Assistant Site Director - PA

Who We Are

At DEAN Adventure 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 Adventure Camps.

What Makes You a Great Fit

This job is ideal for experienced camp program directors, recreation directors, youth program leaders, and childcare professionals who excel in semi-structured, fast-paced, and high-energy environments, both indoor and outdoor.

• Leadership & Team Experience – At least 1-2 years of experience working in summer camps, education, recreation, or youth development, supporting programs serving 150–300 children per week with a focus on mentoring peers, resolving conflicts, and building strong team morale among 25-50 team members.
• Organized & Reliable – You balance structured programming with flexibility, ensuring both team members and campers feel supported. 
• Tech-Savvy – You are comfortable with technology tools, such as Slack and Airtable, to foster clear and uplifting communication across teams.
• Adaptability & Quick Thinking – You thrive in fast-paced environments and solve challenges with ease.
• High Energy & Enthusiasm – You bring a positive and motivating attitude. You are people-focused, motivating, and thrive on building connections. You inspire team members and campers to bring their best selves every day.
• Strong Communication & People Skills – You lead with empathy, patience, and clarity. You excel at conflict resolution, giving and accepting constructive feedback, and creating a supportive team culture.
• Aptitude for Outdoor Recreation – You are comfortable traversing a 200-acre campus in high temperatures and varied weather conditions for long periods.
• Excited to Learn & Lead Activities – You are adept at jumping into various hands-on activities during unforeseen circumstances/absences or team member breaks, including, but not limited to:
  • STEAM: Robotics, coding, woodworking, sewing, and cooking.
  • Adventure & Sports: Skateboarding, biking, and outdoor exploration.
  • Creative Play: Engaging with our youngest “Playful Explorer” campers (aged 4–5) in STEAM, baking, and dance movement.

What You’ll Do

As an Assistant Site Director, you’ll help ensure camp runs smoothly, and with a strong sense of care. Partnering closely with the Site Director, you’ll oversee daily logistics, strengthen team morale, coordinate camp-wide events, and provide leadership that fosters creativity, and skill-building for both campers and team members alike. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage camp operations by coordinating daily logistics, overseeing supplies and inventory, and supporting site setup and breakdown to maintain a safe, structured environment.
• Support morning assemblies by setting the tone for the day with cheers, team member spotlights, and camper recognition moments that reflect DEAN’s values of compassion, trust, growth, and creativity.
• Create a positive camp culture that fosters a kind, inclusive team environment, ensuring strong morale and growth, plus effective collaboration to create a team that leaves camp stronger than they arrived.
• Lead themed weeks and engagement events like Friday showcase, scavenger hunts, and team-building activities — bringing each week’s theme to life with decorations, music, and engaging camper activities.
• Coach team members in real time by mentoring, mediating conflicts, and modeling calm, confident, and inclusive leadership, while reinforcing DEAN’s behavioral expectations, and promoting proactive strategies rooted in empathy and accountability.
• Communicate clearly with 40-50 seasonal team members, ensuring collaboration and consistency between departments and programs, as well as addressing parent needs as directed by the Site Director.
• Document and communicate effectively by maintaining logs, collaborating on family updates, responding to parent inquiries, ensuring early intervention for camper needs, and maintaining DEAN’s reputation for care, consistency, and professionalism.
• Be visible and engaged throughout the camp day, supporting transitions, assisting with group activities, and stepping in wherever needed to ensure smooth operations.
• Foster DEAN’s culture of kindness and reliability by addressing challenges constructively, and ensuring every camper and team member feels supported, included, and inspired.

Schedule and Requirements

• Fully Committed Availability: this is a full-time, on-site seasonal role from June 15th – August 21st; camp runs M-F from 7:30a–5:30p
  • Leadership hours span 7:00a–6:00p during the camp season, with rotating schedules among the director team to prevent burnout.
  • Ability to commute to: 370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification.

Perks and Benefits

• Pay range: $1,050-1,150 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 DEI, plus in-person staff and logistics training during the week of June 8th.
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits.
• Daily perks: Lunch, snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
• Career growth: Gain resume-building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Join our team and make a difference this summer! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early to secure your spot.