Day Camp Director

Position: Day Camp Director

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Program Director

Position Summary:

The Day Camp Director furthers the mission of Wanakee through the planning and delivery of Day Camp activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities. Prior to the arrival of campers, the Day Camp Director collaborates with the Program Director to create a schedule for the program, plan specialized activities, and identify the supplies they need to implement the program. The Day Camp Director works with counseling staff to care for day campers and lead them through activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Program Director to develop an engaging day camp program aligned with Wanakee’s program goals. 
  • Work with the Program Director to develop a schedule prior to the start of the program, ensuring all program goals are met.
  • Collaborate with other specialists and Program Director to plan specialized activities, including coordinating with the Activity Specialist to ensure necessary supplies are obtained.
  • Lead at least 1-2 themed activities for campers each day of the program. 
• Provide care and supervision for Day Campers alongside Counseling Staff
  • Assure proper camper supervision in accordance with Wanakee’s supervision policy.
  • Lead and assist with daily activities as necessary.
  • Maintain high standards of health and safety and camper care, including attending to campers’ medical, and personal care needs and ensuring safety procedures are followed in all areas of camp programming. 
  • Foster a welcoming and vibrant Day Camp culture.
• Support counselors with behavior management and ensuring campers’ needs are met.
  • Work with staff to address behavioral issues that arise between campers.
  • Alert staff counselors and Program Director of any behavioral incidents in accordance with Wanakee’s behavior management policies.
• Act as a professional point of contact for parents and other stakeholders.  
  • Maintain a welcoming atmosphere at check in and check out each day. 
  • Communicate professionally with parents about behavioral needs and other matters as necessary. 

Other Job Duties:

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading as needed.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnight, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Directors which may include  assisting in other areas of camp.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification (course offered to staff during training).
• Must be at least 18 years old. Age 21 preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Background in education, outdoor education, youth development, or youth ministry desired.
• Experience in a summer camp setting. Training and experience in a variety of program activities offered at the camp, particularly adventure programming activities.  
• Experience in supervising others, especially peers, is desirable. 

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to observe camper/staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards related to activities.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including climbing, standing, swimming, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting Salary: $4,050 (Note: For international staff, this amount may be adjusted for applicable visa or agency fees.)

Room and board provided for the duration of the seasonal contract. 

Bonuses available for obtaining and using lifeguard and/or ropes certification during the summer.

About Wanakee: 

Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our camp and retreat programming focuses on building loving relationships and communities of radical acceptance. Find us at www.wanakee.org or on most social media outlets @wanakeenh.