Seasonal Camp Director

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center; Elmer (NJ); On-site; USD 22,500 - 27,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Meals provided during camp

Job summary

A community-focused arts camp is seeking a Camp Director in Elmer, NJ, for a six-month leadership role responsible for camp programming and staff management. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage diverse teams. This role includes on-site living during the summer, budget oversight, and a salary of $25,000. The position has the potential for year-round opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in youth programming or camp settings.
• Proven ability to manage diverse staff teams and complex schedules.
• Experience with budgeting and operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of arts-based camp program.
• Supervise and evaluate seasonal camp leadership and staff.
• Manage daily schedules, staffing coverage, and program logistics.
• Collaborate across departments to align programming and activities.
• Gather and analyze feedback to inform program improvements.

Skills

Staff management

Communication skills

Budgeting

Crisis management

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Job description

This is a seasonal leadership role (6 month contract) responsible for the design, implementation, and day‑to‑day execution of camp programming and residential systems. The Camp Director provides leadership across all programmatic and bunk life areas, supervises the assistant camp director team and leadership staff, manages complex schedules and coverage, and partners closely with camp and organizational leadership to ensure consistency, structure, and communication throughout the camp season.

The Camp Director supervises and collaborates with the assistant camp director team to support high‑quality program delivery, strong staff culture, and a cohesive camp experience. This role also oversees program budgets, resource allocation, staff performance evaluation, and continuous program improvement through data collection and feedback.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Appel Farm’s arts‑based and youth‑centered camp program (P)
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate seasonal camp leadership and staff (P)
• Manage daily schedules, staffing coverage, time‑off requests, and program logistics (P)
• Collaborate across departments to align programming, bunk life systems, activities, and operations (P)
• Support staff training, onboarding, and professional development (S)
• Oversee program budgets and track departmental expenditures (S)
• Gather and analyze feedback from campers, families, and staff to inform improvements (P)
• Support emergency response planning, conflict resolution, and crisis management (P)
• Ensure all programming reflects Appel Farm’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and inclusion (P)

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven ability to manage large, diverse staff teams and complex schedules
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with budgeting and operational oversight
• Confidence in crisis response, conflict resolution, and high‑pressure decision‑making
• Commitment to anti‑bias, youth‑centered care, and inclusive community building
• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in youth programming or residential camp settings, or equivalent

Camp/youth‑centered leadership experience is required.

Art experience is not required.

This position reports to the Director of Camper & Family Engagement and Executive Leader of Education and works closely with the Programs Team year‑round. Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs. (P) = Primary Job Function | (S) = Secondary Job Function

Seasonal: February 15 – August 15

Salary: $25,000 (six‑month contract, with potential for year‑round position)

Location: Elmer, NJ

Housing: On‑site living required from June 1 – August 7 (early and/or late housing is possible)

Meals: Included from 6/28-8/2

• Apply at: Send resume and cover letter to [e-mail]