Seasonal Day Camp Director | Maryland | Summer 2027

DEAN Adventure Camps • Bethesda, MD

1d • $1,150 - $1,250 • Onsite

About The Position

DEAN Adventure Camps is hiring a seasonal, full-time MD Summer Camp Director to lead an engaging and inclusive summer program at Sidwell Friends Lower School in Bethesda, Maryland. The director is employed by DEAN Adventure Camps and serves as the primary liaison between the organization and its school partner, supporting alignment, collaboration, growth, and satisfaction.

The director oversees daily camp operations and the safety and quality of the experience for campers and team members. The role includes supervising and mentoring an onsite team of 10–15 people, supporting staff development and performance, maintaining a positive and inclusive team culture, managing schedules and timesheets, and coordinating opening and closing procedures. The director also handles parent communications, camper safety incidents and documentation, curriculum and classroom oversight, and camp supply inventory and ordering. The position requires working onsite Monday through Friday during the camp season and being prepared to assist in the classroom when staffing needs arise.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working as a Camp or Recreation Director, serving at least 50–75 children weekly and managing 10–15 team members.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience with classroom management.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 25 years old.
• Up-to-date immunizations and willingness to provide emergency health information upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, move the site in and out, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active outdoor environment.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Full onsite availability Monday through Friday from June 14 through August 14, during camp operating hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
• Ability to commute daily to 5100 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814, and attend training at 3825 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016.
• Clear, empathetic, patient, intentional, collaborative, and proactive communication with families, partners, team members, and campers.
• Ability to adapt and solve challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive, motivating attitude and demonstrated passion for working with children and teams.
• Ability to balance structured programming with creative activities and keep processes visible to relevant team members.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with school partners, families, and team members while upholding an employer’s brand, values, and mission.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between DEAN Adventure Camps and its school partner, Sidwell Friends Lower School.
• Oversee daily camp operations to provide a safe, structured, smooth, and high-quality experience for campers and team members.
• Supervise and mentor an onsite team of 10–15 team members.
• Conduct team member evaluations, support staff growth and development, and lead disciplinary conversations as needed in accordance with camp standards and HR policies.
• Build a positive, kind, and inclusive team culture throughout the season.
• Manage opening and closing procedures, including carline and classroom checks before the cleaning team arrives.
• Manage team member schedules, time-off requests, and timesheets.
• Apply daily camper safety standards; respond to and document incidents as they occur.
• Handle day-to-day parent communication, including carline, day-of issues, daily NewsBlast updates, and parent surveys twice per week.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the curriculum and observe classroom delivery to oversee instruction and project quality.
• Work with each program’s lead instructor to make adjustments as needed.
• Step in to lead or assist in the classroom when team member shortages require it.
• Inventory and order supplies and troubleshoot material needs to ensure resources are available when needed.

Benefits

• Paid pre-summer remote training on leadership, operations, and DEIB, plus in-person team and logistical training the weekend before camp.
• Reimbursement for all required background checks and certifications.
• Free daily snacks, coffee, and parking, plus Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager