Camp Director

YMCA
Salary
$55,000.00
$70,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Camp Dir. drives the vision, operations & culture of Camp Abnaki; staying true to our roots & building a legacy for future generations. 
Job Description

This position supports the work of the Greater Burlington YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Camp Director provides leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, ensuring daily operations reflect the Y's mission and values while delivering an exceptional experience for campers and staff.

Success in this role means fostering a community where campers feel known, welcomed, safe, and connected; staff feel supported, empowered, and accountable; and the camp motto, “Help the Other Fellow,” is reflected in everyday interactions. The Director maintains an active, visible presence throughout camp, builds strong relationships with campers and staff, and proactively addresses concerns to support a positive camp culture. Through engaging, high-quality programs that promote character development, skill-building, belonging, achievement, and community, the Director ensures that Camp Abnaki remains financially sustainable, operationally sound, and focused on its long-term goals.

Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role is required.
  • A bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience will be considered.  
  • Ability to build and develop programs and execute efficiently and effectively.
  • A strong working knowledge of budget management with the ability to understand and process month-to-month expenses.  
  • Ability to work effectively with youth and teens by building relationships that create positive inclusive camp experiences
  • A working knowledge of marketing, fundraising, public relations, and property management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.  
  • Possess a strong sense of patience and acceptance and lead with a positive attitude.
  • Ability to lead groups, facilitate meetings and training, and clearly communicate expectations.
  • Working knowledge of applicable camp regulations, state and federal requirements, and health and safety standards.
  • Ability to build trusting relationships with camper parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience.
Essential Functions
  • Ensure programs provide a mix of activities that focus on skill development, character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education where the emphasis is experiential, oriented towards cooperative group work, values-focused, and fun.
  • Develop and manage the annual camp budget. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines. Ensure that revenue and net income projections are met or exceeded.
  • Coordinate with the organizational and camp leadership team to create and implement the Camp Abnaki Comprehensive Plan, which will focus on program enhancements, property improvement, alumni recruitment, and philanthropy.
  • Collaborate with organizational leadership to develop and implement annual and capital campaigns. Ensure philanthropy efforts meet or exceed camp’s goals.  
  • Define job responsibilities for staff members and design an organizational framework, clearly outlining supervisory responsibilities.  
  • Lead problem solving with staff issues, camper discipline, and parental concerns.
    Continually evaluate program design and delivery to ensure consistency with the mission and goals of the Greater Burlington YMCA.  
  • Prepare and conduct staff training events during pre-season and throughout the summer as part of a robust staff development model. Design resource materials for staff where appropriate.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and recognize staff performance throughout the season.
  • Maintain awareness of current camping best practices, industry standards, and trends.  
  • Recognize and correct safety hazards; guard the health and safety of all campers, staff, and guests. Maintain and enforce all camp safety rules and policies and ensure that safety equipment is in good order and readily available.  
  • Ensure all emergency procedures are up to date, practiced, and documented.
  • Ensure that all camp programs, practices, and property conform to local, state, federal and American Camping Association (ACA) guidelines and any statutory regulations.  
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of a marketing plan for camp. Be actively involved in the execution of marketing and promotional efforts including brochure production, camper newsletter, alumni communications, website, audio-visual presentations, and displays.
  • Assist in alumni recruitment, engagement, and relations.  
    Develop and direct groups of volunteers when needed.  
  • Develop and maintain collaborative ties with agencies serving populations of differing socio-economic backgrounds to open camping opportunities to all youth.  
  • Develop policies and practices that prioritize environmental stewardship.
  • Provide support and guidance to the health and wellness of all staff and campers.
  • Ensure camp policies and practices are above industry norms regarding diversity and inclusion.
  • Establish a consistent, visible presence across camp's daily routines and programs, including mornings, meals, skill classes, cabin life, transitions, and evenings. Understand the lived experience of campers and staff and be accessible when concerns arise.
  • Be accountable for hiring, onboarding, staff assignments, supervision, coaching, performance concerns, and appropriate disciplinary action, in coordination with policies.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising. 


Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  


Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. 


Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.