Description

Program Director of Discovery 
 
Position Summary 
The Program Director of Discovery will be part of a team hired to plan and coordinate all aspects of the summer overnight and day camp programs at Camp Sealth. This position hires, trains, and supervises seasonal camp staff, coordinates schedules and program logistics, and oversees the implementation of a high-quality summer camp program. They will support the summer program as a member of the leadership team, supporting training, and supervision of the summer management Program Team, along with summer camp logistics. 
 
Position Details 

Job Title : Program Director of Discovery 
Department : Camping 
Location : Camp Sealth 
Reports To : Summer Camp Assistant Director  
FLSA Status : Exempt 
Full/Part Time : Full Time 
Regular/Temporary : Temporary – Long Term Seasonal  
Salary : $692 per week 
Housing : Seasonal onsite housing provided 
  
Organization Overview 
Camp Sealth is a summer camp, outdoor education center, and retreat facility serving around 7,000 people year-round. Summer camp is comprised of eight weeks of overnight camp and day camp, serving over 2,000 youth each summer. The program is staffed by 130 seasonal paid staff members and 100 volunteers. Camp Sealth’s summer program is gender-inclusive and serves youth from ages 5 to 17 in traditional outdoor camp and specialty programs including horseback riding, outdoor adventures, boating, and more. Our core values include the inclusivity of people of all backgrounds and abilities, clear and open communication, and putting campers first in everything that we do. 
 
Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Shared job responsibilities with summer leadership team (Program Directors): 
• Plan and implement a two-week training program for all summer staff, and a one-week training program for summer supervisors (Program Team).  
• Manage budgets related to camp program areas and summer camp supplies. 
• Coordinate camp logistics such as scheduling, transportation, meals, special events, etc. 
• Supervise seasonal managerial staff and provide leadership and support as part of the Program Director team. 
• For assigned specialty or program areas, provide overall leadership including updating manuals, training staff, and managing resources. 
• Assure adherence to Camp Fire standards, affiliate policies, ACA standards and various government regulations and laws. During ACA visit years, assist with the accreditation process.
• Be on call at least one day per week, including occasional staff break days, to handle parent inquiries, staff questions, and other needs as they arise.   

 
Unique job responsibilities for the Program Director of Discovery: 

• Manage and oversee a camper unit, including direct supervision of its 1-2 Unit Leaders to ensure delivery of a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for campers. See Camper Units below.  
  
  • Fireflies – Grades 2-4 
  • The Hill – Grades 4-6 
  • Village – Grades 6-8 
  • Horizon – Grades 8-10 
  • Day Camp – Grades K-6 
  • Wrangler – Grades 4-9 
• Manage and oversee the Adventure Camper Unit, including direct supervision of the Adventure Unit Leader and ensuring safe, well-coordinated delivery of trips-based programming.  The Adventure Unit oversees:  
  
  • Adventure Trips (trips to North Cascades, Mt. St. Helens, and backpacking trips) 
  • Nocturnal Camp (night-focused activities) 
  • Explorers (outdoor living skills & nature) 
  • Kiwanis (water-based program culminating in sailing). 
• Supervise the Waterfront Coordinator and lifeguard team, ensuring that all waterfront programming meets safety standards while providing engaging aquatic experiences for campers. 
• Ensure that all trips and waterfront programs adhere to best practices in risk management, safety, and staff training while promoting camper growth, skill development, and adventure. 
• Oversee the upkeep, inventory, and safe use of specialized equipment for adventure trips and the waterfront program. 
• Collaborate with the Summer Camp Assistant Director to coordinate logistics, including transportation, permits, schedules, and staff support for out of camp trips and specialty programs. 
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to staff leading high-skill program areas, fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and experiential learning. 
• Ensure that specialized programs reflect Camp Fire’s mission by promoting personal growth, environmental stewardship, and a spirit of adventure among campers. 

Secondary Job Responsibilities 

• Assist with affiliate events and Camp Sealth weekend events as needed, with appropriate notice.  
• Support the camp community where needed with emergency response, light maintenance, facilities upkeep, etc.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
 
Camp Fire strives to continuously provide diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments throughout our organizations and programs. We recognize that both access to and success in our programs requires intentional work, to cultivate respect, eliminate systemic barriers, and address injustice head-on. We at Camp Fire believe that words must be followed by progress, action, and accountability. We recognize that our efforts will be ongoing and evolving as we continue to grow, learn, collaborate, and press for an equitable future. 
 
Equal Opportunity Employment  
 
Camp Fire is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sec (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  
 
Camp Fire is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills 
Camp Fire recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. We believe that a diversity of professional and life experiences can lead to a well-rounded team.  
 
Applicants who do not meet all the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply. Applicants of non-dominant cultures are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum age 21.  
• Valid driver’s license, at least 5 years’ driving experience, and clean driving record.  
• At least one season of experience in a supervisory position in a summer camp program.  
• Knowledge and understanding of youth, teens, and young adults.  
• Proficiency in English language.  
• Organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.  
• Ability to live on-site in camp-provided housing, adapt to the camp lifestyle, and be on-call 24 hours/day when camp is in session.  
• Ability to live in community, work through conflict directly, and emulate these characteristics for seasonal staff and supervisees.

Skills 

• Creation and implementation of youth programming.  
• Supervision, team management, and conflict resolution.  
• Responsibility, flexibility, open communication, and accountability.  
• Ability to accept and give honest and productive feedback.  
• Cultural responsiveness in working with staff, volunteers, and youth.  
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently.  
• Competency with basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite.  
• Ability to contribute to a positive and healthy community living environment.  
• Ability to promote and model self-care with peers and other staff.

Additional Desired Skills 

• Intermediate to advanced equestrian knowledge 
• Bilingual (fluent in Spanish & English)
• Advanced Certifications: Lifeguard, Wilderness First Aid or higher, Outdoor Trip Leadership 

 
Physical Requirements 

• Standing for long periods of time. 
• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds. 
• Repetitive motions of hands/wrists. 
• Visual/auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and facilities. 
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written.  
• Physical ability to lead activities such as archery, low ropes course, arts & crafts, waterfront, horse riding and nature. (Will train as needed)  
• Strenuous walking and hiking over uneven terrain.