Youth Summer Program Instructor — The Colorado Mountain Club

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Youth Programs: Facilitate dynamic and engaging lessons for youth ages 6-18, utilizing hands-on teaching methods like games, models, and props.
• Outdoor Adventures: Guide participants on front and backcountry day camps (e.g., hiking, teambuilding, rock climbing) with 1-2 week long overnight programs required during the contracted period.
• Climbing Instruction: Belay and coach students in climbing techniques, including knot tying, belaying, and climbing safety.
• Create Positive Learning Environment: Foster a fun, safe, and engaging atmosphere by using effective communication and behavior management techniques.
• Prepare Materials: Prepare materials, equipment, and assist with the setup and breakdown of climbing sites and other program areas.
• Collaborate on Curriculum: Provide feedback and contribute ideas to the program design team for continuous improvement.
• Customer Service: Engage with parents and community partners, ensuring excellent customer service and communication.

Position Requirements

• Age Requirement: Minimum of 21 years old.
• Certifications: Basic First Aid and CPR certification (required prior to start date). Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification, or a willingness to obtain one.
• Health & Safety: Full COVID-19 vaccination recommended as defined by the CDC and State of Colorado.
• Background Check: Submission of a criminal background check.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to carry loads up to 50 pounds.
• Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from the CMC offices in Golden, CO, and the summer basecamp in Golden, CO.

Position Competencies

• Passion for Education: A genuine passion for working with youth and teaching outdoor skills.
• Outdoor Enthusiasm: Strong interest in the outdoors, particularly in environmental science, natural history, and recreation.
• Experience in Outdoor Education: Prior experience in wilderness programs, outdoor education, summer camps, or related fields.
• Climbing & Hiking Expertise: Experience in outdoor hiking and climbing programs is highly preferred.
• Cultural Awareness: Strong cultural awareness and experience working with diverse groups of students and colleagues.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to expanding access and inclusion for underrepresented groups in the outdoors.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on building relationships.
• Adaptability: Self-motivated, flexible, and an innovative problem-solver.
• Positive Attitude: A fun-loving, positive approach with a great sense of humor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree or higher in Adventure Education, Outdoor Education, Recreation, Wilderness Leadership, or related fields.
• Wilderness Certifications: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or Wilderness EMT certification.
• Climbing Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in rock climbing skills (e.g., belaying, knot tying, communication).
• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.

Time Commitment & Compensation

• Position Duration: Full-time, seasonal position from May 26 to August 19, 2026 with potential to extend into Fall.
• Training Dates: Mandatory training from May 28- June 5.
• Camp Dates: June 8 to August 14, 2026.
• Compensation: Starting pay: $18.80/hr, with potential increases(max $21.40) based on qualifications and experience.
• Additional Benefits: Workers’ compensation insurance, CMC membership, pro-deals with select outdoor gear manufacturers, 24 hours of paid-time-off (PTO), to be arranged with the supervisor, Overtime pay for hours exceeding 40 per week or 12 hours per day on day camp programs.

Schedule & Flexibility

• A guaranteed minimum of 32 hours per week (Monday-Friday).
• Typical weekly hours range from 40-45 hours.
• Flexibility in scheduling for overnight camps (1-2 week-long programs).
• Overnight program accommodations include meals and tent space.