DIRECTOR OF CAMPING & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Camping & Outdoor Education provides visionary and hands-on leadership for all camping and outdoor education programs, advancing the YMCA mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

This leader models and upholds the YMCA core values of Faith, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty while providing strategic direction, operational excellence, and a welcoming camp culture. The Director is a visible, energetic presence who leads from the front while also carrying essential administrative and leadership responsibilities. This role plays a key part in growing camper participation, expanding programming, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the camp’s annual campaign. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Staff Development 

• Lead, supervise, and develop year-round and seasonal camping and outdoor education staff in alignment with YMCA values 
• Foster a culture of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty, ensuring all staff feel supported, accountable, and mission-aligned 
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers who model positive character and servant leadership 
• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and professional growth opportunities 

Program Development & Growth 

• Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality day camp, overnight camp, and outdoor education programs that nurture faith, character, leadership, and a love for the outdoors 
• Grow camper enrollment and expand programs to reach new families, schools, and communities 
• Ensure programs are inclusive, engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate 
• Regularly assess program impact and make data-informed improvements 

Camper, Staff & Volunteer Recruitment 

• Lead camper recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with marketing and advancement teams 
• Build relationships with families, schools, and community partners 
• Recruit and support volunteers who contribute meaningfully to camp programs 

Operations, Administration & Stewardship 

• Develop and manage program budgets with a strong sense of responsibility and stewardship 
• Ensure deadlines, reporting, and operational requirements are met with accuracy and integrity 
• Oversee program logistics, schedules, and risk management practices 
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, safety standards, and accreditation requirements 

Partnerships & Advancement 

• Develop and maintain strong school partnerships for outdoor education programs 
• Support the camp’s annual campaign by sharing stories of impact, collaborating on engagement opportunities, and supporting fundraising efforts 
• Serve as an ambassador for the camp and the YMCA mission within the community 

Safety, Training & Program Support 

• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and values-centered environment for all campers, staff, and guests 
• Maintain or willingness to obtain required certifications, including: 
• Level 2 ACCT (preferred) 
• Lifeguard Certification 
• Target Sports 
• YMCA Team leader 
• Serve as a visible leader during camp operations, modeling professionalism, and integrity 

OUR CULTURE:  Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

BENEFITS: We believe meaningful work deserves meaningful perks! As a full-time exempt team member, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible medical, dental, and vision plans, supplemental insurance options, paid training, generous PTO, and an HSA match. You'll also receive a complimentary nationwide YMCA family membership, exclusive discounts on YMCA programs like swim lessons and camps, and access to our YMCA Retirement Plan—so you can grow, thrive, and plan for your future while making a difference every day.  

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

• Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.  
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.  
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.  
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.  
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential. 
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.  

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

• 21 years of age or older 
• Bachelors Degree  
• 3+ years' experience leading successful YMCA or mission-driven day and overnight camps 
• Demonstrated ability to grow programs and increase camper participation 
• Strong organizational, administrative, and budget management skills 
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build trust and relationships 
• Passion for outdoor education, youth development, and Christian principles 
• Ability to live onsite in a shared housing environment 
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required by camp operations 

YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.

Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.

Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.

Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.

Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable. 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources. 

JOB TITLE: Director of Camping & Outdoor Education  

LOCATION: YMCA Camp Kirkwood - Watha, NC - Onsite (Shared Living Provided) 

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time 

FLSA: Exempt 

PAY RATE:  $40000-$45000  / Year

REVISION DATE: 8-3-2026 

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.