Summer Camp Program Director - Seasonal

Program Director

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Executive Director, Assistant Director

Position Summary:

The Program Director furthers the mission of Wanakee through the planning, scheduling, and safe implementation of weekly resident camp programming, including staff supervision and volunteer support/management. The Program Director assists in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the Assistant Director and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver a rich, fun, safe program to campers.

• Ensure activities are scheduled, prepared, and implemented that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
• Evaluate the success of programs and camper development, making recommendations for improvements to the Executive Director and Program Committee.
• Coordinate all camp program and campfire activities with other staff, including but not limited to rainy-day activities, worships, games, special events.

Ensure that staff, volunteers, and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures during camp programs.

• Assist in planning, implementing, and leading staff training.
• Provide guidelines for programs utilizing camp equipment.
• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures in all program areas.

Support Counseling Staff with program and behavioral concerns.

• Check in regularly with counseling staff about the needs of their groups.
• Process and respond to behavioral event forms at the direction of the Assistant Director and consistent with Wanakee’s camper behavior policies.
• Keep documentation of camper behavioral situations, staff response, and any resulting consequences or disciplinary action.

Act as a professional and level-headed point of contact for diverse stakeholders.

• Handle emergencies and solve problems with campers, volunteers, and staff, including acting as primary point-of-contact in the event of absence by the Executive Director, Assistant Director, or other representative.
• Communicate with parents as needed, including coordinating check-in.
• Treat sensitive situations with discretion, including confidential information pertaining to camper, staff, and volunteer safety and health.

Supervise and evaluate staff and volunteer counselors/directors and other programmatic staff as assigned to develop and implement all facets of camp program activities

• Regularly monitor the work of specialists and counselors.
• Provide real time feedback and guidance, including mid-season and end-of-season evaluations.
• Promptly share concerns with the Executive Director and Assistant Director regarding staff performance.

Other Job Duties:

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading as needed.
• Monitor equipment and program areas for safety.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, including assisting in other areas of camp.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification (course offered to staff during training).
• Must be at least 18 years old, 21 preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Background in education, outdoor education, youth development, or youth ministry desired.
• Experience in a summer camp setting.
• Experience in supervising others, especially peers, is preferred.
• Current certification in challenge course operation or documented experience and training (or ability to earn certification) preferred.
• Current lifeguard certification or ability to earn certification preferred.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to observe camper/staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards related to activities.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including climbing, standing, swimming, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary: $3,735 - $3,960 (Note: For international staff, this amount may be adjusted for applicable visa or agency fees.)

Room and board provided for the duration of the seasonal contract.

Bonuses available for obtaining and using lifeguard and/or ropes certification during the summer.

About Wanakee:

Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our camp and retreat programming focuses on building loving relationships and communities of radical acceptance. Find us at or on most social media outlets @wanakeenh.

Job Type: Seasonal

Pay: $3,735.00 - $3,960.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,735 - $3,960