Outdoor Education Program Instructor - Camp Surf

YMCA of San Diego County; Imperial Beach (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Free on-site meals

Weekly pay

Job summary

The YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Overnight Program Instructor for Camp Surf in Imperial Beach, CA. The role delivers hands-on outdoor education and recreational programming for campers ages 7-17, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and fostering a supportive camp community.

The position requires living on-site for the camp season and providing exceptional customer service. Responsibilities include leading diverse activities (archery, field games, climbing tower), teaching

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with ability to read and write.
• Six months of outdoor education or related experience.
• One year of experience working with children ages 7-17.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification from an approved organization within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging outdoor education and recreational programming.
• Supervise campers during activities, mealtimes, and cabin chores.
• Plan and prepare activities ensuring safety and learning goals.
• Maintain equipment, facilities, and inventory; practice environmental stewardship.
• Communicate camper-related issues to the Program Coordinator and follow safety rules.

Skills

Outdoor education

Leadership

Safety awareness

Camp supervision

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Overnight Program Instructor - Camp Surf

The Overnight Camp Program Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging outdoor education and recreational programming for campers (ages 7-17). This position will teach hands‑on outdoor and natural history classes and lead various recreational activities for schools and groups. The OC Program 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. The OC Program Instructor is required to live on‑site for the duration of the camp season.

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $608.72 - $635.92* 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.
• Schedule: 5 days per week
• What’s Included:Free on‑site meals are included. On‑site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

Schedule

• Mandatory Staff Training: Begins February 22, 2027
• Season Dates: February 22 - June 4, 2027
• Weekly Schedule: 5 days a week (Monday-Friday or Wednesday-Saturday)

Responsibilities

• 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; actively participates in all camp activities with enthusiasm, encouraging maximum camper participation and adapting instruction methods to accommodate diverse skill levels and needs.
• Teaches engaging, age‑appropriate educational classes focusing on outdoor education and natural history to campers (ages 7-17).
• Takes full responsibility for assigned program areas, including developing specific operating rules and procedures, and maintaining or improving program equipment and facilities.
• Actively assumes supervision of campers during activities, mealtimes, transitions, and cabin chores.
• Plans and prepares all assigned activities in advance, ensuring materials are ready, areas are safe, and the session meets established learning or recreational goals.
• 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.
• Demonstrate 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 directives given by the Program Coordinators, Program Directors, and Outdoor Education Directors and works effectively and cooperatively with all staff members; communicates work‑or camper‑related issues through the Program Coordinator.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 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,

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in outdoor education or related experience.

  A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children ages 7-17

• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

Pay Range

USD $101.45 - USD $106.45 /Da.