Day Camp Director, Summer Programs

Lawrence Academy; Groton (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA is launching a general day camp for Summer 2027.

The Day Camp Director will build and run the day camp program from the ground up for its first season, hiring and training counselors, setting the daily schedule and activity rotation, managing camper safety and family communication, and working alongside the Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs to ensure compliance with Massachusetts 105 CMR 430 camp regulations.

Qualifications

• Three years of senior camp leadership experience required.
• Knowledge of MA 105 CMR 430 or equivalent regulations.
• Age 25+ is required for Massachusetts camp director roles.
• Must pass CORI, SORI and fingerprinting background checks.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Strong communication with parents and families.
• Experience hiring, training and supervising seasonal staff.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent leadership experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee all aspects of the summer day camp program.
• Design and run the daily camp schedule, activity rotation, and weekly themes.
• Develop engaging, age-appropriate activities promoting learning and growth.
• Ensure schedules, events, and enrichment programs run smoothly.
• Foster a positive camp culture aligned with Lawrence Academy's mission.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate camp counselors and staff.
• Support camper safety: emergency procedures, headcounts, allergies, reporting.
• Serve as a secondary contact for camp families and promote retention.
• Monitor supplies and report needs for budgeting and planning.
• Assist with end-of-season reporting and recommendations.

Skills

Camp director experience

Regulatory knowledge

Age 25+

Background checks

CPR/First Aid

Strong communication

Staff management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Lawrence Academy (LA) is a boarding and day school in Groton, MA, serving 400 students in grades 9-12. LA enjoys its heritage as one of the oldest independent schools in the country while embracing a contemporary student-centered approach that supports its mission. In LA’s tightly knit environment, students are supported and encouraged to exercise their minds, discover their voices, learn creatively, and take their own initiative. The academic program is uniquely hands‑on and allows students to discover how their education can be applied in daily life.

LA has an opening for an energetic and experienced day camp and/or youth programming director to serve as its Day Camp Director, Summer Programs, with a target start date in Summer 2027.

Summary

As part of its Summer Programs, Lawrence Academy is launching a general day camp for Summer 2027. The Day Camp Director, Summer Programs will build and run the day camp program from the ground up for its first season, hiring and training counselors, setting the daily schedule and activity rotation, managing camper safety and family communication, and working alongside the Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs to ensure compliance with Massachusetts 105 CMR 430 camp regulations. This is a builder’s role—the director will have real ownership over how the camp takes shape, its contribution to organizational mission, and its impact on the internal and external community.

Reporting to the Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, this seasonal (9-10 weeks), stipend-based, exempt staff position of 40-55 hours per week requires maturity and confidence, strong communication skills, creative problem‑solving, adaptability, staff supervision, and detailed and thoughtful planning, development, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee all aspects of the summer day camp program.
• Design and run the daily camp schedule, activity rotation, and weekly themes for campers (age range to be finalized based on enrollment demand).
• Develop engaging and age‑appropriate activities that promote learning, recreation, creativity, and personal growth.
• Ensure that daily schedules, special events, and enrichment programs are executed effectively.
• Foster a positive camp culture that aligns with the school's mission and values.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of camp counselors and support staff for the eight‑week season.
• Assist with camper safety on a day‑to‑day basis: emergency procedures, headcounts, allergy/medical tracking, crisis response protocols, and incident reporting.
• Serve as the secondary point of contact for camp families, working closely with the camp office. Help to promote camper retention through exceptional communication and customer service.
• Monitor camp supplies and inventory and report needs to the Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs for budget and planning purposes.
• Support end‑of‑season reporting: what worked, what to change, recommendations for next summer.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of prior experience as a camp director, assistant director, camp administrator, youth programming administrator, or other senior camp leadership role (day camp experience strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of MA 105 CMR 430 or equivalent state camp licensing regulations and best practices.
• Massachusetts camp director requirements apply, including minimum age 25.
• Must successfully pass all required background checks, including CORI, SORI, and Fingerprinting.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain before season start).
• Strong communication skills — comfortable being the face of the program for parents and families.
• Experience hiring, training, and managing seasonal staff, including teenage counselors.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent camp leadership experience will be considered.

Other Responsibilities

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Seasonal Stipend Range: $10,000 - $16,000

The stipend range listed represents the typical pay range for this role; however, actual compensation may vary based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, experience, education, and market conditions.

Cultural competence is an essential element of teaching, working, and learning at Lawrence Academy. We are therefore seeking individuals who are committed to actively participating in professional development and engaging in our cultural competency programs that are structured to move our community forward equitably and inclusively. We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. The Academy does not discriminate and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran or Uniformed Service status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

For more information on Lawrence Academy go to www.lacademy.edu.