Outdoor Education Instructors - Fall 2026

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Ingleside (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Discounts on programs

Free YMCA gym membership

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

YMCA Camp Duncan is seeking an Outdoor Education Instructor to assist the Program Director in delivering outdoor environmental education and group services. The role focuses on safe, engaging programming and a supportive experience for participants, including schools and retreat groups.

You will help plan daily activities, supervise participants, and maintain program spaces while embodying YMCA values and teamwork. Housing is provided, with opportunities to grow within the organization.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work effectively with children in a camp setting.
• Experience leading outdoor activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, or team-building.
• Commitment to YMCA values including respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.

Responsibilities

• Creates a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for program participants.
• Provides supervision that is age-appropriate and safety-compliant.
• Positively interacts with participants and staff to maintain a warm, respectful environment.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, guests, campers, and staff.
• Prepares lesson plans and ensures materials are ready for daily activities.
• Keeps all program areas and supplies clean and well maintained.
• Teach Outdoor Educational classes and programs to schools and retreat groups; may include evening activities.
• Assist Program Directors in hosting group rentals at camp.
• Participates in team meetings and other events; supports other departments as needed.
• Complete mandatory training to enhance skills and comply with standards.

Job description

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.

Salary

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

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.

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