Camp Abnaki Director

Join the Y as the Camp Abnaki Director, where you’ll provide leadership and oversight for a well-established summer camp program. You’ll be responsible for ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enriching experience for campers, families, and staff while upholding the YMCA’s values and mission. This role includes program development, staff leadership, budget management, and fostering community partnerships.

Camp Abnaki, located in North Hero, Vermont, has been providing enriching summer experiences for boys since 1901. Situated on a picturesque 70-acre campus with a mix of forests, fields, and over half a mile of Lake Champlain shoreline, the camp offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and interests. These include traditional overnight camps, day camps, and specialized teen programs such as sailing and leadership development. Emphasizing character building, skill development, and a break from technology, Camp Abnaki fosters an environment where boys can make lasting friendships, gain independence, and connect with nature. You can learn more about Camp Abnaki here!

Why You'll Love This Job:

• Lead an Established Program: Guide a long-standing camp with a strong reputation.
• Make a Lasting Impact: Shape the camp experience for campers and staff while creating a long-term vision for growth.
• Strong Support System: Work with a committed leadership team and advisory board.
• Professional Growth: Develop leadership skills through the Y-USA Leadership Competency process.
• Y Perks: Free Y Membership and discounts on programs and camps
• A Generous Benefits Package: to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 20 days of PTO in your first year, 6 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and retirement plans.

What You'll Do:

• Program Leadership: Oversee a variety of camp activities focused on skill-building, outdoor recreation, and personal growth, ensuring inclusivity and engagement.
• Financial Oversight: Develop and manage the camp budget, monitor expenses, and work toward meeting or exceeding revenue and fundraising goals.
• Strategic Planning: Create and implement a long-term vision for Camp Abnaki, including infrastructure improvements and expanded camper access.
• Staff Management: Define job responsibilities, recruit and hire staff, provide comprehensive training, set clear expectations, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Camper & Family Engagement: Communicate with families, address camper discipline, and handle concerns with fairness, inclusion, and well-being in mind.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to local, state, federal, and ACA safety standards, including emergency preparedness and staff training.
• Community & Partnerships: Develop relationships with community organizations to expand camp access and manage financial assistance distribution.
• Marketing & Outreach: Work with the Marketing and Communications team to promote Camp Abnaki through newsletters, alumni engagement, and digital outreach.
• Continuous Improvement: Gather and analyze feedback from staff, campers, and families to enhance camp programs and operations.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Foster a camp culture where all campers and staff feel welcome and valued.

What You Bring:

• Experience: 5 years in a leadership role at a resident camp.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Strong ability to recruit, train, and manage seasonal staff.
• Financial Management: Experience developing budgets, tracking expenses, and supporting fundraising efforts.
• Youth Development Expertise: Familiarity with child and teen development, camp programming, and behavioral management.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively engage with campers, families, staff, and community partners.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of camp, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety laws.
• Commitment to the Y’s Core Values: Caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to navigate camp property, including uneven terrain and remote areas.
• Visual and auditory awareness to respond to safety hazards.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Endurance to stand and walk for extended periods

Ready to lead and inspire at Camp Abnaki? Apply today!
Questions? Email KSimmons@gbymca.org