Day Camp Manager

Job Title: Day Camp Manager

Compensation: $1,097/week

Housing: Yes, required

Dates of Employment: Summer (April – September or March – August)

Reporting to: Director of Programs

Direct Reports: Day Camp Assistant Manager, Day Camp Coordinator, Day Camp Counselors

Position Summary:

The Day Camp Manager plays a key leadership role in shaping and delivering Keystone Science School’s Day Camp programs. This position ensures that every Day Camp experience is safe, engaging, and aligned with KSS’s mission and values.

In this role, you’ll guide the execution of Day Camp and Pathfinders programming. From welcoming campers in the morning, to overseeing budgets, supporting staff, and serving as an on-call leader, you’ll ensure programs run smoothly and intentionally. Working closely with other teams at KSS, you’ll help meet the evolving needs of campers and staff.

This is a seasonal position, with expected employment April – September or March – August. This position is required to live on campus.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Provide leadership and oversight for Day Camp and Pathfinders programs.
• Serve as an on-call leader for all programming throughout the summer.
• Manage and monitor program budgets to ensure cost-effective delivery.
• Work closely with external vendors and contractors that offer specialized services and education (rock climbing, horsemanship, etc.).
• Uphold safety standards, risk management procedures, and compliance with CO childcare and ACA  licensing requirements.
• Teach and facilitate programs on an as-needed basis.
• Support other summer programs (Overnight and Adventure) as needed.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise Day Camp and Pathfinders staff.
• Lead staff meetings, foster a positive team culture, and ensure clear communication.
• Observe staff in the field, offering constructive feedback and modeling best practices in outdoor education, safety, and risk management.
• Support staff in addressing challenges related to campers, program delivery, or logistics.

Qualifications

Skills 

• Ability to supervise, coach, and motivate seasonal staff while fostering an inclusive and positive camp culture.
• Strong skills in planning, organizing, and overseeing youth programs, with attention to safety, logistics, and camper experience.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and resourceful in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Works effectively across departments and with leadership to achieve organizational goals.
• Understanding of best practices in camp programming, risk management, and experiential education.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Environmental Studies, Youth Development, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum 4 seasons of experience in camp management, outdoor education, or youth program coordination.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing youth programs.
• Experience with program logistics, scheduling, and risk management in outdoor or residential settings.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 15-passenger vans (or willingness to complete training).
• Customer service or family communication experience strongly preferred.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is strongly preferred.
• Additional certifications (lifeguarding, archery, ropes course facilitation, etc.) a plus.

Physical Requirements 

• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, sponsors, donors and clients on a daily basis.
• Able to work for long periods of time without break during the conduct of presentations and events.
• Able to lift 25 lbs. with minimal assistance.
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced environment.