Outdoor Education Instructor (Seasonal – Fall 2026)

YMCA Camp Duncan – Ingleside, Illinois

YMCA Camp Duncan is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Education Instructors to join our team for the Fall 2026 season. Located on the shores of beautiful Fish Lake, just north of Chicago, Camp Duncan provides outdoor education and group programming for schools, retreats, and youth organizations from across the Chicagoland region.

As an Outdoor Education Instructor, you'll teach hands-on outdoor education classes, facilitate climbing wall, high ropes, and team-building programs, and help create meaningful experiences that connect participants with the outdoors. Every day is different, giving instructors the opportunity to teach a variety of lessons, work with diverse groups, and develop practical skills in experiential education, lesson planning, group management, risk management, and outdoor leadership.

You'll work alongside an experienced staff in a supportive camp community while gaining valuable professional experience in one of the Midwest's longest-running outdoor education programs.

Position Details

• Season: Fall 2026
• Location: Ingleside, Illinois (Fish Lake)
• Compensation: $450/week stipend plus private bedroom in shared staff housing
• Meals: Meals provided during program days
• Training: Paid training, CPR/AED certification, and ongoing professional development
• Additional Benefits: Free YMCA membership, YMCA employee discounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and company-sponsored staff events.

Responsibilities

• Teach outdoor education classes for school groups.
• Facilitate climbing wall, high ropes, and team-building programs.
• Assist with retreat and group programming, including occasional evening activities.
• Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with fellow instructors and Camp Duncan staff.

Qualifications

• Passion for outdoor education and working with youth.
• Experience teaching, leading outdoor recreation, or facilitating experiential learning preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Commitment to providing safe, high-quality programs.
• Must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to the fall season.