Camp Director

Greater Burlington YMCA•North Hero, VT

5d•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 preserving its traditions and building for future generations. The director develops community and alumni partnerships, oversees strategic property development, manages the annual budget, and leads and mentors seasonal employees. The director maintains an active, visible presence in camp life and fosters an inclusive, emotionally safe environment for campers and staff. The role develops experiential programs focused on skill and character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education. It also oversees recruitment and staff management, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and American Camping Association guidelines, and collaborates on long-term planning, marketing, alumni relations, philanthropy, and property improvements. The position is based in an outdoor camp environment on the shores of Lake Champlain. The director must be able to live on-site during camp season and support overnight on-call responsibilities.

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 and commitment to a positive camper experience.
Knowledge of marketing, fundraising, public relations, and property management.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for communicating with campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.
Patience, acceptance, and a positive attitude when leading.
Ability to lead groups and facilitate meetings and trainings.
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 navigate remote locations and uneven terrain on camp property.
Ability to identify and respond to safety and environmental hazards using visual and auditory abilities.
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

Maintain an active, visible presence in daily camp life and create an inclusive, emotionally safe environment for campers and staff.
Develop diverse, experiential 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 establish 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.
Lead marketing initiatives, alumni relations, and property improvements.
Build community and alumni partnerships and contribute to fundraising efforts.
Communicate with campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.
Lead groups and facilitate meetings and trainings, clearly communicating expectations.
Support overnight on-call responsibilities during camp season.