Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program provides active learning through outdoor and adventure education. We use an experiential approach to connect youth with their local surroundings, making learning relevant and fun by utilizing Colorado’s greatest natural resource: the mountains!
Youth Program Instructor – Summer Seasonal Position
Colorado Mountain Club (CMC)
Location: Golden, CO & Lakewood, CO
Position Overview
Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to share your knowledge with youth? Join the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program as a Youth Summer Program Instructor! In this role, you’ll provide exciting, hands-on education for youth ages 6-18, both indoors and outdoors, through a variety of engaging activities such as team-building, environmental science, survival skills, alpine travel, rock climbing, slacklining, and more.
You’ll have the opportunity to lead youth on day and overnight outdoor adventures, including hiking, wilderness survival, overnight courses, and rock climbing, while teaching essential outdoor skills. Our programs are designed to inspire and empower youth through experiential learning, making this an incredibly rewarding position for those who thrive in nature and love working with young people.
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.
Program Preparation & Support: 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 as defined by the CDC.
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 Lakewood, 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 19 to August 13, with potential to extend into Fall.
Training Dates: Mandatory training from May 19-30.
Camp Dates: June 2 to August 8, 2025.
Compensation:
Starting pay: $18.80/hr, with potential increases(max $20.40) based on qualifications and experience:
+$0.40/hr for returning instructors
+$0.50/hr for two complete CMC seasons
+$0.60/hr for three complete CMC seasons
+$0.40/hr for Wilderness First Aid certification
+$0.60/hr for Wilderness First Responder certification
+$0.60/hr for lead camp instructors
+$0.80/hr for overnight specialists
+$0.80/hr for 3+ years of paid guiding experience or a related college degree
+$0.40/hr for Leave No Trace (LNT) Certification
+$0.40/hr for Master’s degree
Overnight Rate: $210 per overnight day.
Additional Benefits:
Workers’ compensation insurance
CMC membership
Pro-deals with select outdoor gear manufacturers
32 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.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience, interest in the role, and career goals via email to [email protected]. Preference will be given to applications received by March 21, 2025. Interviews and hiring will take place on a rolling basis.
For more information about CMC’s Youth Education Program, visit www.cmc.org/youth.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CMC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or any other status protected by law.
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