MD Summer 2027 Camp Director

DEAN Adventure Camps, LLC.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 2,721,000 - 2,958,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Background checks reimbursed

Free snacks, coffee & parking

Employee discounts

Job summary

DEAN Adventure Camps, LLC. seeks a MD Summer Camp Director to lead an engaging, inclusive summer program in Bethesda, MD. You will oversee daily operations, supervise a 10–15 member team, and maintain strong school-partner relationships.

The role requires 3+ years as a camp or recreation director, strong communication, adaptability, and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. On-site, summer-only, with immunization and CPR requirements.

Qualifications

• 3 years as Camp/Recreation Director; 50–75 children weekly and 10–15 team members.
• Strong communication: clear, empathetic, proactive with families and campers.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between DEAN Adventure Camps and school-partner.
• Oversee daily camp operations to ensure safety and quality.
• Supervise onsite team of 10–15; conduct evaluations and develop staff.
• Maintain inclusive team culture and manage schedules/timesheets.
• Ensure daily camper safety and effective parent communication.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication

Adaptability

High Energy

Organization

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

MD Summer Camp Director

Who We Are

At DEAN Camps, we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures, all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.

Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more: DEAN Camps.

What Makes You a Great Fit

This job is ideal for experienced camp or recreation directors who excel in high-energy environments.

• Leadership & Team Experience – 3 years of experience working as a Camp or Recreation Director, serving at least 50-75 children weekly and managing 10-15 team members, and 2 years teaching with classroom management.
• Strong Communication Skills – You lead with clarity, empathy, patience, intentionality, and collaboration. You communicate proactively and clearly. This communication spans across families, partners, team members, and campers.
• Adaptability & Quick Thinking – You thrive in fast-paced environments and solve challenges with ease.
• High Energy & Enthusiasm – You bring a positive and motivating attitude, with a proven passion for working with both children and teams, ensuring every camper and team member feels safe, engaged, and inspired daily.
• Organized & Reliable – You balance structured programming with creative fun, ensuring process visibility for necessary team members.
• Relationship Building – You have a history of building and maintaining fruitful school-partner contact relationships, families, and team members, while upholding your employers’ brand, values, and mission.
• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

What You’ll Do

As the MD Summer Camp Director, you’ll lead an engaging and inclusive summer program that fosters creativity and skill-building. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as the primary liaison between DEAN Adventure Camps and our school-partner, ensuring alignment, collaboration, growth, and satisfaction:
  • This position is hired by and considered an employee of DEAN Adventure Camps. We partner with Sidwell Friends Lower School.

• Overseeing daily camp operations to ensure a safe, structured, smooth, and high-quality experience for both campers and team members:
  • Supervise and mentor an onsite team of 10-15 team members.
  • Conduct team member evaluations and support individual growth and development. Lead disciplinary conversations and performance evaluations to uphold camp standards and HR policies, as they arise.
  • Build a positive, kind, and inclusive team culture to keep team members motivated and growing throughout the season.
  • Run opening and closing procedures, including carline and classroom checks, prior to the cleaning team coming in that evening.
  • Manage team member scheduling, time off requests, and timesheets.
  • Execute daily camper safety standards, responding to and documenting incidents, as they occur.
  • Handle day-to-day parent communication, including carline, and day-of issues, daily NewsBlast updates, as well as parent surveys 2x per week.
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of the curriculum; observe classroom delivery for oversight of quality of instruction and quality of projects. Work with the lead instructor of each program to make adjustments as necessary. Step in to lead or assist in the classroom when team member shortages require it.
  • Manage supplies by inventorying, ordering, and troubleshooting material needs to ensure all resources are available when needed.

Schedule and Requirements

• Full on-site availability Monday–Friday from June 14–August 14
  • During the camp operation hours of 8am–4pm daily

• Commuting daily to: 5100 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
  • Training at 3825 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016

• Must be at least 25 years old.

• Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs, moving the site in and out, responding quickly to emergencies, and working in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification.

Perks and Benefits

• Pay range: $1,150-1,250 per week
• FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full-time, exempt position under the FLSA.
• Paid training: Pre-Summer remote training on: leadership, operations, and DEIB, plus in-person team and logistical training the weekend prior to camp.
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Daily perks: Free snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

DEAN Camps is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are based on job-related qualifications and business needs and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.