Lead Facilitator — School Year Program

Beginning in August 2026, this position has the ability to work for one (Fall) or two (Fall and Spring) seasons. Head to our Employment Opportunities webpage to apply!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Outdoor Education Facilitator supports the mission of the YMCA through experiential learning, youth development, environmental stewardship, and community building. This leadership role is responsible for delivering high – quality outdoor education and retreat programming while providing mentorship, oversight, and support to seasonal staff and participants.

Lead Facilitators serve as role models who cultivate safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for students, teachers, campers, volunteers, and guests. This position combines hands-on instruction, team leadership, program innovation, and operational support across outdoor education, retreat, and camp experiences. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead engaging outdoor education classes, recreational activities, team-building initiatives, and large-group programs for school groups, retreats, and camp participants. 

• Facilitate experiential learning opportunities that support social-emotional growth, environmental literacy, leadership, and personal development. 

• Serve as a Group Host by coordinating schedules, communicating with school staff and group leaders, and ensuring a positive guest experience from arrival through departure. 

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of seasonal and school-year programming.

• Provide day-to-day mentorship, training, and support for seasonal facilitators, interns, and volunteers. 

• Model professionalism, teamwork, adaptability, and positive risk management practices. 

• Actively prevent child abuse by adhering to and monitoring the following standards: 

  • No Alone Time 

  • No Inappropriate Language 

  • No Inappropriate Touch 

  • No Outside Contact 

  • No Favoritism 

• Conduct routine safety checks of program spaces, equipment, and facilities. 

• Respond appropriately and calmly during emergencies and behavior-management situations. 

• Support overall camp operations through collaboration with all departments. 

• Assist with upkeep and stewardship of program areas, cabins, trails, equipment, and shared camp facilities. 

• Participate in opening and closing duties, cleaning responsibilities, inventory management, and site improvement projects. 

• Represent the YMCA and camp community positively to guests, families, schools, donors, and community partners. 

• Contribute ideas for new programs, curriculum development, and activity enhancements. 

• Lead or participate in special projects and action teams focused on improving camp experiences and operations. 

• Support outreach efforts, volunteer engagement, and relationship-building with schools and community organizations. 

• Serve as an ambassador for all camp and YMCA programs.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCAs efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.

Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader who builds collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment that embraces diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in outdoor education, residential camping, youth development, recreation, education, or related field preferred. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience working with youth, peers, or volunteer teams. 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, environmental science, outdoor leadership, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 

• Strong communication, group management, and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced camp environment. 

• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire. 

• Completion of all required YMCA trainings within designated timelines, including: 

• Child Abuse Prevention 

• Bloodborne Pathogens 

• New Staff Orientation 

• CPR/AED/First Aid

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires living and working in an active outdoor camp environment with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, mud, snow, and uneven terrain.

Essential physical requirements include:

• Standing, walking, hiking, and leading activities for extended periods of time 

• Lifting, carrying, and moving equipment up to 50 pounds 

Using computers, radios, phones, and digital communication systems as needed 

• Visual and auditory ability to supervise participants and respond to emergencies 

Go to Camp Fitch YMCA to learn more!