Job Title: Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist

Status: Seasonal • March – May with option to extend into summer and fall
Pay: $450–$500/week + FREE housing, meals when the dining hall is open, Wi-Fi, access to camp activities during off-hours, tons of job training, certifications & more.
Reports to/: Director of Camping & Outdoor Education
Updated: /11/18/2025

ABOUT THE ADVENTURE

Forget fluorescent lights, cubicles, and staring at a clock until 5 p.m. — spend your days teaching outside, moving your body, leading adventures, and helping people reconnect with nature. As an Outdoor Education & Retreats Specialist, you’ll be part educator, part guide, part hype-squad, and all-around camp hero.

You’ll help schools and retreat groups discover the outdoors through science, challenge activities, camp traditions, and pure fun — all while living and working in a community that values connection, growth, and the occasional campfire s’more.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

• Lead hands-on environmental science lessons for students from 1st grade to 12th grade (learning outside is the BEST learning).
• Facilitate ropes courses, target sports, aquatics, and other adventure activities that make groups say “Can we do that again?!”
• Guide and manage 15–20 students at a time with confidence, patience, and energy.
• Team up with other specialists and directors to create unforgettable camp and retreat experiences.
• Keep youth safe, supported, and having a blast during all programs.
• Jump into additional tasks as needed — because camp life is always exciting and never the same two days in a row.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Someone who:

• Loves the mission and vibe of the YMCA — building community, empowering youth, and being a positive force.
• Has experience working with young people (bonus points if you’ve taught or led outdoor programs before!).
• Already has or is willing to earn certifications in First Aid/CPR, Lifeguarding, and Ropes (we help you get them!).
• Is earning or holds a degree in environmental science, education, youth development, outdoor recreation, or has equivalent experience.
• Isn’t afraid to be goofy, laugh loudly, get dirty, or cheer on a kid who just conquered the climbing wall.
• Truly loves the outdoors — sun, rain, mud puddles, starry skies and all.

THE PHYSICAL STUFF

You should be able to:

• See, hear, and communicate clearly with students and guests.
• Lift 50+ lbs (sometimes those archery targets are no joke).
• Stay active outdoors in all types of weather — walking, climbing, bending, leading, and exploring.
• Follow and communicate with written and verbal instructions.
• Work comfortably at heights (hello, ropes course!) and around water.

WHY THIS BEATS A 9–5

• Your “office” is the woods.
• Your coworkers become your community.
• Your job includes adventure, creativity, learning, and joy.
• You make real impact — kids remember these experiences for life.
• No dress shoes. No cubicles. No Monday dread.
  Just meaningful work, movement, nature, and a season you’ll talk about for years.

If you want your days to feel less like work and more like play, purpose + adventure, this is your place. Ready for the adventure?