Camp Director

Description

Lead a legacy of adventure, belonging, and community at Camp Abnaki!

The Greater Burlington YMCA is a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.  We have a great opportunity for an experienced, visionary Camp Director to provide leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, the nation's oldest YMCA all-boys camp.

The Camp Director will drive the vision, operations, and community culture of Camp Abnaki; staying true to our roots while building a legacy for future generations. This role will build vibrant community and alumni partnerships, oversee strategic property development, manage annual budget, and manage and mentor a diverse group of seasonal employees.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Deep Community Impact:  Lead a community where the motto "Help the Other Fellow" is lived daily.
• Beautiful Vermont Setting: Live and lead in a dynamic, outdoor camp environment on the shores of Lake Champlain.
• Broad Leadership Scope: Own everything from big-picture philanthropy and strategic marketing to hands-on program creation and delivery.

What You'll Do:

• Cultivate Camp Culture: Maintain an active, visible presence in daily camp life, creating an inclusive, emotionally safe environment where campers and staff feel known, valued, and connected.
• Creative Camp Programming:  Develop diverse programs that focus on skill development, character development, outdoor adventure, recreation, and environmental education where the emphasis is experiential, oriented towards cooperative group work, values-focused, and fun.  
• Drive Financial & Operational Excellence: Develop and manage the annual camp budget, meet net income targets, and partner with executive leadership on annual and capital philanthropy campaigns.
• Lead and Empower a Diverse Team: Oversee all recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and performance management for camp staff while shaping an organized supervisory framework.
• Uphold Safety & Compliance Standards: Ensure all practices, property, and programs strictly conform to local, state, federal, and American Camping Association (ACA) guidelines.
• Strategic Growth & Alumni Engagement: Collaborate on the long-term Camp Abnaki Comprehensive Plan, spearheading marketing initiatives, alumni relations, and property improvements.

What You'll Bring to the Role: 

• Mission-Driven Leadership: A proven track record of community service, background supporting fundraising efforts, and a dedication to the Y's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Exceptional Collaboration: The ability to relate well to diverse backgrounds, listen actively, navigate challenging situations calmly, and champion diversity and inclusion.
• Operational & Financial Savvy: Strong expertise in budget management, experience establishing and exceeding programmatic goals, and a drive for continuous improvement in all areas of responsibility.
• Commitment to Growth: A self-motivated approach to professional development, openness to organizational change, and up-to-date knowledge of camping industry trends.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role is required. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or a related field is preferred. Relevant education and experience will be considered. 
• Ability to live on-site during the camp season and support overnight on-call responsibilities.
• Ability to build and develop quality, camp programming and execute 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 with the ability to understand and process month-to-month expenses.  
• Ability to work effectively with youth and teens by building relationships that create positive, inclusive camp experiences. 
• Ability to build trusting relationships with campers' parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience. 
• Knowledge of marketing, fundraising, public relations, and property management. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to campers, families, staff, donors, the community, and organizational leadership.  
• Possess a strong sense of patience and acceptance and leading with a positive attitude. 
• Ability to lead groups, facilitate meetings and trainings, and clearly communicate expectations. 
• 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to quickly navigate through remote locations and uneven terrain on camp property. 
• Ability, both visual and auditory, to identify and respond to safety and environmental hazards and inform campers, staff, and guests.  
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds. 
• Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing/walking for extended periods of time.