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

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City • DAVIS, OK

7d • $525 - $625 • Onsite

About The Position

YMCA Camp Classen is seeking enthusiastic individuals passionate about the outdoors and youth development to guide 5th- and 6th-grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas. Instructors lead exploratory hikes, teach wilderness living skills, and facilitate hands-on outdoor education activities, including primitive fire making, aquatic habitats, atlatls, team building, and tomahawks. Training is provided, and certifications are available. The role helps students connect classroom learning with outdoor experiences and fosters an appreciation for nature.

The position is based at Camp Classen, a 2,200-acre camp in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma. Fall instructors generally work from around the end of August through mid-December; spring instructors generally work from February through the end of May. Exact start dates depend on finalized group contracts. Summer opportunities are also available.

Compensation is $525–$625 per week, depending on experience, with additional compensation for weekends. Pay is issued every two weeks according to the YMCA of Greater OKC pay schedule. Staff shirts, semi-private housing, meals when the dining hall is open, paid training and certification costs and time, free laundry facilities and Wi-Fi, and professional advancement opportunities are provided.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Have enthusiasm and experience teaching and/or leading elementary- and/or middle-school youth.
• Demonstrate good judgment and flexibility, and be able to work independently.
• Be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Be able to work and live in a small, rural community.
• Be able to lead hikes and other outdoor activities.
• Be able to relate to individuals and groups in a warm, positive manner.
• Be willing to take on varied tasks that support the program.
• Be able to work outside in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Guide 5th- and 6th-grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas.
• Lead exploratory hikes and other outdoor activities.
• Teach wilderness living skills.
• Facilitate hands-on outdoor education activities, including primitive fire making, aquatic habitats, atlatls, team building, and tomahawks.
• Take on varied tasks that support the program.

Benefits

• Additional compensation for weekends.
• Staff shirts provided.
• Semi-private housing.
• Meals provided when the dining hall is open.
• Training and 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed