Camp Director

YMCA Camp Abnaki•North Hero, VT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Camp Director provides leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, the nation's oldest YMCA all-boys camp. The role leads the camp’s vision, operations, and community culture while maintaining its traditions and building its future. Responsibilities span camp programming, staff leadership, financial and operational management, philanthropy, marketing, alumni engagement, safety and compliance, and property development. The position requires living on-site during the camp season and supporting overnight on-call responsibilities. The director maintains an active presence in daily camp life and fosters an inclusive, emotionally safe environment where campers and staff feel known, valued, and connected. The role develops experiential programs focused on skill and character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education. The director manages the annual budget and net income targets, partners with executive leadership on philanthropy campaigns, leads seasonal staff recruitment and development, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and American Camping Association guidelines. The director also collaborates on the Camp Abnaki Comprehensive Plan and leads marketing, alumni relations, and property improvement initiatives.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role.
Ability to live on-site during the camp season and support overnight on-call responsibilities.
Ability to build quality camp programming and execute it efficiently and effectively.
Strong working knowledge of applicable camp regulations, state and federal requirements, and health and safety standards.
Strong working knowledge of budget management practices and ability to understand and process month-to-month expenses.
Ability to work effectively with youth and teens and build relationships that create positive, inclusive camp experiences.
Ability to build trusting relationships with campers’ parents and guardians through responsive communication.
Knowledge of marketing, fundraising, public relations, and property management.
Effective verbal and written communication with campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.
Patience, acceptance, and a positive attitude.
Ability to operate motor vehicles and meet the YMCA’s safe driving requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain required CPR/AED/O2, First Aid, mandated reporter, and other applicable safety certifications and training; training can be provided if necessary.
Ability to quickly navigate remote locations and uneven terrain on camp property.
Ability, both visual and auditory, to identify and respond to safety and environmental hazards and inform campers, staff, and guests.
Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing or walking for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, or a related field; relevant education and experience will be considered.
Proven track record of community service.
Background supporting fundraising efforts.
Strong expertise in budget management and experience establishing and exceeding programmatic goals.
Self-motivated approach to professional development, openness to organizational change, and up-to-date knowledge of camping industry trends.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, including its vision, operations, and community culture.
Maintain an active, visible presence in daily camp life and foster an inclusive, emotionally safe environment for campers and staff.
Develop diverse camp programs focused on skill development, character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education.
Develop and manage the annual camp budget, meet net income targets, and partner with executive leadership on annual and capital philanthropy campaigns.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and performance management for camp staff and develop an organized supervisory framework.
Ensure camp practices, property, and programs comply with local, state, and federal requirements and American Camping Association guidelines.
Collaborate on the long-term Camp Abnaki Comprehensive Plan and lead marketing initiatives, alumni relations, and property improvements.
Build relationships with campers’ parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience.
Lead groups, facilitate meetings and trainings, and communicate expectations clearly.
Support overnight on-call responsibilities during the camp season.