Ooutdoor Education Program Instructor - Camp Surf

Teach outdoor/natural history classes, and recreational activities, and provide overnight resident supervision to students in a fifth and sixth-grade outdoor science school program. Provide excellent customer service to all clients, know and enforce safety rules, care for equipment and facilities, and work well as a member of the camp community.

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

Season dates: March 1 - May 29, 2026

• Teach educational classes and lead activities for students and clients. Develop an interpretive display or lesson plans based on needs and areas of expertise
• Lead activities including (but not limited to) archery, field games, and the climbing tower with good teaching and leadership skills
• Employ good teaching and leadership techniques in providing quality instruction
• Take full responsibility for the program areas of camp, including developing rules and procedures and maintaining or improving equipment and facilities
• Use good judgment and make conservative decisions to ensure the safety of our campers
• Follow all rules, operating procedures, and instructions, carry and use properly the necessary equipment during activities, know and follow established emergency procedures
• Provide exemplary role modeling at all times when groups are in camp, and demonstrate a strong sense of ownership in camp, including cleaning of facilities and care of equipment and supplies
• Supervise students during mealtimes, overnight in cabins, during transitional times and during cabin chores
• Follow specific directives of the Program Coordinators, Outdoor Education Director, or Program
• Directors as assigned. Communicate all work-related issues through the Program Coordinators
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation
• Ability to adequately observe participant’s activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including: standing, hiking and/or climbing for long periods of time
• Must be able to live on-site during program season
• Other duties as assigned needs to be included to all roles

• Bachelor's degree or in progress in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience or aptitude to work closely with children in a positive, supportive manner
• Minimum 6 months experience in outdoor education or related field
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute