Camp Director, Camp IB - Summer 2027

American School for the Deaf•Taconic, CT

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The American School for the Deaf announces an opening for Camp Director, Camp Isola Bella. Isola Bella, meaning Beautiful Island in Italian, is a scenic island estate on Twin Lakes in Salisbury, Connecticut, bequeathed to The American School by the late Ferrari Ward and his wife, Muriel Alvord Ward. This gift established the United States’ first summer program for deaf and hard of hearing youngsters and makes Isola Bella the only camp for deaf children in Southern New England. The camp serves deaf children aged 8 to 17, offering a wide variety of activities such as archery, arts & crafts, camp studies, swimming, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, overnight camping, hiking, team and non-competitive games, and special trips and projects. The program's philosophy is “learning through experience.” This is a seasonal position within the Camp Isola Bella department, reporting to the Camp Manager.

Requirements

Applicants must be over age twenty-one.
Will be required to submit both DCF and DPS background checks.
Bachelor’s Degree required.
Minimum 3 years of experience with deaf and hard of hearing children/youth.
Proficiency in ASL required.
Prior experience as a camp director or experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity within a camp environment.
Applicants must demonstrate good judgment and excellent leadership skills.
The Camp IB Director will be responsible to uphold and maintain the standards required under the Youth Camping Act.
Must possess the ability to effectively supervise, motivate, evaluate and support staff while fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for campers.
Must demonstrate sound judgement, strong leadership and organizational skills, effective communication and the ability to make timely and appropriate decisions in a dynamic camp environment.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid strongly encouraged.
Having Lifeguard certificate is an option.

Responsibilities

Oversees the total operation of the Isola Bella Summer Program at all times, except when such responsibility shall be given to the Assistant Director.
Interviews and hires staff and schedules appropriate training and support for staff.
Establishes schedules, including but not limited to pay scales, hours and days of operation, duty schedules, personnel duties, policy and staff responsibilities.
Ensures that the Island is in full compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Serves as Safety Officer and is responsible for the safe operation of the program.
Approves appropriate camp activities, trips, and events.
Acts as the purchasing agent for materials needed for the continuing operation of the program with approval by the Camp Manager.
Develops and works with public relations staff and Camp Manager, along with others, to market and educate the community about Isola Bella.
Provides effective leadership to campers and staff.
Oversees all instructional settings and develops /approves outlines for programs, oversees camp’s Newsletter and prepares end of camp report.
Is responsible for the physical security of the campers.
Create surveys for staff, families and campers.
Establishes and enforces standards for campers' behavior, staff conduct, discipline, bullying prevention, inclusion, and conflict resolution.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents/guardians and serves as the primary point of contact for program-related questions, concerns, complaints and communications.
Performs other duties as assigned.