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

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Semi private housing

Meals provided when dining hall isOpen

Staff shirts provided

Free laundry facilities and wifi

Professional advancement opportunities

Job summary

YMCA Camp Classen, nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, seeks enthusiastic Outdoor Education Program Instructors to guide 5th and 6th grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas.

You will lead exploratory hikes, teach wilderness living skills, and run hands-on activities like fire making, habitats, atlatls, team building, tomahawks, and more, with training provided.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience teaching or leading elementary or middle school youth.
• Good judgment, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work and live in a rural community.
• Ability to lead hikes and outdoor activities.
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups warmly.
• Willingness to take on varied tasks supporting the program.
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Guide 5th & 6th-grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas on outdoor activities.
• Lead exploratory hikes and teach wilderness living skills.
• Engage students in hands-on activities like fire making, habitats, atlatls, team building, tomahawks.
• Provide instruction in outdoor education and foster love for nature.
• Participate in training and certification opportunities; safety first.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Outdoor leadership

Teaching youth

Flexible hours

Independent work

Rural living adaptation

Education

18+ years

Degree in Education or Recreation

Lifeguard certification preferred

Kayak/ SUP or rock climbing cert preferred

CPR & First Aid preferred

Job description

Description

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, Camp Classen provides an immersive experience for students and staff alike.

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 like 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 willing to obtain upon hire
• Kayak and/or SUP certification or willing to obtain upon hire
• Rock climbing/Belay certification or willing to obtain upon hire
• CPR & First Aid certification or willing 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 relevant experiences.

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

NOTE:

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

COMPENSATION AND AMENITIES

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

If you want to learn more about our programs and mission, visit our website: https://campclassen.org/

Equal Opportunity Employer