Summer Camp Director

Mission

The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Camp Director is a year-round position, responsible for planning and leading a residential youth development summer program at Camp Merrowvista. The Camp Director’s primary purpose is to foster a safe, inclusive, and healthy community environment in which all young people are able to discover and develop their best. Each summer, Camp Merrowvista supports approximately 350 participants and 75 seasonal staff, and this position is the primary program representative to all constituency groups (parents, participants, seasonal and full-time staff, alumni, and AYF Board of Directors) and is responsible for ensuring that all state, American Camp Association, and AYF program regulations are implemented and adhered to. Additionally, this position is responsible for the risk management and emergency response within the camp and adventure (“Four Trails”) programs, and in support of other programs as appropriate.

Position Responsibilities

Program Planning, Leadership, and Evaluation

• Leads summer residential program reflective of AYF mission to meet programmatic objectives and AYF program outcomes.
• Communicates facility, administrative and food program needs of the Camp Program in a timely manner.
• Manages the regular updating and production of participant and staff manuals and handbooks.
• Evaluates program quality regularly, seeking feedback from a variety of relevant stakeholders, and implements recommended improvements as needed.
• Manages annual camp budget, including purchasing and managing the inventory of program area equipment.
• Writes annual program and risk management reports for the Board of Directors
  
  

Seasonal Staff Hiring, Training and Supervision

• Oversees program staff recruitment, hiring, and supervision for the summer camp program.
• Plans and executes seasonal staff hiring plan including recruitment events.
• Plans and delivers two weeks of seasonal staff training centered on AYF program policies, program philosophies and practices.
  
  

Participant Recruitment and Retention

• Supports the inquiry management process; prepares and assists with the implementation of an annual marketing plan for promotional materials, activities, and events, coordinating efforts and communications with other AYF programs and sites.
• Creates and maintains a positive relationship with camp families throughout the year. Is available to address questions, concerns, and program feedback.
  
  

Merrowvista Site Leadership and Support

• Serves as a member of the Merrowvista Site Leadership Team throughout the year, providing guidance and collaborative leadership for site activity.
• Actively works to help create an effective and positive work team at the site.
• Serves as a facilitator or site leader for other Merrowvista programs as needed.
• Serves as a member of the Site Emergency Response team.
• Represent Merrowvista and the AYF at regional, local, and national meetings and events.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrable, longterm experience and education in the field of youth development with evidence of direct work with youth as well as supervising staff.
• First Aid, CPR, Wilderness Risk Management, or other emergency management training preferred.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fastpaced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate selfcare practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Selfmotivated, energetic, serviceoriented team player.
• Willingness to expand knowledge and responsibilities.
  
  

Preferred:

• 5 Years Youth Program Leadership in an experiential, outdoor setting
  
  

Work Environment

• Work in all temperatures and environments.
• Casual, appropriate attire for setting.
• Potential evening and overnight duty during peak program season.
• Weekend work required in program season.
• Travel throughout the year for staff and participant recruiting and professional development.
• Camp Director will live onsite during staff training and during the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided during camp sessions.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff or in cabins with campers, depending on position.
  
  

Compensation

• Salary Range: $65,000$75,000
• Benefits o Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with 3% salary match oFamily accommodations during on-site required living periods.
• Tuition discounts for dependents. o12 annual holidays
• Paid Time Off
  
  

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals based on merit and / or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familiar status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.