Youth Recreation and Camp Director

Position Summary:

The New Canaan YMCA seeks a fun, enthusiastic, organized and safety-conscious individual to develop, plan, supervise, and implement well-rounded, high quality and innovative youth recreation programs, including our summer day camp (Camp Y-Ki) School Vacation Camps, afterschool childcare (Kids Unlimited), and community-wide family programs and events. The Director will strive to create programs that meet the social, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development needs of children and strengthen family relationships.

Essential Functions:

The Youth Recreation and Camp Director develops youth and family programming and camps that are inviting, engaging, inclusive, and fun! This position creates experiences that strengthen our community and change lives.

The ideal candidate:

• Can create and execute high quality, well-attended and financially sustainable Youth and Family programming and camps
• Loves camp and outdoor programs and will ensure that they operate safely and effectively and offer a memorable experience to campers
• Is knowledgeable of the needs and interests of families and desires to strengthen family connections and provide opportunities for engagement and entertainment
• Appreciates the value and necessity of high-quality programs that offer age-appropriate experiences for children to develop social, physical, emotional, and cognitive skills
• Has strong organizational skills, is detail-oriented and understands the vital importance of ensuring the safety of members and our community in all programs
• Is collaborative and has strong decision-making skills
• Has excellent communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills and can interpret program policies, rules, and procedures for staff and families

• Has the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Meets deadlines

Specific Responsibilities:

• Direct oversight and program development for school age through High School programming
• Act as Camp Director and remain onsite at Camp Y-Ki, located at Kiwanis Park, throughout the camp day
• Supervise Kids Unlimited afterschool program and be available to be in ratio, when necessary
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and adherence to the budget, financial and business procedures of the YMCA and OEC licensing requirements
• Supervise and support the Youth Program Coordinator in the areas of youth recreation, summer camp, vacation camp and after school programming
• Supervise and support the Assistant Director of Programs in the development and execution of preschool programs and camp
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate and work directly with Camp Y-Ki Assistant Camp Director(s) and LIT/CIT Coordinator in the planning and implementation of summer camp, including the LIT and CIT programs
• Recruit, hire, train and provide orientation for all staff/volunteers in youth recreation programs, Kids Unlimited afterschool program, and Camp Y-Ki, familiarize staff with OEC requirements and ensure compliance, run weekly camp staff meetings
• Supervise camp staff, afterschool staff and volunteers daily to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all program and camp participants. This includes supporting conflict resolution and staff appreciation
• Work with department staff to enhance existing and create new youth programs
• Plan and implement curricula for programs including summer camp, afterschool programming, vacation camp and family events
• Responsible for daily clean-up and maintenance of all program areas
• Develop and implement family and community events that are inclusive and strengthen family relationships and meet the needs of the community
• Collaborate with Director of Inclusion and Support Programs and Aquatics Director, during camp planning and throughout camp season, to ensure camp programming is inclusive and safe and addresses the needs and requirements of those departments. Further collaborate with these Directors outside of camp season to plan and execute inclusive and safe events and programs.

General:

• Regularly demonstrate behaviors in each of the YMCA Four Core Values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

• Attend all professional staff meetings to keep informed of all activities at the YMCA
• Assist in all YMCA activities and special events, as needed, to ensure their success
• Perform other duties as designated by the supervisor

Compensation:

Salary Range: $60,000-70,000 (dependent upon experience/certifications)

Benefits: Health, vision and dental insurance

Retirement Plan with employer contribution

Paid time off

Long term disability and Life Insurance

YMCA Family Membership

Program discounts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Human Services, or related field
• Minimum of two years’ experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs for Youth and families
• Direct experience planning, supervising and running an outdoor day camp
• Minimum of three years’ supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Office of Early Childhood (OEC) State Licensing regulations and requirements for school-age childcare and summer day camps