YMCA Camp Greider - Camp Director

Description

JOB TITLE: Camp Director - Camp Greider

DEPARTMENT: Camp (40) - Camp Greider

REPORTS TO: Camping Services Director

LOCATION: Camp Greider

STATUS: Seasonal Full time

PAY RATE: $840 per week DOE

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Position Summary

Who We Are:

YMCA Camp Greider is a summer day camp nestled in the West Hills of Salem, Oregon since 1978. Each summer, we welcome approximately 100 campers per week to explore, grow, and create lifelong memories. Our dedicated staff foster a supportive and fun environment where campers make new friends, develop new skills, and gain confidence. Camp Greider offers a dynamic blend of specialty instruction and outdoor recreation, taking full advantage of our unique natural setting. We are actively seeking enthusiastic, team-oriented, and hardworking role models to join our staff this summer!

The Role

The Camp Director is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and daily operations of YMCA Camp Greider, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and mission-driven experience for campers, families, and staff. Under the guidance of the Camping Services Director, the Camp Director oversees all aspects of camp, including program development, assisting in staff hiring, planning and leading training, facility and transportation coordination, budget management, risk management, and community engagement.

As the primary liaison between the YMCA and Camp Greider, the Camp Director ensures that all operations align with YMCA standards, policies, and strategic goals. They provide hands-on, day-to-day leadership, ensuring seamless communication between families, community partners, and staff.

Given the dynamic nature of summer camp, this role requires strong foresight, pre-planning, and the ability to proactively address challenges while fostering a positive and supportive camp culture. The Camp Director must be an adaptable, solutions-oriented leader who creates an environment that prioritizes safety, growth, and fun.

Essential Functions

• Oversees daily operations of YMCA Camp Greider, in collaboration with the two Assistant Directors, to ensure a well-organized and mission-driven camp experience.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the YMCA and Camp Greider, maintaining strong communication and collaboration.
• Assists in staff recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of staff
• Plans staff training, and ongoing staff professional development to build a strong, engaged team.
• Ensures proactive risk management, emergency preparedness, and safety protocols to protect campers and staff.
• Oversees review of health records of all campers prior to their attendance, working closely with counselors and assistant directors to address any campers with notable behavioral or medical needs.
• Facilitates any medication distribution, ensures medication protocols are followed, and that any medication is stored safely and securely
• Ensures first-aid standards are being met, and monitors first-aid record keeping
• Oversees all incident reporting, and communicates any significant behavioral or medical incidents to the Camping Services Director
• Manage family and community communications, including responding to parent inquiries, concerns, and feedback.
• Oversee camp facilities and ensure proper maintenance, repairs, and improvements to support a safe and welcoming environment.
• Manage the camp budget within established parameters, ensuring responsible financial oversight
• Develop and implement innovative camp programming, balancing traditional camp activities with fresh, engaging experiences.
• Coordinate supply purchasing, inventory management, and resource allocation to keep camp running smoothly.
• Maintains relationships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to enhance camp offerings and community engagement.
• Ensure adherence to ACA accreditation standards, YMCA policies, and state/local licensing requirements.
• Lead camp evaluations and continuous improvement efforts, collecting feedback from families, staff, and campers to enhance future seasons.
• Exemplify YMCA values and standards, serving as a role model for campers, staff, and families.
  
  

What Else Falls Under the Camp Director's Role?

Beyond daily operations, communication, facilities, and partnerships, the Camp Greider Director is also responsible for the following:

• Staff Morale & Culture – Creating an inclusive, positive environment that keeps staff engaged, motivated, and aligned with camp values.
• Behavioral & Conflict Management – Supporting staff in addressing camper behavior challenges and ensuring positive resolutions.
• Retention & Growth Strategies – Working to retain campers and staff for future seasons and expanding outreach efforts.
• Evaluation & Reporting – Tracking camp success metrics, incident reports, and areas for improvement to inform strategic planning.
• Pre- and Post-Season Planning – Supporting the Camping Services Director in staff hiring, program development, and operations set-ups. Providing feedback to assist the Camping Services Director in coordinating year-round logistics, debriefs, and improvements to set the stage for future summers.
  
  

This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

• At least 25 years of age (required by ACA Accreditation Standards)
• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience, preferred
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in youth programming, summer camps, recreation, outdoor education or related field; preferably with a YMCA Association
• Proven supervisory experience, particularly managing young adult staff in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and execute large-scale programs and events.
• Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving and coaching skills.
• Proficiency in budget management, staff development, and program evaluation.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Ability to anticipate, pre-plan, and proactively mitigate risks, ensuring an effective and appropriate response to emergency situations.
• Excellent personal computer skills and experience with standard business software; previous experience with DAXKO Operations and/or similar software highly a bonus.
• Familiarity with ACA standards and accreditation process.
• Completion of all training and onboarding prior to program start date or training due dates. Training is provided as needed after hiring.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment. (Certification classes available upon employment.) Lifeguard certification is encouraged, but not required.
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
• Must be available during all of the following dates:
  
  

June 8 - June 14 (Program Staff Retreat)

June 15 - June 21 (Mandatory All-Staff Training)

June 23 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out)

Physical/Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
• Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds.
• Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
• Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.
  
  

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.