires and evening programs.
• Assists Program Directors in hosting group rentals at camp.
• Participates in team meetings and special events.
• Supports other departments as needed.
• Attends mandatory trainings and in-service workshops.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Risk management

Safety protocols

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: YMCA Camp Duncan - Ingleside, IL 60041

Position Type: Stipend

Salary Range: $450.00 - $450.00

Salary starts at $450 stipend per week with housing provided and opportunities to grow within the organization

YMCA Camp Duncan is now hiring Outdoor Education Instructors! 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

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.

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- 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