Environmental Education - Program Instructor Ruth Lilly Outdoor Center

OVERVIEW

Instructors deliver day and residential, 1 to 3 day outdoor/environmental education and group camping programs to 4th - 7th grade students and retreat groups.

We focus on outdoor/environmental education, adventure education and social and emotional learning. Our activities are customized to support student learning in the classroom or retreat objectives. Instructors are responsible for facilitating classes and following curriculum when working with visiting school groups. Hands-on lessons focus on building critical thinking skills and exploring the connections between the natural and human-made world. Depending on activities selected by schools/groups, instructors also facilitate team building (initiatives and low ropes) to develop students’ leadership and problem-solving skills. Group sizes vary from 12-22 students throughout the program. Responsibilities include facilitating day and night lessons, leading large group activities and hosting meals.

All instructors participate regularly in tasks that support our programs including housekeeping, kitchen work, office work, debriefs, and training. Instructors have opportunities to further develop program advancementand expand their educator portfolio. We strive to provide a safe, quality experience for all and expect staff to communicate with all schools, students, guests in a positive, engaging, mature, patient, responsible, respectful fashion.

Safety is key to all operations and staff are expected to predict, prevent, identify and respond to safety issues.

All staff must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and understand that as a team member they will participate in daily cleaning of program buildings as assigned and work in other departments or program areas as assigned.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be organized, detail-oriented, yet flexible.

• Must be comfortable communicating with teachers, parents and enjoy working with children.

• Must have a strong knowledge of outdoor/experiential education.

• Previous experience and certification in camp program areas (lifeguarding, high ropes, archery, etc.) are preferred.

• Able to fulfill all demands in spirit, mind, and body as an outdoor education instructor.

• Positive, service-oriented attitude serving diverse groups of campers in regard to age, abilities, ethnicity, gender, race, economic status, religion, etc.

• Sorry pets not permitted

• Team player willing to contribute to the culture, mission, and values of the YMCA
 
This position does not include room and board and operates on an as needed basis.   
Weekly hours worked may range from 0 - 24 hours.