We’re hiring! Apply to be a Camp Dudley Outdoor School Naturalist today
Fall Season Dates: September 1, 2024 - October 18, 2024
Pay: $800/week (plus room and board)
About YMCA Camp Dudley: Located on Clear Lake near White Pass, Camp Dudley offers year-round programming (summer camp, outdoor school, facility rentals, and specialty weekend programs). We have been serving the Yakima community and surrounding areas since 1937 and strive to give kids the “Experience of a Lifetime.” Camp Dudley offers a fun, safe community for youth to explore new environments, build confidence, and grow as individuals and community leaders.
About Outdoor School at Camp Dudley: Although outdoor school is new to Camp Dudley (founded in 2023), it’s part of a longstanding tradition in Washington—the nation’s first outdoor school program began in Washington in the 1930s!
At outdoor school, fifth grade students from Yakima valley and surrounding areas come to camp for one to four days to participate in hands-on outdoor education programs that make the science concepts they’ve studied in class come to life. Our curriculum is interdisciplinary, state standards-aligned, tactile, and fun—we integrate Indigenous science, Western science, history, writing, art, math, engineering, and social emotional learning into our lessons to help students develop meaningful, comprehensive visions of our connected world.
Studies show that students experience lasting academic, physical, social-emotional, and environmental benefits when they participate in outdoor school. As described by Greg Barker, the Washington State Principals’ Education Foundation Director, “These effects are particularly evident in children from disadvantaged communities, who benefit from improved graduation rates, decreased behavioral issues, and greater sense of belonging.” At Camp Dudley’s outdoor school, we primarily serve students from Title 1 schools and schools with high rates of free and reduced lunch. We are committed to making this program a safe, equitable, accessible place for every student.
About Being an Outdoor School Naturalist: As an outdoor school naturalist at
Camp Dudley, you will lead groups of fifth graders in learning experiences that teach and connect them to nature.
During staff training, you will be taught how to lead each learning station, so you won’t teach the same lesson all day every day—there will be a lot of variety!
Room and board is provided. You will have a private space in a cabin that is shared with one to two other naturalists. You will have most nights and each weekend off. We can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
You will have a direct and lasting impact on youth throughout each week. Students will remember you and the concepts you introduced them to for years to come.
If you have questions, email Liz Giles at egiles@yakimaymca.org or call/text her at (509) 907-5707

Job location: 14830 tieton rd, naches wa 98937