THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR
CAMP DIRECTOR, CAMP ISOLA BELLA
Click here to view in ASL.
CLOSING DATE: Open Until filled
REVISED: 09/14/2026
POST: 09/21/2026
It's not too early to begin thinking about Summer Employment!
Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains on Twin Lakes, Salisbury, Connecticut, “Isola Bella” means Beautiful Island in Italian. Isola Bella was bequeathed to The American School by the late Ferrari Ward and his wife, Muriel Alvord Ward. Both were members of the ASD Board of Directors and Mrs. Ward was the first woman to serve on the board. Through this wonderful gift, the American School became the United States’ first school for the deaf to offer a summer program for deaf and hard of hearing youngsters and is the only camp for deaf children in Southern New England. Isola Bella is a scenic island estate that has been turned into a recreational/residential summer camp for deaf children ranging in age from 8 years to 17 years old. A wide variety of activities are offered depending on camper’s skill and interest level. Some of these activities include: archery, arts & crafts, camp studies, swimming, sailing and canoeing, water skiing, overnight camping, hiking, team and non-competitive games and a variety of special trips and projects. The philosophy of the program is “learning through experience.”
Position: Camp Director
Department: Camp Isola Bella
Supervisor: Camp Manager
Description: Seasonal
Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining (NCB)
SCOPE OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the Camp Manager, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates a summer residential camp at Camp Isola Bella.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Oversees the total operation of the Isola Bella Summer Program at all times, except when such responsibility shall be given to the Assistant Director.
- Interviews and hires staff and schedules appropriate training and support for staff.
- Establishes schedules, including but not limited to pay scales, hours and days of operation, duty schedules, personnel duties, policy and staff responsibilities.
- Ensures that the Island is in full compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
- Serves as Safety Officer and is responsible for the safe operation of the program.
- Approves appropriate camp activities, trips, and events.
- Acts as the purchasing agent for materials needed for the continuing operation of the program with approval by the Camp Manager.
- Develops and works with public relations staff and Camp Manager, along with others, to market and educate the community about Isola Bella.
- Provides effective leadership to campers and staff.
- Oversees all instructional settings and develops /approves outlines for programs, oversees camp’s Newsletter and prepares end of camp report.
- Is responsible for the physical security of the campers.
- Create surveys for staff, families and campers.
- Establishes and enforces standards for campers' behavior, staff conduct, discipline, bullying prevention, inclusion, and conflict resolution.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents/guardians and serves as the primary point of contact for program-related questions, concerns, complaints and communications.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Applicants must be over age twenty-one and will be required to submit both DCF and DPS background checks.
- Bachelor’s Degree required with a minimum 3 years of experience with deaf and hard of hearing children/youth.
- Proficiency in ASL required.
- Prior experience as a camp director or experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity within a camp environment.
- CPR and First Aid strongly encouraged while having Lifeguard certificate is an option.
- Applicants must demonstrate good judgment and excellent leadership skills.
- The Camp IB Director will be responsible to uphold and maintain the standards required under the Youth Camping Act.
- Must possess the ability to effectively supervise, motivate, evaluate and support staff while fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for campers.
- Must demonstrate sound judgement, strong leadership and organizational skills, effective communication and the ability to make timely and appropriate decisions in a dynamic camp environment
ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
Skills Required
- Must be over 21 years of age
- Must submit DCF and DPS background checks
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum three years of experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing children or youth
- Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Prior experience as a camp director or in an administrative or supervisory camp role
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Lifeguard certification
- Good judgment and strong leadership, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills
- Ability to supervise, motivate, evaluate, and support staff while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and positive camper environment
What We Do
Mission & Philosophy: ASD's communication approach embraces an American Sign Language (ASL)/English Bi-Lingual approach, the integration of American Sign Language, speech, auditory training, reading, writing, and use of assistive devices as essential parts of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) that enables students to achieve true language and communication literacy in order to be successful life-long learners. Founded in 1817, the American School for the Deaf was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States and a nationally renowned leader in providing comprehensive educational, programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The American School for the Deaf (ASD) offers deaf and hard of hearing students ages 3-21 a full range of educational programming from pre-school through twelfth grade. Working together with parents and local school districts, ASD staff develop an educational program designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Classes are kept small to meet the needs of diverse learning styles. All Pre-K-12 curriculum offerings are based on State of Connecticut Common Core State Standards as established by the state Department of Education. PACES (Positive Attitudes Concerning Education and Socialization) Program The PACES program serves deaf and hard of hearing students whose emotional/behavioral disorders prevent them from participating in regular academic or other special education settings. PACES students receive intense psychological services integrated with an individualized education plan in either a five- or seven-day program. Dormitories for PACES students are Connecticut Department of Children and Families licensed residential treatment facilities.
