Program Instructor (Outdoor Educator & Conference Facilitator)

Job Summary:

The Program Instructor facilitates outdoor education, science-based curricula, teambuilding, and conference group activities at YMCA Camp Hanes. This position guides youth, adult, and family participants in outdoor skill-building and environmental exploration while upholding YMCA core values.

This is a full-time, seasonal position at YMCA Camp Hanes, from Mid-August thru Mid-November with potential for a spring position. This position does require weekend work. Housing is included and meals are provided while guests are on site.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Implement science-based ecology curricula, outdoor skill classes, evening programs, and teambuilding activities for elementary, middle school, and conference groups.
• Assist in hosting visiting groups, managing retreat needs, and delivering high-level customer service to youth, adult, and family participants.
• Support daily camp operations including running meal services, cleaning program areas, and assisting with facility maintenance.
• Maintain a safe outdoor learning environment, strictly enforcing YMCA safety protocols, emergency procedures, and child abuse prevention guidelines.
• Collaborate with peers to enhance seasonal camp operations and contribute actively to team development and YMCA character development initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong practical knowledge of environmental science curricula, outdoor skill instruction, teambuilding facilitation, and youth engagement strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and customer service skills to effectively instruct, build rapport with diverse guests, and collaborate within a team.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred, or equivalent combination of education and outdoor leadership experience.
• Experience & Certifications: Demonstrated experience working with youth and providing customer service in an outdoor or educational setting required. CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications required (or obtained prior to start). Must be comfortable working outdoors for extended periods and available for seasonal shifts (Mid-August through Mid-November), including weekend work.

Physical Requirements:

• Continuously required to stand, walk, run, hike, bend, stoop, climb, and navigate uneven mountain terrain across 400 acres for extended periods.
• Demonstrates physical agility to lead active outdoor games, handle specialized recreation gear, set up teambuilding equipment, and assist guests.
• Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and move program supplies, meal equipment, and outdoor gear weighing at least 25 to 50 pounds.
• Continuous visual and auditory acuity required to monitor active participants, spot safety hazards across outdoor areas, and hear emergency calls.
• Functions primarily in outdoor environments exposed to variable weather conditions (sun, heat, cold, rain) and rugged terrain, with indoor operations during meal/program hosting. Housing and meals provided while guests are on site.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting

At our Association, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, regardless of role or position. All employees are strictly required to maintain awareness of our abuse prevention and reporting policies. You must take immediate, appropriate action in accordance with our protocols and legal mandates if any standard of safety is compromised or if abuse is suspected.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment-related decisions are based on job-related qualifications, merit, business needs, and other lawful criteria.

Mission: “Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.”