Premier resident trip camp located in beautiful northern Michigan. Established in 1904.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic leader to serve as the next Camp Director of our storied boys’ camp. The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of leadership experience in an overnight camp or wilderness tripping program, with a strong background in outdoor leadership and youth development. The successful candidate will balance a deep respect for Hayo-Went-Ha’s rich traditions with a forward-looking vision that fosters innovation, excellence, and continued distinction as a premier resident and wilderness tripping camp for boys in the United States.
This is a full-time, year-round position. The Director is required to live on-site during the summer, with year-round housing available if desired. The salary range is $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
YMCA Retirement Fund participation (401a, 403b with 10% employer contribution when eligible)
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in residential or wilderness camping programs.
Proven ability to manage complex operations and lead diverse teams.
Strong financial and organizational management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
Demonstrated passion for youth development, outdoor adventure, and the YMCA mission.
Minimum age 25 with a valid U.S. driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Plan, deliver, and evaluate camp programs to align with mission and quality standards.
Recruit, hire, and train a dynamic summer staff team.
Lead wilderness tripping programs with a strong focus on safety, leadership, and personal growth.
Collaborate with leadership to ensure exceptional camper and staff experiences.
Manage food service, healthcare, maintenance, and administrative operations.
Oversee risk management and emergency response systems.
Support alumni relations and development efforts through special events and storytelling.
This position requires at times the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, basic agility (stooping, bending etc.) and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Program Philosophy
YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps are dedicated to youth development, leadership, and character-building through traditional cabin-group living and progressively challenging wilderness trip programs. Our two- and four-week sessions provide age-appropriate adventures that foster resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.
Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha’s motto, “Each for all, all for each,” inspires a community grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and shared adventure. Campers emerge with greater confidence, a deeper sense of purpose, and lifelong friendships—values that have made our alumni community one of the strongest in camping.
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the CEO, the Camp Director is responsible for all aspects of Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha operations, including (but not limited to):
Program Leadership: Oversee all camp and wilderness trip programming, ensuring high-quality, safe, and mission-driven experiences.
Staff Development: Recruit, hire, train, and mentor seasonal and year-round staff to deliver impactful camper experiences.
Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage the camp’s budget, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.
Marketing and Enrollment: Collaborate in the creation and implementation of strategies that promote camper growth and retention.
Safety and Risk Management: Ensure full compliance with YMCA, ACA, Praesidium Guardian, and state and local safety standards and maintain a culture of proactive risk management.
Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with campers, families, alumni, donors, and local community partners.
Philanthropy: Support fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement efforts in partnership with the CEO and leadership team.
Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in residential or wilderness camping programs.