Camp Manager

Description

Do you love creating experiences that people remember long after they leave? Are you energized by being outdoors, leading a team, solving problems, and making sure every detail of a camp experience runs smoothly? As a Camp Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead the day-to-day camp experience, support and develop staff, create a welcoming and safe environment for campers, and help bring meaningful Girl Scout experiences to life.

The Camp Manager provides leadership and oversight for the successful operation of Girl Scout Camp  Judy Layne programs and facilities. This position blends program leadership, operational management,  staff supervision, safety oversight, and community engagement to deliver a high-quality, mission-driven  camp experience.  

The Camp Manager is responsible for creating an environment where girls can build confidence, develop  leadership skills, strengthen character, explore the outdoors, and experience meaningful opportunities for  personal growth. The position works closely with council staff, seasonal employees, volunteers, families,  and community partners to ensure that camp programs are safe, welcoming, well-organized, and aligned  with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), council, and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.  

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, and adaptable leader who enjoys working with people,  solving problems, and creating positive outdoor experiences for young people. 

Salary: 35,000 to 42,000 annually 

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Develop, coordinate, and implement camp programs that are girl-centered, inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
• Ensure camp activities support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), including opportunities for girls to develop courage, confidence, character, and leadership skills.
• Create meaningful experiential learning opportunities that encourage girls to try new things, make decisions, solve problems, work collaboratively, and build independence.
• Evaluate programs and participant experiences and recommend improvements based on feedback, participation, and program outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of new camp programs, special events, weekend programs, and seasonal offerings.
• Ensure programs are appropriately staffed, supplied, scheduled, and prepared for successful delivery.

Camp Culture & Girl Experience

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and girl-centered camp environment.
• Promote a positive camp culture that encourages belonging, teamwork, personal responsibility, and respect for others.
• Ensure camper needs and experiences remain at the center of camp decision-making.
• Model appropriate behavior, communication, professionalism, and conflict resolution.
• Support staff in creating positive relationships with campers while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, interview, select, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate staff orientation, training, certifications, and ongoing professional development.
• Establish clear expectations for staff performance, conduct, communication, and safety.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and support to staff throughout the camp season.
• Address performance concerns and personnel issues in accordance with council policies and procedures.
• Build a strong team culture based on communication, accountability, collaboration, and mutual respect.
• Recognize staff contributions and promote opportunities for leadership and professional growth.

Camp Leadership & Collaboration

•  Serve as a member of the camp and/or Outdoor Program leadership team.
• Participate in council meetings, planning sessions, training, and other required activities.
• Collaborate with council departments and staff to support membership, program participation, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement.
• Work with volunteers, community organizations, vendors, and other partners to support camp operations and programming.
• Communicate effectively with leadership regarding camp needs, challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments.

Operations & Administration

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist with the development and management of camp budgets.
• Monitor expenses and ensure responsible, cost-effective use of council resources.
• Manage camp supplies, equipment, program materials, and other resources.
• Identify operational needs and communicate recommendations for improvements, repairs, or replacements.
• Maintain appropriate inventory and ensure program areas are adequately supplied.

Registration & Scheduling

• Oversee camp registration processes and assist families with registration-related questions and concerns.
• Develop and maintain camp schedules, staff schedules, program schedules, and seasonal timelines.
• Coordinate logistics for camper arrival, departure, meals, activities, special events, and other camp operations.
• Ensure required paperwork, health information, permissions, and other participant documentation are complete and appropriately maintained.

Facilities & Property

• Ensure camp facilities, program areas, equipment, and grounds are clean, safe, functional, and prepared for use.
• Conduct regular inspections and communicate maintenance, repair, and safety concerns.
• Coordinate with property and maintenance personnel to address facility needs.
• Promote responsible stewardship of camp property and natural resources.
• Support long-term planning for camp facilities, equipment, and program spaces.

Recordkeeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate camp, staff, volunteer, program, incident, and operational records.
• Prepare reports and documentation required by council, GSUSA, ACA, and applicable regulatory agencies.
• Monitor program participation, camp usage, and other operational data.
• Ensure records are maintained securely and in accordance with council policies and applicable privacy requirements.

Safety, Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain a strong culture of safety throughout all camp operations.
• Implement and enforce council, GSUSA, ACA, health department, state, local, and other applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Ensure appropriate emergency procedures, risk management practices, and incident response protocols are in place and understood by staff and volunteers.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, accidents, behavioral concerns, severe weather, and other incidents.
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive the required safety training and certifications.
• Monitor activities and facilities for potential hazards and take appropriate corrective action.
• Complete and document incident reports and communicate significant incidents according to council procedures.
• Maintain appropriate camper-to-staff ratios and supervision standards.
• Promote safe, appropriate, and professional interactions between adults and youth.

Parent, Camper & Community Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for campers, parents/guardians, volunteers, and community partners during camp programs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally regarding camp policies, schedules, expectations, concerns, and changes.
• Respond to questions, concerns, and complaints in a timely, respectful, and solution-oriented manner.
• Build positive relationships with families and community partners.
• Represent Girl Scouts and the council professionally within the community.
• Support outreach efforts that increase awareness of camp opportunities and encourage participation by girls from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of [two/three] years of experience in camp, youth development, recreation, education, outdoor programming, nonprofit, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising employees and/or volunteers. 
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm during emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to the Girl Scout mission and principles of positive youth development.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Successful completion of required background checks and council screening requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet council driving requirements, if driving is required.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, education, outdoor leadership, youth development, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Camp management or residential camp experience.
• American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation or standards experience.
• Experience with staff recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Experience with outdoor education, environmental education, adventure programming, or experiential learning.
• Experience with camp registration or management software.
• Experience working with volunteers and community partners.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The Camp Manager must be comfortable working in an outdoor and residential camp environment and should be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions.

The position may require:

• Working evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during camp sessions and special events.
• Occasional overnight stays at camp.
• Walking over uneven and wooded terrain.
• Standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and moving program supplies and equipment.
• Assisting with emergency response and evacuation procedures when necessary.
• Working around water, animals, insects, heat, cold, rain, and other outdoor conditions.
• Occasional travel to council properties, meetings, training, and community events.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Other: 

All buildings and camps are smoke/electronic/tobacco and vapor-free facilities. 

Benefits 

• Compensation – GSKWR prides itself on competitive non-profit pay. Regular opportunities for both cost of living and merit-based raises after first year of employment. 
• Employer Sponsored Benefits - GSKWR participates in medical, dental, and vision healthcare plans. 
• Other benefits: 403b retirement savings option, life insurance, etc. Open Enrollment period includes thorough education on benefits programs annually. •
• Time Off - GSKWR prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical health of our employees; proven through our generous PTO and Sick Time offerings. PTO hours are increased at regular intervals based on employee tenure. 
• Professional Development Opportunities – Girl Scouts is a leadership development organization that prioritizes and believes in the professional and personal growth of all members, including staff. Continuous learning encouraged: training, enrichments, certifications, education, networking opportunities, cross-training, and more. 
• Complementary annual registration as a member of Girl Scouts Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road included while under employment with the council. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road Council is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.