Program Instructor

SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT:
August 8th - December 22nd 2026

PAY RANGE:
$400 Weekly

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Under the supervision of the Senior Program Directors, the Family and Retreats Director, this position primarily involves the leading of a variety of safe and fun activities for students, families, and guests at Camp Erdman.  Outside of their duties in leading activities, the Program Instructor will periodically assist with the turnover of our rental cabins as well.

Programs and rentals at Camp Erdman run 7 days a week and the Program Instructor will be expected to work 5 of 7 days throughout the week, with the typical work week being Tuesday - Saturday.  The “weekend” will be considered Sunday and Monday and there will be times throughout the season that you are assigned to work the weekend.  When you work the weekend, you have two other days off throughout the week. 

Overall, the program instructor will serve as a role model and mentor for all students and guests at Camp Erdman. The Program Instructor must have a thorough understanding of the YMCA’s mission and goals, and a desire to work with children. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES /FUNCTIONS:

• Understand and be in accord with the YMCA philosophy, goals, and objectives.

• Be a role model for & develop positive meaningful relationships with youth.

• Provide children with the opportunities to make new friends and learn new activities.

• Be concerned with camper development & growth. 

• Be aware of health and safety concerns. 

• Ensure that each and every camper is included in the group. 

• Ensure that Camp Erdman is a positive and memorable experience instilling a strong desire to return to every camper. 

• Be consistent in following program policies and standards operating procedures.

• Work toward a team spirit and effort among the staff and children.

• Be on time for work and meetings. 

• This position requires the Program Instructor to live on-site at Camp Erdman, in housing as assigned by the Camp Director of Outdoor Education. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills/Knowledge: 

• Experience working with children in a camp or outdoor recreational setting required.

• Requires understanding of childhood development and group management in a general camp setting. 

Education/Training: 

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED. 

• CPR/AED and First Aid required. 

• TB test required.

• Must be able to successfully complete YMCA Camp Erdman’s High Ropes Facilitator Training. 

• Must be able to successfully complete YMCA Lifeguard Training. 

• College experience is preferred. 

• YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification preferred. 

• Ropes facilitation experience preferred. 

Child Protection Commitment

The YMCA requires all staff to share responsibility for preventing child abuse by upholding professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns. All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.