YMCA BOLD GOLD - Outdoor Backpacking Instructor

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is not only the premiere non-profit in Los Angeles, it is also a great place to work, make a difference in your community and meet like-minded individuals. With twenty-six branches, three camps and over fifty child care sites, the LA Y is a highly-collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you will discover your passion, grow your career and make an impact! We believe in the four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and understand that our staff are our biggest asset! We strive to create high-performing, strong teams in each of our branches and are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff who will help us to strengthen our impact, empower our community and deliver incredible programming!

SUMMARY

The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Program is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of adolescent youth through outdoor adventures. The program is designed for both single gender expeditions, as well as co-ed trips, and each year the YMCA GOLD BOLD program engages over 100 youth on backcountry trips that last 6 days. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, backcountry cooking and having FUN! The goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in participants. These traits are the foundations of leadership and work to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style.

QUALIFICATIONS

• AGE: Minimum age of 22.
• Education - Bachelor's degree from a four-year College or university in recreational management, physical education, or related field or two to three years related experience.
• CERTIFICATIONS - Current certification in first aid and CPR (or willing to obtain during employment).
• Language Skills - ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodically, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Reasoning Ability - ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situation where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Driving - California Class C or preferred Class B with Passenger Endorsement, current 10year safe driving record
• Clear criminal background check;
• Instructors must be available for training June 5-11, 2024

Dates of Employment:

• Summer programs operate from June - August with training being June 5-11. Instructors are contracted on a full summer position. Must be available evenings and weekends. Full summer commitment is preferred

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based courses.
• Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment.
• Create value-forming experiences for participants.
• Create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors through a JEDI lens.

Keys to Instructor Success:

• Professional instructing experience in hired course type.
• Commitment to working with diverse groups.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments.
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict management skills.
• Experience facilitating activities addressing issues facing adolescent youth of all kinds.
• Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the lives of our participants once they are home.
• Knowing how to have fun!