Outdoor Program Instructor

Join the Adventure as an Outdoor Instructor! Ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Catskill Mountains? Frost Valley YMCA is seeking vibrant and passionate individuals to be a part of our dynamic team. Explore the great outdoors, inspire young minds, and make unforgettable memories at one of the most exciting outdoor education centers!

As an Outdoor Instructor, you'll deliver thrilling outdoor experiences that ignite a love for learning and foster deeper connections. With our Outdoor School Programs, Teambuilding, and Group and Family Retreats programs, you'll lead guided hikes, ecological lessons, team building activities, recreational creative programming, and exhilarating high and low ropes elements. Rain or shine, you'll engage with students and guests of all ages, bringing the magic of nature to life. While creating unforgettable memories. 

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and language proficiencies to join our team. Frost Valley YMCA embraces diversity and aims to showcase our collective heritage in the natural world. Together, we'll create an inclusive and empowering environment.

Frost Valley YMCA seeks to promote an awareness of the interrelatedness of the natural world through the usage of the natural sciences.  We promote deeper connections for our students and guests with the outdoors, with each other, and with themselves.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Facilitate, plan, and implement programs with small groups of students and guests in the areas of ecology, challenge course, group work, outdoor education/recreation, creative and recreational arts, which are primarily based outdoors. 
• Show and teach students and other guests new skills, helping them gain confidence in themselves and in the outdoors.
• Prepare, develop, and maintain program spaces and resources for use by staff and participants, which includes weekly cleaning and organization of spaces and lodges. 
• Serve as host and point of contact for school and team building groups during their stay.
• Support other areas of programs including rope element set up and take down and facilitating the dining hall.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.
• This position requires weekend and evening work 
• Embrace the Frost Valley YMCA’s eight core values of respect, responsibility, caring, honesty, community, diversity, stewardship and inclusion. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Previous experience working with children and adults, either in classrooms, after school programs, nature centers, outdoor schools or camp setting
• Commitment to working with guests from diverse backgrounds, have empathy and respect for their social and emotional lives
• Effective leadership, teaching, facilitation and communication skills
• A commitment to exceptional guest service, ensuring warm hospitality and attention to detail
• A deep passion for the outdoors, fueled by awe and wonder
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Outdoor Recreation, related fields a plus OR equivalent life experiences
• Hold current First Aid/CPR certifications, or ability to obtain upon hire
• Excellent communication and organization skills, a strong and reliable leader 
• Successful working under pressure and safety-minded in decision-making 
• Available to work evenings and weekend
• Ready for new and exciting challenges every day