Associate Camp Director

YMCA of Upper Palmetto•Blacksburg, SC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Upper Palmetto (YUP) is a vibrant, 13-branch association serving three counties across the Upstate and Piedmont regions of South Carolina. Camp Cherokee is a traditional resident camp offering summer programming, school-year retreats, and facility rentals. Situated within Kings Mountain State Park, the camp provides an exceptional setting for outdoor recreation, camping, retreats, and youth development. This position is responsible for developing and managing program, human resource, and strategic operations, ensuring safe, fun, and age-appropriate program activities, and assisting in the overall camp operation under the direction of the camp director.

Requirements

Four year degree from a recognized institution with preferred concentrations in PRT, Recreation Management, Education or Interpretation.
Experience in summer resident camping or a related field.
Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED.
Must be passionate about camping and outdoor education.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to safely and properly operate business equipment.
Manual dexterity to utilize computer and other office equipment.
Ability to work in an outdoor, heavily forested setting and walk for distances up to five miles on uneven terrain.
Carrying, sitting, seeing, hearing, crouching, lifting (50 lbs.), and walking on uneven terrain.

Nice To Haves

Management experience a plus.
Preferred ACCT Certification and High Ropes/ Challenge Course Experience.
Preferred current Lifeguard certification and experience.

Responsibilities

Design, deliver, and evaluate camp programs that meet the needs and interests of the target populations, ensuring safe and quality delivery.
Stay current with youth developmental needs and gather feedback from youth, families, and staff on program quality and safety.
Develop and implement crisis and risk management procedures.
Implement human resource management practices for recruiting and retaining seasonal staff, including interviewing, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating.
Assist with the daily operation of the summer resident camp, including program, camper and staff management, food service, and health care.
Manage equipment inventory, ordering, and condition inspections for all programming materials.
Work collaboratively with internal and external groups to enhance camp operations.
Ensure consistent, quality program delivery weekly, including overseeing bridge weekends and ensuring policies and procedures are followed.
Ensure lesson plans are prepared and implemented to meet camp outcomes and camper abilities, and evaluate staff program delivery.
Deliver progressive program activities and evaluate program success and camper development.
Coordinate all camp program activities with other staff.
Manage YMCA Camp Cherokee’s Conference and Retreat Program, including recruiting user groups, providing excellent customer service, and serving as an on-site contact.
Ensure compliance with all safety, risk management, and child abuse prevention standards, including screening, supervision, and training of employees and volunteers.
Respond to policy and procedure violations and reports of suspicious or inappropriate behaviors.
Maintain and assist with YMCA Camp Cherokee’s digital platforms, including newsletters, social media, and website updates.
Create and publish marketing materials for YMCA Camp Cherokee programs.
Participate in staff meetings and maintain open communication with all staff.
Work independently and with groups.
Manage a diverse and dynamic staff and recruit volunteers for special projects and events.
Assist Camp Directors with other programs as needed.