Program Director: Overnight Camp

Position:

The Program Director of overnight camp at Camp Skyline is responsible for leading the 7-week overnight camp program and staff, overseeing all aspects of planning, operations, and communication. This role includes program development and leadership for typically developing campers ages 7-15 as well as campers with special needs ages 18-75, ensuring a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for all campers and staff.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Leadership and Development:

• Oversee the planning and execution of all overnight camp activities and community living while ensuring a fun, safe, accessible and enriching environment for campers. This includes creating schedules and grouping campers and pairing staff. The former Overnight Camp Director/current Executive Director will provide resources, context, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition.

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  Collaborate with the Day Camp Director and the Overnight Assistant Director in providing general camp activities and weekly themed activities, including Scatters, campfires and All Camp Events, ensuring they are well-organized, accessible and enjoyable for campers.
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  Coordination and communication with Day Camp Director and Director of Food Service, ensuring that each camps’ timing and programs effectively share space and resources.
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  Collaborate with the Health and Wellness Team in regards to camper allergies, illness and injuries, ensuring effective communication with counselors.

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  Assist our Director of Learning and Wellness with Staff Training leadership

2. Communication with Parents:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on parent communications related to Overnight Camp, including answering inquiries and providing key information.

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  Read nightly notes written by overnight staff, following up on camper progress and needs, as well as guidance for improving observations.

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  Ensure all check-in documents for Overnight Camp are accurate, accessible, and ready to go for Sunday arrivals.

3. Staff Management:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Overnight Assistant Director in preparation for camp, staff training and all camp weeks; leading them as they assist you in leading the counselors.

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  Manage a seasonal team of 8-12 overnight camp counselors and 4 Junior counselors.
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  Organize and lead overnight camp staff meetings to ensure smooth camp operations and address any concerns or updates.
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  Provide leadership, support, and guidance to Overnight Camp staff, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment, intervening in times of strife.
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  Orchestrate regular feedback sessions with overnight camp staff, both formal and informal; including difficult conversations and holding staff accountable.

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  Collaborate with the Health and Wellness Team as they assist the staff in times of injury and illness, this requires constant flexibility in staffing and programs.

4. Camper Behavior Expressions:

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  Support staff in the creation of group charters for both staff and for campers each week.

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  Provide guidance for counselors in handling problems, conflict and behavior expressions based on the P.E.A.C.E. approach (Pause, Explain, Ask, Compromise and Explore) and Skyline’s Behavior Levels listed in the manual.

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  Work directly with the camper alongside other staff when the behavior becomes a red flag, which involves parent communication.

5. Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure all Overnight Camp activities adhere to ACA and the State of Michigan’s safety guidelines and regulations, and that campers’ needs are considered in planning and implementation.

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  Collaborate with other directors and support team to ensure a unified approach to camper safety and well-being.

Your experience, education and skills:

• Experience:

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    Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in camp leadership, youth programming, teaching school aged children or a related field.
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    Experience in overnight camp settings is highly preferred.
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    Experience in program creation, managing staff and coordinating activities for large groups of children and/or adults with special needs.
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  Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
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  Skills:
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    Proficiency in creating Spreadsheets and various communication platforms.
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    Strong leadership, decision making and organizational abilities.
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    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with parents, staff, and campers effectively.

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    Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Compensation Package:

• For onsite work from May 1st to August 1st, compensation is $7,000-8,500 (based on skills and experience) and includes room and board.

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  The month of May is pre-camp work and collaboration with directors in preparation for campers arrival; hours can be flexible if necessary; commuting is acceptable.
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  Irregular hourly remote work begins in March and will not exceed 2-3 hours per week.
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  Although this position is seasonal, candidates with interest to work multiple summers will be prioritized.

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  Holidays include Memorial Day and July 4th.

  
  

Work Environment:

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  The Program Director of Overnight Camp role involves both indoor and outdoor work, including physical activities and supervision of staff and campers.

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  Hills and a lot of walking are part of the job.
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  Working hours include early mornings, late nights, and Sundays.
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  Community life with nourishing meals, 200 acres, and an intentionally diverse staff.

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  Commitment to providing a welcoming environment for staff and campers regardless of one's race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, education, (dis)ability or geographical background.