Summer Camp Director

Description

General Information 

Reports to: Outdoor Experience Director  

Location: Camp Conowingo  

Position Type: Seasonal  

Primary Summer Dates: June 15–August 20, 2027  

Pre-Season Commitment: Approximately 5–15 hours per month, January–May  

Position Summary   

The Summer Camp Director leads the day-to-day operation of Camp Conowingo’s summer programs, creating a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for campers and staff. Working closely with the Outdoor Experience Director, this role participates in pre-season planning and serves as the primary on-site leader during the summer season. 

What You’ll Do  

• Lead the camp community – Oversee day-to-day camp operations and foster a positive, inclusive community grounded in Girl Scout values. 
• Build and support a strong staff team – Participate in hiring and onboarding; lead staff training; and supervise, coach, and evaluate seasonal staff. 
• Create an unforgettable camper experience – Support engaging, age-appropriate programming and camper wellbeing, including behavioral, social-emotional, and homesickness needs. 
• Bring summer programs to life – Implement established programs and schedules while adapting to camper needs, weather, staffing, and daily operations. 
• Prioritize safety and compliance – Ensure camp follows GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints, MDH Youth Camp Regulations, ACA accreditation standards, council policies, and emergency procedures. 
• Partner with families – Maintain positive, professional communication with caregivers regarding camper needs, concerns, and incidents. 
• Keep camp running – Coordinate schedules, supplies, equipment, meals, transportation, facilities, and other operational needs. 
• Manage camp administration – Maintain required records and reports, complete incident documentation, and manage approved spending within established procedures. 
• Evaluate and improve – Evaluate camp operations and programming and contribute recommendations for future seasons. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe and successful camp operations. 

Pre-Season Responsibilities  

From January through May, the Summer Camp Director works approximately 5–15 paid hours per month supporting seasonal staff recruitment and hiring, staff training preparation, program and schedule planning, required training and certifications, and orientation to Camp Conowingo and council procedures. 

What You’ll Bring  

• Must be at least 25 years of age by the start of the primary summer season.  
• At least two prior seasons of administrative or supervisory experience. 
• Experience working directly with children and youth.  
• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, youth development, outdoor education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.  
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced camp environment. 
• Ability to lead a diverse seasonal team and create a positive, collaborative staff culture.  
• Commitment to creating inclusive environments where campers and staff feel welcomed, respected, and supported.   
• Familiarity with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and/or Girl Scout programming preferred, but not required.  
• Knowledge of American Camp Association standards, youth camp regulations, or similar camp safety and quality standards preferred.  
• Current certifications relevant to camp operations, such as First Aid/CPR, Lifeguarding, Archery, or challenge course programming, are a plus.  

Schedule & Seasonal Commitment  

Paid pre-season work runs January–May. The full-time summer season runs June 15–August 20, 2027, including staff training, sleepaway camp, and end-of-season responsibilities. Some start-date flexibility may be available and can be discussed during the hiring process. 

During the summer season, the Summer Camp Director resides on-site at Camp Conowingo and works a flexible camp schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with scheduled time off. 

Compensation, Housing & Meals  

• Summer Season Compensation: $5,500–$7,000 for the primary summer season, commensurate with experience.  
• Pre-Season Compensation: Pre-season work is paid separately at an hourly rate. Hourly rate to be determined. 
• Housing & Meals: On-site housing and meals are provided during the primary summer season.  

Physical & Environmental Requirements  

This position requires extensive work in an outdoor camp environment, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven terrain, working in varying weather conditions, participating in camp activities, responding during emergencies, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.  

Why Join Us?  

As Summer Camp Director, you’ll help create the environment where campers try something new, build independence, make friends, and discover what they’re capable of. You’ll lead the seasonal team that makes those experiences possible while helping shape the continued growth of Camp Conowingo.  

Through paid pre-season work beginning in January, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the program, contribute ideas, help build your staff team, and prepare alongside the Outdoor Experience Director before campers arrive.