Outdoor Education Program Instructor - Camp Marston

YMCA of San Diego; California; On-site; USD 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Free on-site meals

Weekly pay

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego is seeking an Outdoor Education Instructor for Camp Marston to lead hands-on outdoor science classes and supervise overnight sessions for 5th and 6th graders. The role requires on-site living during camp sessions and responsiveness to camper needs, with a focus on safety and high-quality instruction.

You will plan and deliver engaging lessons, manage equipment and facilities, and participate in camp activities while upholding safety rules and school-like standards for learning

Qualifications

• Formal education at least a high school diploma or GED with ability to read and write at required level.
• Experience: outdoor education or related environment; working with children 7–17.
• Strong safety awareness, ability to respond to emergencies and maintain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a cabin group 24/7 during sessions, handling evenings, overnights, and meals.
• Deliver hands-on outdoor education and natural history lessons for 5th–6th graders.
• Lead activities such as archery, field games, and climbing tower with strong instructional quality.

Skills

Outdoor Education

Leadership

Safety & Emergency Response

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Overview

Outdoor Education Instructor: Camp Marston

The Outdoor Education (OE) Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging outdoor education and recreational programming, primarily serving fifth and sixth-grade students (ages 10-12) within an outdoor science school model. This position will teach hands-on outdoor and natural history classes and leading various recreational activities for highly curious minds. The OE Instructor is also responsible for overnight resident supervision for assigned student groups. Due to the residential nature of the role, the OE Instructor is required to live on-site for the duration of the camp session and must be available and responsive at all times to address immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. The OE Instructor ensures the safety of all participants by strictly enforcing rules, maintains meticulous care of program equipment and facilities, and is committed to delivering excellent customer service while actively contributing to a strong, supportive camp community.

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $745.40 - $752.20* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law.
• What's Included:Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

Schedule

• Outdoor Education Season Dates: January 11, 2027 - May 29, 2027
• Weekly Schedule: Monday through Friday at an Overnight Camp. All instructors will be asked to work one weekend each month, then given time off during the week.

Responsibilities

• Assumes full, 24-hour responsibility for a cabin group, including all evenings, overnights, mealtimes, transitions, and activity periods; quickly reacts to and addresses immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations.
• Teaches engaging, age-appropriate educational classes focusing on outdoor education and natural history to fifth and sixth-grade students (ages 10-12); develops interpretive displays and detailed lesson plans based on program needs, current best practices, and the Instructor's areas of expertise.
• Employs excellent teaching and leadership techniques while leading diverse activities, including (but not limited to) archery, field games, and specialized recreational elements like a climbing tower.
• Takes full responsibility for assigned program areas, including developing specific operating rules and procedures, performing minor maintenance/repair, and maintaining or improving program equipment and facilities.
• Plans and prepares all assigned activities in advance, ensuring materials are ready, areas are safe, and the session meets established learning or recreational goals; regularly assesses the effectiveness of lessons and activities, providing feedback to leadership to ensure quality instruction and meet program goals.
• Actively participates in all camp activities with enthusiasm, encouraging maximum camper participation and adapting instruction methods to accommodate diverse skill levels and needs.
• Exercises sound judgment and make conservative decisions, prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of the children above all else.
• Consistently follows and enforces all camp safety rules and operating procedures and implements camp emergency procedures when necessary.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of investment in the camp, including maintaining the cleanliness of facilities, ensuring the proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practicing stewardship of the natural environment; participates in various general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs, special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Follows specific directives of the Program Coordinators, Outdoor Education Director, or Program Directors as assigned; communicates all work-related issues through the Program Coordinators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Formal education, usually obtained by a High School Diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in recreation, or a related field AND,

Years of Experience

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in outdoor education or related experience.
• A minimum of one (1) years of experience working with children ages 7-17

Competencies

• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, consistently enforce safety regulations, and correctly apply appropriate camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Possesses the physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including standing, walking, hiking, and/or climbing for extended periods of time, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Competency in planning, organizing, and preparing materials and spaces required for daily activities, ensuring sessions start on time, are well-structured, and executed smoothly.
• Ability to utilize hands-on teaching methods and strong leadership skills to deliver high-quality, memorable instructional sessions and manage groups effectively in an outdoor setting.
• Strong competency in natural history, ecology, and outdoor recreation, with the ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, age-appropriate lessons for 5th and 6th-grade campers (ages 10-12).
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively within a staff team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability when schedules change or unforeseen program needs arise.
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times.
• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
• CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.

Pay Range

USD $124.12 - USD $129.12 /Da.