EXCURSION INSTRUCTOR

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Excursion Program utilizes the outdoors as a tool for experiential leadership, learning, and growth. By providing a distraction-free environment and a culture of openness and acceptance, we provide teen participants opportunities to break through perceived barriers, build confidence, and value diversity as they discover what they are truly capable of. Activities include backpacking, climbing, yoga/stretching, backcountry cooking, and having FUN! The Excursion Instructor is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of adolescent youth through outdoor adventures. Instructors prepare young people, from middle school to high school, to be the next generation of thought leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world. Instructors coordinate and execute in-field aspects of wilderness based programming, which includes all trip logistics and preparations (supported by the BOLD & GOLD Coordinators) and the physical and emotional safety and development of up to 10 participants, while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, climbing, and curriculum activities.

OUR YMCA CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EXCURSION INSTRUCTOR:

• Facilitate the learning and mastery of outdoor skills during wilderness-based trips
• Create value-forming experiences for participants   
• Coordinate and execute all in-field aspects of wilderness-based programming, including trip logistics and preparations 
• Supervise the physical and emotional safety and development of up to 10 participants, while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, climbing, and curriculum activities
• Create an inclusive and brave environment for all participants through an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) lens
• Learn and implement conflict mediation, restorative practice, and YMCA youth development skills
• Provide safe, meaningful, and fun experiences for youth during teen adventure programs  
• Maintain program equipment in good working order. Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment, facilities, and the environment
• Initiate safe, supportive, and fostering 1-on-1s with each participant throughout each trip 
• Role model and encourage challenges to be used as learning moments for the group
• Enrich the program participant experience by helping youth to connect with one another and to the YMCA
• Nurtures youth through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences 
• Prepares food and equipment prior to all trips and ensures that it is cleaned and properly stored after each trip
• Assist in surveying participants and capturing weekly stories from groups along with the Coordinators
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including weekly debriefing meetings with coordinators
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law and/or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Instructors prepare young people, from middle school to high school, to be the next generation of thought leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world
• Coordinate and execute in-field aspects of wilderness-based programming, including trip logistics and preparations 
• Supervise the physical and emotional safety and development of up to 10 participants, while engaging them in activities such as backpacking, climbing, and curriculum activities

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF AN EXCURSION INSTRUCTOR:

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
• Minimum age: 21 years old
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or ability to obtain prior to first day of work) 
• Meet the YMCA of Northern Utah Driver Requirements
• Personal or professional experience in backpacking, rock climbing, and/or mountaineering
• Previous experience working with people across multiple dimensions of diversity (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Two years or more of experience working with teens in an organized setting, including planning and facilitating activities that address the issues facing adolescents, is preferred 
• Knowledge of developmental needs of teens; demonstrates an understanding of the needs of teens and the ability to evaluate their needs individually and as a dynamic group, is preferred 
• Experience planning, implementing, and supervising a variety of wilderness-based program activities is preferred
• Previous experience with BOLD & GOLD preferred
• Being multilingual is preferred
• Current Lifeguarding Certification or Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification is preferred
• Current Single-Pitch Instructor Certification is preferred

FULL TIME BENEFITS:

• 50% off Childcare programming
• Employee & Employer Retirement Contribution Options
• Professional Development Assistance
• 12% Funded Employer Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)