Outdoor Education Program Instructor​/Intern YMCA Camp Classen

Full-time

YMCA Camp Classen, nestled in the picturesque Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, is seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for the outdoors and youth development. Located just over an hour from Oklahoma City and within reach of the DFW Metroplex, our 2200-acre camp offers a unique setting for outdoor adventures. From lakes and waterfalls to diverse ecosystems, Camp Classen provides an immersive experience for students and staff alike.

As an Outdoor Education Program Instructor, you’ll guide 5th & 6th-grade students from Oklahoma and North Texas. You’ll lead exploratory hikes, teach wilderness living skills, and engage them in hands‑on outdoor education activities like primitive fire making, aquatic habitats, atlatls, team building, tomahawks, and more, that bring their classrooms to life in the great outdoors. With all training provided and certifications available, you will play a vital role in shaping the students’ experiences and fostering a love for nature.

Are you ready to help us make a difference in our students’ lives? Don’t delay start your camp professional adventure today!

• 18 years of age or older
• Strong communication skills
• Enthusiasm and experience teaching and/or leading elementary and/or middle school youth
• Good judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work independently
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
• Ability to lead hikes and other outdoor activities
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups in a warm, positive manner
• Willingness to take on varied tasks that support the program
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Kayak and/or SUP certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Rock climbing/belay certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• CPR & First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
• Experience with team‑building curriculum
• Understanding of basic natural history and environmental education concepts
• Degree or major in education, recreation or relevant experiences

• Fall season:
  Instructors typically begin around the end of August and continue until mid‑December.
• Spring season:
  Instructors typically begin February and continue through the end of May.
• Summer opportunities are also available.

Exact start dates are determined prior to each season as group contracts are finalized.

• $525.00 – $625.00 per week DOE. Additional compensation for weekends
• Pay is every two weeks keeping with pay schedule of YMCA of Greater OKC
• Staff shirts are provided
• Semi‑private housing
• Meals are provided when dining hall is open
• All training certification costs and time are paid for
• Free laundry facilities and wifi
• Professional advancement and growth opportunities at camp and with the YMCA OKC Association

Equal opportunity employer.