Become an Outdoor Education instructor in one of the most beautiful places in Texas!

Are you a passionate educator looking to guide students through outdoor adventures? This is the position for you! YMCA Camp Grady Spruce is looking for Outdoor Education Instructors.

Established in 1989, the Outdoor Education program at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce is devoted to educating students about the interrelationship between humans and the environment. The OE Program operates during the school year and is primarily focused on the curriculum of 5th grade students. We offer outdoor education experiences ranging from one to five days in length. Naturalists teach information that has been carefully aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills by utilizing the natural setting at camp. Students learn responsibility, independence and develop an appreciation of nature.

Join our crew!

Located on the beautiful shores of Possum Kingdom Lake, Camp Grady Spruce is home to two campsites where adventure and learning come together every day. As part of our team, you'll work under the guidance of the Outdoor Education Director while leading students through engaging, hands-on classes in conservation, water activities, outdoor living skills, ecology, and more.

With a close-knit team of 15–20 naturalists each season, you'll build lasting friendships, gain valuable teaching experience, and spend your days exploring the outdoors. Beyond camp, staff enjoy an all-expenses-paid camping adventure to Big Bend National Park, along with several exciting field trips throughout the year. If you're passionate about the outdoors, love working with students, and are looking for an unforgettable season filled with adventure, Camp Grady Spruce is the place for you!

Compensation: $400-450 per week (paid every two weeks in keeping with the payroll schedules of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas), with room, board, and most meals provided at no additional cost.

Job Status: Seasonal (Aug 2026 - May 2027)

Job Requirements

• Must be 18+ years old

• Prior experience working with children preferred but not required

• Camp experience preferred but not required

• Remain flexible and able to adjust to changes quickly

• Valid Driver’s License preferred

• Enjoy working and being outside

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Must already be eligible to work in the United States

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Willing to obtain Lifeguard certification upon hire

• Able to stand for long periods of time

• Able to lift a minimum of 50lbs

• Physically able to lead strenuous outdoor activities with children

• Mentally alert to recognize potential hazards and accidents

• Mentally able to follow set procedures

• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies

Living at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce:

Camp Grady Spruce is located 90 miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex on 535 acres of shoreline on beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake. PK Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Texas and is known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful, rolling hillsides. Common outdoor activities include boating, diving, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Camp is home to an abundance of wildlife, and it is common to see white-tailed deer, bobcats, rattle snakes, raccoons and roadrunners along the trails. Staff share a private housing unit equipped with a living room, kitchen, bathrooms and furnished room. Every staff obtains their own individual or shared room.