Christian Camp Director

Introduction

This job description is for the role of Camp Director for the pilot phase of a new Christian summer camp for pre-teens and young teenagers. The mission of the camp is to provide a Christ-centered, Africa-inspired environment where children and teens can learn, strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships.

The objectives of the camps are to:

• Offer a safe and enriching environment for campers to fellowship and bond together

• Foster biblical understanding and nurture spiritual growth

• Inspire a love for Africa through a rediscovery of its history and culture

Location: Hunt County, Texas

Duration of contract: 6-9 months - December 2024 to September 2025

Camp duration: May 2025 (inaugural pilot cohort) and July 2025 (second and third pilot cohorts)

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Job Overview:

The Camp Director is responsible for the overall operations of the camp, ensuring that the camp environment is safe, supportive, and engaging. This role includes curriculum and program planning and implementation, staff management, budget oversight, camper safety, and adherence to camp standards. The Camp Director is the primary liaison between the camp and campers’ families, maintaining clear communication and building relationships to foster trust and positive experiences.

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Primary Responsibilities:

A. PRE-CAMP

Before camp starts, the camp director has key planning and preparatory responsibilities:

1. Program Planning and Development

• Work with steering committee and curriculum experts to finalize the curriculum for the camp

• Oversee process of linking curriculum design with implementation and ensuring that relevant camp staff are trained to deliver the curriculum

• Design a Christ-centered camp program, including devotionals, worship sessions, and activities that are educational, fun and align with the camp’s mission, theme and target age group

• Develop a schedule that balances spiritual growth, recreational activities, and team-building opportunities.

2. Staff Recruitment and Training

• Recruit qualified staff including counselors, activity leaders, spiritual mentors, and healthcare professionals ensuring they align with the camp's faith-based values

• Organize comprehensive training sessions covering safety protocols, conflict resolution, spiritual guidance, and expectations for serving the campers

3. Camper Registration and Communication

• Serve as the primary contact for parents and guardians, manage the registration process, ensuring forms, waivers, and medical information are collected and reviewed

• Communicate with parents, providing clear information about camp rules, packing lists, and schedules

• Collaborate with marketing and outreach teams to promote the camp, increase enrollment, and maintain a positive camp reputation

• Build and sustain relationships with local organizations, businesses, and schools to enhance community involvement and support

4. Logistics and Resource Preparation

• Work closely with the facility manager to oversee the preparation of the campgrounds, ensuring facilities, equipment, and supplies are ready and in safe, working condition

• Work closely with the facility manager to coordinate vendors and service providers for meals, transportation, and other logistical needs

• Co-create and manage the camp budget, keeping track of expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness in procurement

• Allocate funds for supplies, staffing, program activities, and facility maintenance.

• Ensure all camp fees are collected and provide financial reports to stakeholders as required

5. Risk Management and Compliance

• Develop and review safety policies, emergency procedures, and behavior guidelines

• Ensure compliance with local, state band national regulations, child protection standards, and insurance requirements

• Coordinate medical response plans, including first aid training, emergency response, and handling incidents.

B. DURING CAMP

During the camp, the camp director’s is responsible for ensuring that the mission and vision of the camp are effectively realized. Given the presence of an Operations Director managing the campground facilities, the camp director's key responsibilities during the camp are as follows:

1. Leadership and Supervision

• Provide oversight and guidance to the camp staff, ensuring they perform their roles effectively and maintain a positive, Christ-centered atmosphere

• Be the primary decision-maker for program-related adjustments and camper issues as they arise

2. Program Execution

• Oversee and lead the implementation of the daily schedule, ensuring activities such as devotionals, worship sessions, learning and recreational programs run smoothly and align with the camp's Christian values, Africa-inspired theme and age group of campers

• Step in to lead or support activities as needed, ensuring camper engagement and program quality

• Work closely with the operations director to oversee setup, maintenance and safety of camp facilities, including sleeping areas, dining halls, recreational spaces, and activity sites.

• Coordinate with facility maintenance staff to ensure the camp environment is safe, clean, and operational.

3. Camper Care and Engagement

• Monitor the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of campers, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all participants

• Be accessible to campers, providing spiritual guidance, addressing conflicts, and fostering community

4. Staff Support and Development

• Conduct daily check-ins / huddles with all staff, offering encouragement, feedback, and problem-solving support

• Provide coaching, feedback, and disciplinary action as necessary to ensure a professional environment

• Step in to assist with challenges or conflicts among staff or between campers and staff

5. Risk and Crisis Management

• Act as the primary contact for handling behavioral or emergency issues among campers, coordinating closely with the operations director when facility support is needed

• Ensure all safety protocols and policies are consistently followed by staff and campers, and maintain process logs for all key activities

6. Continuous Evaluation and Feedback Collection

• Observe the camp activities and gather informal feedback from campers and staff to identify what worked well and areas for improvement.

• Maintain a detailed record of successes and challenges to inform planning for future sessions.

C. POST-CAMP

After the pilot camp concludes, the camp director has a key role to ensure proper wrap-up, evaluation, and preparation for future camps

1. Evaluation and Reporting

• Collect feedback from campers, staff, and parents through surveys, debrief sessions, or interviews to assess the pilot's success

• Analyze the effectiveness of the camp’s program, creating by developing a SWOT analysis

• Prepare a comprehensive report for the steering committee, summarizing key outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for future camps

2. Spiritual Follow-Up

• Facilitate follow-up communications with campers and families, such as sending letters or emails with encouraging messages, spiritual resources, or reminders of lessons learned during camp

• Collaborate with local churches or ministries to connect campers and their families to ongoing faith-based programs

3. Staff Debrief and Development

• Organize a formal debrief with the camp staff to reflect on their experiences, gather insights, and discuss areas for growth

• Provide staff members with personal feedback and acknowledgment for their contributions, identifying and specially recognizing outstanding service

• Identify and document promising staff members for future leadership roles

4. Administrative Wrap-Up

• Review and organize all documentation from the camp, including incident reports, camper registrations, and medical forms, ensuring proper archiving

• Process final payments, reimbursements, and other financial matters in collaboration with the operations director or finance team

• Ensure all borrowed or rented equipment is returned, and any damaged or missing items are addressed

5. Strategic Planning for Future Camps

• Use evaluation data to refine program plans and schedules for future camps, making adjustments to enhance impact and efficiency.

• Work with the operations director and steering committee to plan improvements to the facilities or resources based on feedback

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Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Education, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a similar leadership and oversight role within a camp or youth programming environment. Knowledge of Africa and experience of supporting the implementation of a cultural program is a plus

• Certifications: CPR, First Aid, and other relevant safety certifications; additional certification in lifeguarding or wilderness first aid is a plus.

• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to dynamic situations.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of warm weather, handle physical activities, and occasionally lift heavy equipment.

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Key Attributes for Success:

• Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to inspire, manage, and motivate a diverse team of staff members.

• Responsibility: Highly accountable with a strong sense of duty toward camper and staff safety.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for effective interaction with campers, staff, parents, and stakeholders. Cultural appreciation and sensitivity is required for this role

• Flexibility: Willingness to adjust plans and make real-time decisions as situations change.

• Creativity: Able to design engaging, age-appropriate activities that enrich campers’ experiences.

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Work Environment:

• This position typically requires working outdoors and may involve extended hours, including weekends.

• The role demands physical stamina, as the Camp Director must be present at various camp activities, able to walk distances across campgrounds, and actively engage with staff and campers.

Job Types: Temporary, Contract

Work Location: In person