Camp Director

Lansing YMCA; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Burlington YMCA is seeking a Camp Director for Camp Abnaki to provide leadership and administrative oversight, ensuring daily operations align with the Y's mission and values and deliver an exceptional camper and staff experience.

The role focuses on creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive camp culture, building strong relationships with families and the community, and sustaining high-quality programs that promote character development and community impact.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to build and develop programs and execute efficiently and effectively.
• A strong working knowledge of budget management 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
• A working 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 lead with a positive attitude.
• Ability to lead groups, facilitate meetings and training, and clearly communicate expectations.
• Working knowledge of applicable camp regulations, state and federal requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with camper parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, ensuring daily operations reflect the Y's mission and values.
• Foster a community where campers feel known, welcomed, safe, and connected; staff feel supported, empowered, and accountable.
• Maintain an active, visible presence throughout camp; build strong relationships with campers and staff.
• Ensure programs promote character development, skill-building, belonging, achievement, and community while maintaining financial sustainability.

Skills

Camp leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

Relationship building

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or Recreation

Job description

This position supports the work of the Greater Burlington YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Camp Director provides leadership and administrative oversight for Camp Abnaki, ensuring daily operations reflect the Y's mission and values while delivering an exceptional experience for campers and staff.

Success in this role means fostering a community where campers feel known, welcomed, safe, and connected; staff feel supported, empowered, and accountable; and the camp motto, “Help the Other Fellow,” is reflected in everyday interactions. The Director maintains an active, visible presence throughout camp, builds strong relationships with campers and staff, and proactively addresses concerns to support a positive camp culture. Through engaging, high-quality programs that promote character development, skill-building, belonging, achievement, and community, the Director ensures that Camp Abnaki remains financially sustainable, operationally sound, and focused on its long-term goals.

• At least 5 years of experience working in a resident camp leadership role is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to build and develop programs and execute efficiently and effectively.
• A strong working knowledge of budget management 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
• A working 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 lead with a positive attitude.
• Ability to lead groups, facilitate meetings and training, and clearly communicate expectations.
• Working knowledge of applicable camp regulations, state and federal requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with camper parents and guardians through responsive communication and a commitment to a positive camper experience.