The Spirit of the Northwoods... is the essence of Camp Olson. The Spirit is alive, not only in the activities, songs, and laughter that fill our days, but in the peaceful reverie of campers who, for the first time, behold the Milky Way splashed across the night sky. It is the community of youth, families, and leaders from across the globe that grows each summer and comes together to share in fun, fellowship, adventure, and spiritual growth. It is the respect and reverence for the environment that is instilled in all who experience Camp Olson through instruction and a direct experience with nature.
Camp Olson YMCA is a resident summer camp for youth ages 5-17 and families.
Our Mission is to share the Spirit of the Northwoods while preserving a paradise of beauty with youth, families, and their leaders through YMCA programs that build healthy mind, body, and spirit for all.
Camp Olson was founded in 1954 “to preserve a paradise of forest beauty where youth and their leaders can find joy and inspiration in the years to come.”
We accomplish this every summer by providing programs for youth and adults that develop life skills, cultivate leadership, and foster an ethic of land stewardship and environmental responsibility.
This year-round leadership position oversees daily summer programming, supports the recruitment and development of
seasonal program staff, and helps strengthen programs from one season to the next. The Program Director works closely
with the Camp Director and Assistant Director to create a positive experience for campers, staff, and guests.
● At least 21 years old, with three or more years of relevant experience working with children in a camp or similar
setting.
● Experience leading teams and strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills; supervisory
experience preferred.
● Commitment to the mission of Camp Olson YMCA and ability to work effectively with campers and staff from
diverse backgrounds.
● CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding certification, or ability to obtain; Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred.
● Ability to respond calmly to changing schedules, safety concerns, and the demands of a residential camp
environment.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead the planning, scheduling, delivery, and evaluation of daily camp activities, special events, theme days, and
all-camp programming.
● Supervise and support Program Area Directors (Leadership Team) and program staff; participate in recruiting,
hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
● Work with program leaders to maintain engaging curricula, lesson plans, equipment, supplies, and well-prepared
activity areas.
● Coordinate daily and weekly program schedules, staff assignments, and alternative activities when weather or
other circumstances disrupt plans.
● Promote safe program operations through staff training, equipment checks, incident review, and adherence to
camp policies and applicable ACA standards.
● Partner with the Camp Director and Assistant Director on staff training, camper support, risk management, and
smooth camp-wide operations.
● Support program budgets, supply planning, inventory management, and end-of-season evaluations and reports.
● Contribute to camper arrivals and departures, staff meetings, special events, and assigned leadership or on-duty
responsibilities.
Year-Round Planning & Development
● Review camper and staff feedback and recommend improvements to program quality and the camper experience.
● Update program manuals, operating procedures, activity plans, and training materials in preparation for each
summer.
● Help recruit and prepare seasonal program staff, coordinate pre-season setup, and plan program supplies and
equipment.
● Support off-season staff engagement, camp outreach, and other camp initiatives in collaboration with the
Assistant Camp Director.
Emotional Maturity
Change Capacity
Quality Results
Innovation
Decision Making
Developing Others
Communication
Relationships
Inclusion
CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding certification, or ability to obtain.
Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred.