Camp Director, Camp IB - Summer 2027

Asd 1817; Connecticut; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The American School for the Deaf operates Isola Bella, a summer residential camp for deaf children ages 8 to 17 in Salisbury, Connecticut. The Camp Director leads the Isola Bella Summer Program, ensuring program quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Under the Camp Manager, you plan and evaluate activities, supervise staff, and maintain strong communication with parents and guardians. The role emphasizes leadership, inclusion, and learning through experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required with at least 3 years of experience with deaf and hard of hearing children/youth.
• Proficiency in ASL required.
• Prior experience as camp director or in an administrative/supervisory capacity within a camp.
• Knowledge of the Youth Camping Act and maintaining standards for campers.
• Background checks (DCF and DPS) required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the total operation of the Isola Bella Summer Program under the Camp Manager.
• Interviews and hires staff and coordinates training and support.
• Establishes schedules, including pay scales, hours and operation days, and staff duties.
• Ensures full compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Serves as Safety Officer and ensures safe operation of the program.
• Approves activities, trips and events; manages materials purchasing.
• Collaborates with PR staff and Camp Manager to educate the community.
• Provides strong leadership to campers and staff; maintains a positive environment.
• Maintains camper safety, relationships with parents/guardians, and communications.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Staff supervision

Leadership

Educational administration

Background checks

Communication skills

Decision making

Program development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

It's not too early to begin thinking about Summer Employment!

Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains on Twin Lakes, Salisbury, Connecticut, "Isola Bella" means Beautiful Island in Italian. Isola Bella was bequeathed to The American School by the late Ferrari Ward and his wife, Muriel Alvord Ward. Both were members of the ASD Board of Directors and Mrs. Ward was the first woman to serve on the board. Through this wonderful gift, the American School became the United States’ first school for the deaf to offer a summer program for deaf and hard of hearing youngsters and is the only camp for deaf children in Southern New England. Isola Bella is a scenic island estate that has been turned into a recreational/residential summer camp for deaf children ranging in age from 8 years to 17 years old. A wide variety of activities are offered depending on camper’s skill and interest level. Some of these activities include: archery, arts & crafts, camp studies, swimming, sailing and canoeing, water skiing, overnight camping, hiking, team and non-competitive games and a variety of special trips and projects. The philosophy of the program is "learning through experience."

Position: Camp Director

Description: Seasonal

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Camp Manager, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates a summer residential camp at Camp Isola Bella.

PRIMARY DUTIES :

• Oversees the total operation of the Isola Bella Summer Program at all times, except when such responsibility shall be given to the Assistant Director.
• Interviews and hires staff and schedules appropriate training and support for staff.
• Establishes schedules, including but not limited to pay scales, hours and days of operation, duty schedules, personnel duties, policy and staff responsibilities.
• Ensures that the Island is in full compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Serves as Safety Officer and is responsible for the safe operation of the program.
• Approves appropriate camp activities, trips, and events.
• Acts as the purchasing agent for materials needed for the continuing operation of the program with approval by the Camp Manager.
• Develops and works with public relations staff and Camp Manager, along with others, to market and educate the community about Isola Bella.
• Provides effective leadership to campers and staff.
• Oversees all instructional settings and develops /approves outlines for programs, oversees camp’s Newsletter and prepares end of camp report.
• Is responsible for the physical security of the campers.
• Create surveys for staff, families and campers.
• Establishes and enforces standards for campers' behavior, staff conduct, discipline, bullying prevention, inclusion, and conflict resolution.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents/guardians and serves as the primary point of contact for program-related questions, concerns, complaints and communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Applicants must be over age twenty-one and will be required to submit both DCF and DPS background checks.
• Bachelor’s Degree required with a minimum 3 years of experience with deaf and hard of hearing children/youth.
• Proficiency in ASL required.
• Prior experience as a camp director or experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity within a camp environment.
• CPR and First Aid strongly encouraged while having Lifeguard certificate is an option.
• Applicants must demonstrate good judgment and excellent leadership skills.
• The Camp IB Director will be responsible to uphold and maintain the standards required under the Youth Camping Act.
• Must possess the ability to effectively supervise, motivate, evaluate and support staff while fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for campers.
• Must demonstrate sound judgement, strong leadership and organizational skills, effective communication and the ability to make timely and appropriate decisions in a dynamic camp environment

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.