Join our fun and supportive community at Burgess Outdoor Education & Retreat Center, a YMCA facility located a short drive from the ocean on beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Our forested property is situated on over 300 acres, which include three freshwater ponds, high ropes courses, a low ropes teambuilding course, a climbing tower, an educational farm, a recreational waterfront, hiking trails, and dining and overnight facilities. We seek to instill wonder, encourage stewardship, and cultivate community through interactive outdoor experiences with our guests.

This position is a leadership opportunity for a seasoned outdoor educator looking to help shape the overall experience for our groups, support spring and fall staff, and play a meaningful role in how our programs grow.

This job description outlines three related seasonal roles (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

Applicants may apply for one season, two seasons, or all three. Preference given to applicants available for all 3 seasons.

SPRING:

• Help manage and liaise with visiting groups throughout their stay.

• Help teach experiential outdoor programs to overnight youth groups. Programming emphasizes environmental education, team-building, and leadership development.

SUMMER:

• Opportunity to join our adventure trips team or summer camp staff – both tracks provide opportunities to engage with youth in a residential camp community committed to growing confidence and camaraderie among youth ages 7-17.

FALL:

• Help manage and liaise with visiting groups throughout their stay.

• Help teach experiential outdoor programs to overnight youth groups. Programming emphasizes environmental education, team-building, and leadership development

JOB DUTIES:

• Lead daily coordination and communication of outdoor education programming between instructors, school groups, and participants.

• Plan, develop, and update outdoor education curriculum aligned with our program goals.

• Assist in managing 5–10 outdoor education staff by providing mentorship, feedback, and general support.

• Support house-keeping, grounds-keeping, and dining operations

DURATION:

• Spring training begins: tentatively Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

• Spring Season- April 1st- June 6th

• Summer Camp Dates- June 6th-August 15th

• Fall Season- August 15th- Early/ Mid November

HOURS:

Expect to work long but extremely rewarding days outdoors in all elements. Daily hours are tailored to the needs of our guests. For the outdoor education seasons you will have two days off for every five days worked. The summer hours vary by your role here during the summer.

COMPENSATION:

Pay is $570 per week ($610 with lifeguard certification). We provide comfortable staff housing, all of your meals while working, kitchen access, and laundry facilities. Internet is also available. You will have the dedicated support and guidance of our experienced full-time staff as you take the next step in your outdoor education career. Additionally, Cape Cod is an awesome place to live! You will have access to a wide range of outdoor recreation equipment to help you enjoy it.

• Passion for working outdoors with youth, teens, and adults.

• Desire to facilitate environmental, teambuilding, and challenge course programs.

• 21+ years old with a degree in a relevant area, or equivalent life experience.

• Ability to live and work as a positive team-player in a collaborative residential setting.

• Interest in strengthening leadership skills and stepping into a role that supports, mentors, and guides other seasonal staff

• Physical ability to spend long, active hours outdoors in all elements, safely facilitating others.

• Previous outdoor education experience required