Outdoor Education Program Instructor/Intern (Sept - Dec) & (Feb - May), YMCA Camp Classen

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City; Davis (OK); On-site; USD 23,887 - 28,437; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional advancement opportunities

Semi-private housing

Meals provided

Free laundry facilities and Wi-Fi

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City is seeking an Outdoor Education Program Instructor. This full-time role involves guiding 5th and 6th graders through outdoor learning experiences in a beautiful camp setting. Responsibilities include leading hikes, teaching living skills, and providing hands-on activities. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic about working with youth, possess strong communication skills, and be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends. Competitive compensation and housing are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Experience teaching and/or leading elementary and/or middle school youth is preferred.
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups in a warm, positive manner.

Responsibilities

• Guide 5th & 6th graders through outdoor education activities.
• Lead exploratory hikes and teach wilderness living skills.
• Engage students in hands-on activities such as fire-making and team building.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Enthusiasm for teaching youth

Good judgment

Ability to work outside in all weather conditions

Education

Degree or major in education, recreation or related experience

Tools

Lifeguard certification

CPR & First Aid certification

Kayak and/or SUP certification

Rock climbing/belay certification

Job description

Overview

YMCA Camp Classen, nestled in the picturesque Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, is seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for the outdoors and youth development. Located just over an hour from Oklahoma City and within reach of the DFW Metroplex, our 2200‑acre camp offers a unique setting for outdoor adventures, from lakes and waterfalls to diverse ecosystems.

Job Type

Full‑time.

Responsibilities

As an Outdoor Education Program Instructor, you’ll guide 5th & 6th‑grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas. You’ll lead exploratory hikes, teach wilderness living skills, and engage them in hands‑on outdoor education activities such as primitive fire‑making, aquatic habitats, atlatls, team building, tomahawks, and more that bring their classrooms to life in the great outdoors. With all training provided and certifications available, you will play a vital role in shaping the students’ experiences and fostering a love for nature.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Strong communication skills
• Enthusiasm and experience teaching and/or leading elementary and/or middle school youth
• Good judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work independently
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
• Ability to lead hikes and other outdoor activities
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups in a warm, positive manner
• Willingness to take on varied tasks that support the program
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions

Preferred

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Kayak and/or SUP certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Rock climbing/belay certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• CPR & First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Experience with team‑building curriculum
• Understanding of basic natural history and environmental education concepts
• Degree or major in education, recreation or related experience

Employment Dates

• Fall season instructors typically begin around the end of August and continue until mid‑December
• Spring season instructors typically begin February and continue through the end of May
• Summer opportunities are also available

Compensation And Amenities

• $525.00 - $625.00 per week DOE, additional compensation for weekends
• Pay is every two weeks in accordance with the YMCA of Greater OKC pay schedule
• Staff shirts are provided
• Semi‑private housing
• Meals are provided when the dining hall is open
• All training, certification costs and time are paid for
• Free laundry facilities and Wi-Fi
• Professional advancement and growth opportunities at camp and with the YMCA OKC Association

NOTE

Exact start dates are determined prior to each season as group contracts are finalized.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information and to learn about our programs and mission, visit https://campclassen.org/.

We invite you to get to know YMCA Camp Classen better by contacting us today.