Outdoor Programs Coordinator

Job Title: Outdoor Programs Coordinator 

Reports to: Outdoor Programs Manager 

Direct Reports: Select seasonal summer camp staff 

Classification: Exempt, Full-time  

Who we are  

With nature as our catalyst, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Camp Fire Minnesota delivers culturally relevant, nature-based programs onsite at our camp property in Excelsior and throughout the community to thousands of youth from all backgrounds each year. We help youth “light their spark within” through summer and school break camps, environmental education & STEM classes for schools (in-person and virtual), and community-based afterschool nature programs.  We are proud to offer inclusive and welcoming programs to youth in the community, including free and reduced rate programs and a scholarship program. As a result of their Camp Fire experience, 93% of youth report valuing nature and stewarding the environment.    

Where we are headed   

Camp Fire Minnesota envisions a future where every youth has access to nature-based experiences and learning. Recognizing the inequity in our field (both in the past and today), our 2024 - 2026 Strategic Plan outlines the steps and partnerships necessary to continue our work. The following two years, we are committed to actively listening and engaging with young people and our community to eliminate barriers to new experiences in nature while sharing our history, values, and vision for the future. 

Statement of Inclusion  

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire.  

Our desired candidate 

The Outdoor Programs Coordinator sets the tone for a positive, inclusive, nature-based summer camp experience for participants and staff. Someone who is a go-getter, problem solver, and who thrives on building connections and community. 

An ideal candidate will: 

• Thrive on building relationships with participants and their families 
• Be innovative in engaging youth in FUN, hands-on, nature-based programming 
• Have experience leading climbing and high ropes activities 
• Be committed to creating inclusive programming for youth, families, staff, and visitors 
• Be curious, with a drive for continuous improvement 
• Visionary and goal oriented 
• Uphold high standards of safety and risk management  
• Strong organizational skills 
• 2-3 years of experience in youth development and summer camp programming 

This role requires some evening and weekend hours based on programming needs in the school year, and full availability during the summer camp season. 

Your role at Camp Fire Minnesota 

Program Facilitation  

• Foster community building within Summer Camp, including the facilitation of all camp gatherings and games. 
• Directly lead programs and events as necessary 
• Plan and lead the Youth Advisory Council throughout the school year.  This includes planning meetings, leading other staff, managing a budget, communicating with participants, and facilitating evening meetings and 1-2 overnight weekend retreats 
• In partnership with Outdoor Programs Manager, plan and lead School Break Day Camps during school year 
• In partnership with Programs Managers, lead family engagement and volunteer events during the school year 
• Assist with direct facilitation of field trips and partner overnights in the school year as necessary  
• Occasionally serve as an event host on evenings or weekends 

Program Quality 

• Assist Outdoor Programs Manager in the supervision of program staff  
• Develop program schedules for Summer Camp and School Break Camps that are enriching and align with organization goals 
• Manage camper group assignments for summer camp and school break camps 
• Assist with compliance of all ACA standards and assist with the re-accreditation process every five years 
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment 
• Provide leadership and training at high-risk program areas including waterfront, climbing and archery 

Program Inclusion  

• Identify opportunities to improve youth experience  
• Research and contribute to program designs that are accessible and inclusive 
• In partnership with colleagues and partner organizations, support expansion of culturally relevant programs 
• Participate in one of Camp Fire’s DEI subcommittees 

Program Support 

• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising seasonal and part-time summer camp staff  
• Help create and update training plans and lead various sections of staff training 
• Program Expansion & Innovation: identify and support year-round program growth opportunities 

Registration and Customer Service – Support Coordinator in: 

• Provide excellent customer service and train and support camp staff on providing consistent quality customer experience  
• Communicate and provide ongoing support with families as they prepare for their program (phone, email and in person)  
• Measure customer satisfaction through camp surveys, responding to customer feedback, and identifying areas of improvement 
• Maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of programs offered including prices, deadlines, activities, etc. to provide knowledgeable communication to customers and staff 

Minimum Requirements 

• 2-3 years of experience in youth development and/or camp programs 
• Working knowledge of technology, e.g. MS Office Suite products, email, Google Suite products, etc. 
• Ability to live on site during the summer camp season, late May – early September  
• First Aid & CPR Certified (or ability to become certified if hired) 

Preferred Experience (not required) 

• Lifeguard Certification (or ability to become certified if hired) 
• Climbing and High Ropes Training and/or ACCT Level 1 Certification (or ability to become certified if hired) 
• Supervision experience  

Housing  

Private housing provided during summer camp season.  

Salary and Benefits: 

Salary is $45,000 to $50,000 based on experience. Competitive benefits package, including 3% retirement contribution and sabbatical policy. 

Application Process: 

Send resume and three references to Human Resources:  hr@campfiremn.org. Include “Outdoor Programs Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. 

Posting will remain open until filled. 

Camp Fire Minnesota is strongly committed to addressing environmental justice.   

We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA2S individuals, and unemployed persons to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Camp Fire we are most interested finding the best candidate for the job and someone who is committed to our mission and values. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.