Job Description
The Director of Camping Services at Leif Ericson Camp is responsible for developing, organizing, and overseeing high-quality, year-round camping programs and activities. This role requires leadership, creativity, communication, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with the camp committee, board members, staff, and the local community. The Director will ensure that the YMCA's mission and values are reflected in all aspects of the camp, focusing on enhancing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. They will also maintain and perpetuate camp traditions, including myths, stories, and legends that contribute to the camp's culture and identity. Effective communication between the camp committee and the board, as well as organization of essential documentation, is critical.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management:
- Oversee core day camps including Leif Ericson, Tepeetonka, Little Vikes, and Tepeetonka Leadership Camp (TLC).
- Manage extended programs such as Holiday Camps, Travel Camps/Outbound Camps, High Ropes Course, Family Camps, and Adult Camps.
- Ensure the inclusion of key camp components like transportation (buses), nutrition (lunch), equestrian activities (horses), health/behavior management (camp nurse), and high ropes courses.
- Lead the Junior Counselor Program (staff development), similar to Counselor in Training (CIT) programs in other camps.
- Supervise before/after care programs, and overnight programming.
- Organize family night activities to engage campers’ families and foster community.
- Engage with camp alumni, maintaining relationships through events, communications, and ongoing involvement in camp activities to foster long-term support and community connection.
- Maintain and develop the camp’s myths, stories, and legends to preserve traditions and the camp’s identity.
- Develop engaging storytelling and performance opportunities, such as campfire skits and ceremonies.
- Musical instrument skills, particularly guitar, are not essential, but are beneficial to enhance campfire and group activities.
- Maintain a binder of procedures, emergency contacts, and programming details for easy access during camp operations and emergencies. This should include staff manuals, first aid procedures, and contact lists.
Staff Leadership:
- Recruit, hire, train, retain, and supervise camp staff, ensuring all staff meet YMCA standards, certifications, and licensure requirements.
- Lead the development of staff through a culture of collaboration, feedback, and ongoing training.
- Integrate social media skills into marketing and outreach efforts to grow camp attendance and engage with a broader network, including camp conventions and successful programs nationwide.
- Incorporate parent feedback mechanisms during the camp season through surveys and questionnaires to enhance programming.
Operations and Facility Management:
- Collaborate with maintenance staff to ensure all equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe and functional condition, including familiarity with tools like chainsaws, Bobcats, and wood chippers (operational knowledge is preferred, though direct operation is not required).
- Manage risk through insurance compliance, safety protocols, and the training of staff in emergency procedures.
- Oversee fundraising efforts and work with the financial development team to secure donations and grants for scholarships and facility improvements.
Financial Oversight:
- Manage the camp’s operating budget, including payroll, supplies, and capital improvements.
- Monitor financial performance and ensure budget targets are met or exceeded.
- Handle billing, payments, and financial reporting in a timely and accurate manner.
YMCA Professional Development:
- Promote YMCA professional development opportunities for all staff, including certifications and advanced training programs for Coordinators, Directors, and Senior Directors.
- Encourage participation in national YMCA programs, even if travel is required, to maintain a high standard of professional growth.
Qualifications:
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Education, Recreation, Business) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of camp management experience in camps serving at least 1,000 campers. Experience with large budgets and complex operations is essential.
- Prior experience in nonprofit or YMCA settings preferred.
- Certifications:
- Current First Aid/CPR certifications.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (YMCA insurance-approved).
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is highly preferred to assist with transportation logistics.
- Familiarity with American Camp Association (ACA) standards preferred.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to maintain comprehensive records, binders of procedures, emergency contacts, and programming documentation.
- Performance skills, including comfort with storytelling, campfire skits, and maintaining camp myths/legends.
- Musical instrument skills (e.g., guitar) are a plus.
- Ability to lead diverse teams and handle challenging situations with calm, professional communication.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Experience in facility management, safety protocols, and risk management.
- Ability to work at varying hours depending on seasonal needs.
YMCA Leadership Competencies:
- Mission Advancement: Advocates for and upholds YMCA core values. Communicates the YMCA's purpose and goals effectively to members and the community.
- Collaboration: Builds and sustains strong community partnerships. Fosters positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
- Operational Effectiveness: Uses strategic thinking to ensure programs meet operational goals and financial performance standards.
- Personal Growth: Continuously seeks professional development and supports staff growth through mentoring and training.