Position Summary:

 The Sleep Away Camp Director will maintain pre-camp communications with camp staff and in cooperation with the Director of Outdoor Program, is responsible for planning the camp program and preparing for pre-camp training.  As a Camp Director, you have the opportunity to create a high-quality camping experience that is girl-driven and girl-focused. You will work as a leader in the camp community to create a culture of empowerment and enthusiasm for all campers. You will ensure that all activities adhere to quality and safety standards, address the needs and interests of members, are consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, and are equally accessible to all girls served by Girl Scouts of Connecticut.

 Major Accountabilities:

• Attends regular meetings with the other camp directors both in person and virtually.
• Works in concert with the Camp Director Team.
• Attends 2-3 trainings pertaining to the roll of Camp Director
• Following procedures and policies for hiring camp staff, i.e. hiring authorizations, reviews applications, interviews potential camp staff, checks references, and completes Hire Authorization paperwork sent to Director of Outdoor Program.
• Assists with collecting all required HR paperwork as needed.
• Works with the Director of Outdoor Program and/or Manager of Summer Camps to develop a comprehensive pre-camp training, which includes all required topics.
• Maintains open communication with the camp staff, Director of Outdoor Program, and Manager of Summer Camps.
• Assists with and attends camp promotion and camper recruitment including but not limited to camp open houses, informational nights, camp fairs and call-in nights for registration.
• Reviews and makes recommendations concerning camp materials including but not limited to camp confirmations, staff manuals, licensing materials, forms and letters needed for the operation of camp.
• Be available and respond to inquiries by potential staff
• Works on projects individually or as small teams as assigned
• Ensure camp operations follow the laws of the State of CT, the policies of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, the standards of the American Camp Association, and Safety Activity Checkpoint Standards.
• Responsible for daily supervision and management of all staff. Includes, but is not limited to, overseeing staff activity, taking corrective action as it relates to each staff member, training in all required aspects of each staff member’s job description and evaluation of staff performance.
• Keep current with Connecticut State Licensing regulations and American Camping Association (ACA) standards, preparing all required material for inspections.
• Actively recruits summer camp staff.
• Maintain appropriate time and attendance and other employment records in accordance with the Human Resources and Payroll Department policies.
• Maintain fiscal control within line items designated to be under Camp Director’s control (e.g. salaries, camp supplies, food, training expenses, etc.) with oversite of purchasing for camp materials.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Camp while evaluating, planning, and directing camp operations, health and safety, and programs
• Plan, develop, and direct summer day camp program with the support of the Assistant Camp Director that meets the needs and interests of Girl Scout members and other girls in the camp’s target populations.
• Have a visible, regular presence on the front lines while summer camp is in session
• Supervise the following positions: Director of First Aid, Assistant Camp Director, Program Director, Waterfront Director, and Camp Administrative Assistant
• Assist with recruitment of campers.
• Ensures schedules are created for campers and program areas. Assigns staff as appropriate.
• Ensure camp staff models, communicates, and works well with a diverse group of campers (background, knowledge/abilities) to encourage everyone’s full participation in Girl Scouting.
• Assists in the opening and closing of the camp season.
• Provide for regular in-service training and staff meetings throughout the summer.
• Conducts weekly advisory meetings to evaluate the needs of campers.
• Establish and clearly communicate performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and provide recommendation for staff rehire.
• Maintains professional camp/staff relationships. Assures professional staff conduct is maintained (camper/staff relationships) throughout the camp season.
• Maintain health and safety standards for campers and staff.
• Maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents regarding camper issues as necessary and notifies Manager of Summer Camps of situations as appropriate
• Provide, update, and perform emergency procedures and drills during the camp season.
• Enforce reasonable stewardship of the camp, its property, and equipment.
• Keep records and reports as necessary.
  • Submit all incident reports as required by State Licensing and GSOFCT within 24 hours and follow up as required in a timely manner to the Director of Outdoor Program and/or Manager of Summer Camps
  • Maintain accurate and timely financial records for your camp. Follows through to ensure all accounts are reconciled on a weekly basis and at the end of camp.
  • Completes work order requests for property repairs as needed.
• Meet with a member(s) of the property staff, Director of Outdoor Program, and Manager of Summer Camps to do a post camp walk through.
• Meet with Director of Outdoor Program for final evaluation
• Ensures that year-end reports, evaluations and inventories are completed and submitted to Director of Outdoor Program and/or Manager of Summer Camps.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Skills and Competencies:

• Must be at 21 years of age or older
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 2 seasons working at a summer camp
• Commitment to the Girl Scout approach to outdoor education and experiential learning
• Strong leadership abilities
• Show the willingness to abide by the policies and practices of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.
• Valid driver’s license
• Qualify as a Youth Camp Director with the state of Connecticut
• First Aid/CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Medication Administration Certification must be obtained upon being hired
• Possess experience which relates to job responsibilities including successful experience in outdoor programs, management of children and staff, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates good judgment in anticipating and preventing accidents and possess the ability to make sound decisions in a crisis.
• Writes clearly, tactfully and effectively, demonstrating strong grammar and usage skills
• Enthusiasm, energy and a positive presence as a role model
• Working knowledge of computer software, word processing, and database operations

 Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and facilities and camper and staff behavior.
• Ability to provide first aid and to assist campers and staff in an emergency with a clear and level head
• Required to live on-site during the camp season