Project Pathways Facilitator

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a Part-Time Project Pathways Facilitator to supervise groups of youth and enrich learning with creative and recreational activities at Camp Winnebago. You will foster safety, positive experiences, and growth through hands-on education, S.T.E.A.M. projects, and family outings.

The role emphasizes role-modeling YMCA values and trauma-informed practice while delivering engaging, inclusive programming to ages 8–17. Evening/weekend hours possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 20 years old
• Able to work with children between ages of 8-17
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
• Previous experience working with children
• Experience in outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
• Attend trauma-informed training upon hire
• IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
• CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming environment and ensure participants feel safe, supported, and ready to learn and have fun.
• Lead engaging activities including education, team-building, S.T.E.A.M. projects, and family outings.
• Provide consistent supervision and guidance while keeping participants engaged and safe.
• Collaborate with fellow facilitators to plan, communicate, and create a successful experience for each participant.
• Model YMCA core values such as healthy habits, sportsmanship, responsibility and respect.
• Follow the Camp HOPE America curriculum to build confidence, relationships and life skills.
• Foster belonging and an inclusive environment where every participant feels valued.
• Address concerns and report damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
• End the day by helping a participant try something new, build a friendship, or discover a strength.

Skills

Child supervision

Trauma-informed training

Mandated reporter

CPR & First Aid

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework preferred

Tools

Praesidium Academy trainings

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

YOUR IMPACT

The Project Pathways Facilitator supports the work of the Y, which is committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A Project Pathways Facilitator provides direct supervision of a group of children and enhances learning experiences through creative and recreational supplemental programming. This position fosters a safe and nurturing environment for all program participants in Project Pathways.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

No two days are the same in this role傭ut every day is centered on creating safe, positive experiences where young people can learn, grow, connect, and discover their potential.

• Start the day by creating a welcoming environment where participants feel safe, supported, and ready to learn and have fun.
• Lead engaging activities including education, team-building, S.T.E.A.M. projects, and family outings.
• Provide consistent supervision and guidance, keeping participants engaged while ensuring their safety throughout every activity.
• Work alongside fellow facilitators to plan, communicate, and create a successful experience for every participant.
• Be a positive role model by demonstrating the YMCA's core values, healthy habits, good sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect.
• Follow the Camp HOPE America curriculum while creating meaningful opportunities for participants to build confidence, relationships, and life skills.
• Foster belonging and character development by creating an inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and supported.
• Help maintain a safe and organized program environment by addressing concerns and promptly reporting damaged equipment or safety hazards.
• End the day knowing you've made a difference, whether it was helping a participant try something new, build a friendship, or discover a strength they didn't know they had.

If you enjoy working with youth, bringing activities to life, and being a positive role model, this role is for you.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 3 Positions

Positions 1-3: YMCA Camp Winnebago

Part-Time, Non-Exempt
*May be asked to travel to another branch or location*
Hours: Up to 10 hours per month
*Typically 1-2 events per month; requires morning and afternoon weekend availability
$16.00 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 20 years old
• Able to work with children between ages of 8-17
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
• Previous experience working with children
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
• Attend trauma-informed training upon hire
• IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
• CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility