Summer Camp Activity Director – Children’s Grief Camp

By the Bay Health•Larkspur, CO

15h•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Camp Activity Director is the heart and energy of the Children’s Grief Camp. This role is responsible for creating a safe, joyful, inclusive, and emotionally supportive camp culture where children who have experienced loss can heal, connect, and express themselves through play, creativity, and community. The Director leads camp-wide activities, traditions, and transitions, setting the emotional tone of the camp while working closely with the clinical, program, and volunteer teams to ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and aligned with grief support best practices. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children, brings positive energy, and understands how fun, structure, and emotional safety work together to support healing. The Director plays a transformational role in a child’s grief-healing journey. Through laughter, creativity, and connection, this position helps children understand that they are not alone, their feelings are valid, and joy and grief can exist together.

Requirements

Experience working with children in settings such as camps, after-school programs, schools, youth programs, or childcare
Demonstrated ability to lead groups of children with confidence, warmth, and structure
High energy, creativity, and enthusiasm balanced with emotional sensitivity
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to remain calm, flexible, and compassionate in emotionally charged situations
Commitment to inclusivity, cultural humility, and child-centered care
Ability to actively engage in camp activities, including standing, walking, and participating in games
Ability to support children through emotional moments with patience and empathy
Comfortable working outdoors and in group settings

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children impacted by grief, trauma, or loss
Background in education, child development, social work, psychology, recreation, or youth leadership
Experience planning camp activities, group programming, or special events
Bilingual or multilingual abilities (preferred but not required)

Responsibilities

Create and sustain a positive, inclusive, and uplifting camp atmosphere where all children feel welcomed, valued, and emotionally safe
Serve as a visible, approachable, and enthusiastic presence throughout camp
Model kindness, empathy, emotional awareness, and respectful communication at all times
Support children in building peer connections while honoring individual grief experiences
Design, coordinate, and lead age-appropriate, trauma-informed group activities, including:
Icebreakers and team-building games
Creative expression (art, music, movement, storytelling)
Camp traditions, rituals, and closing ceremonies
Recreational and spirit-building activities
Adapt activities to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children who are grieving
Ensure activities are inclusive of children with varying abilities, attention spans, and emotional needs
Understand that children may express grief through behavior, play, withdrawal, or emotions
Work collaboratively with grief counselors, clinicians, and camp leadership to:
Support children who may become overwhelmed
Modify activities when emotional needs arise
Maintain emotional safety without forcing participation
Reinforce camp values of choice, emotional expression, and peer support
Partner with volunteer counselors, group leaders, and clinical staff to ensure smooth daily transitions (management of staff will be done be another role)
Help orient and support volunteers around activity flow, expectations, and camper engagement
Provide clear direction during camp-wide activities and transition
Follow all By the Bay Health policies related to child safety, confidentiality, and mandated reporting
Maintain appropriate camper supervision at all times
Support behavioral guidance using positive, trauma-informed approaches
Participate in required trainings, including:
California Mandated Reporter Training
Camp orientation and grief-informed care training