Outdoor Program Specialist/Camp Director - Girl Scouts San Diego

Girl Scouts San Diego is seeking a Outdoor Program Specialist/Camp Director who has a love for the outdoors and passion for inspiring the next generation of girls to build their courage, confidence and character.

Reporting to the Outdoor Program Manager, the Outdoor Program Specialist/Camp Director works collaboratively with the outdoor programs team to plan, develop, oversee, implement and lead year-round high quality, safe and engaging outdoor programs, events, and experiences including seasonal summer camps at our Balboa, Escondido or Julian locations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Outdoor Programs, Events and Activities (Year-round)

• In collaboration with the outdoor program manager the outdoor program specialist/camp director team, will plan, coordinate, implement, facilitate and manage high-quality, fun, engaging, age appropriate and safe outdoor experiences for troops, girl scouts, members, staff and volunteer, that align with Girl Scout and council mission, values, and outcomes.
• In partnership with the outdoor program manager, interview, select, train and coordinate seasonal staff and volunteers to support outdoor programs, events, activities, and plans.
• Coordinate program, event and activity logistics, setup and take-down, and supplies.
• Manage program budgets, expenses, and resources effectively to ensure financial sustainability and responsibility.
• Partner with marketing and other teams to promote and recruit outdoor program participants for year-round outdoor programs, activities and experiences, from within and outside of Girl Scout membership.
• Ensure programs, activities and events comply with all council, relevant Girl Scouts USA policies, American Camp Association guidelines (ACA), health, safety, and accreditation standards.
• Inventory and maintain outdoor program and department equipment and supplies; coordinate repair or purchasing as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain positive professional working relationships with program participants, staff, volunteers, parents, girl scouts, campers and vendors.
• Support outdoor program related community collaborations to identify and utilize resources to support program goals.
• Review, revise, evaluate and monitor programs to maintain relevance and ensure best practices in compliance with council and Girl Scouts USA policies and procedures, ACA standards and state, local and federal laws.
• Maintain current facilitation skills and knowledge, serve as a facilitator of team building initiatives, low elements, high elements, climbing walls, etc. as needed.

Seasonal Summer Camp (Summer Months)

• Serve as the seasonal summer camp director, at assigned day or overnight camp, during summer months, supervising and overseeing the daily operations while leading, engaging and guiding staff and campers through a fun and safe summer camp experience.
• In partnership with the outdoor program manager and outdoor program specialists/camp director, develop, plan, schedule, and implement summer camp curriculum, programming, activities and staff training.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit and hire seasonal summer camp staff, including attending recruitment and career events.
• Live on-site at assigned overnight camp property in Julian during the summer camp season.
• Stay overnight at council properties for assigned program weekends at Balboa or Escondido Program Center.
• Partner with marketing and other teams to promote Girl Scouting in the community and recruit program participants from within and outside of Girl Scout membership, including coordinate camp tours, and open houses.

• Facilitate and maintain open and clear communications with campers, parents, volunteers and staff to address and resolve conflicts, child development issues, and parental concerns related to campers, camp or program activities. Respond to email and phone inquiries in a timely manner, escalating matters to the outdoor program manager or department director as appropriate.
• In conjunction with property and outdoor teams, plan, teach, practice and perform emergency procedures.
• Ensure summer camp programs, activities and events comply with all council, relevant Girl Scouts USA policies, American Camp Association guidelines (ACA), health, safety, and accreditation standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet council, department and team goals and objectives.

• Work with the outdoor program manager and external vendors to complete annual inspections, deliver or coordinate training for specialty programs as needed.
• Maintain and review records and reports, assessing and evaluating all programs, completing annual evaluations and recommendations for future operations.
• Review, revise, evaluate and monitor programs and ensure best practices in compliance with council and Girl Scouts USA policies and procedures, ACA guidelines and state, local and federal laws.

Keyword: Outdoor Program Specialist/Camp Director
Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, youth development, counseling or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory/leadership role at an organized camp or youth-oriented organization, highly preferred.
• Current ACA camp director certification, or ability to acquire certification within first three months of employment.
• Knowledge of Girl Scouts Leadership Experience programming, preferred.
• At least 25 years of age (per ACA requirements).
• Demonstrated understanding of child and/or youth development and ability to develop, implement and deliver age-appropriate programs.
• Understanding of ACA accreditation and regulations for operating day or overnight camps, highly preferred.
• Must be willing and flexible to work at program and summer camp locations (day or overnight) as assigned and/or to meet operational needs.
• Ability to effectively build and manage teams and foster a cohesive work and camp environment.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, vendors, parents, etc.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with an ability to make decisions and adjust plans in real-time when needed.
• Ability to effectively manage budgets, council resources, and staff.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality of information and data.
• Must be flexible, adaptable and able to adjust to changes and direction.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully handle and manage conflict and problem resolution, with a variety of individuals and varying levels.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Belief in the mission and values of Girl Scouting; be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law and Girl Scouts San Diego mission, vision and values.
• Ability to effectively manage competing and changing priorities to meet changing needs and demands.
• Certification(s): CPR/First Aid (required); ACCT Level 1 certification (required, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire); Red Cross Lifeguard certification (desired); USA or National Field Archery certification (highly desired).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively in a team setting with diverse staff, volunteers, campers and program participants.
• Willingness and ability to live on-site at assigned camp property during summer camp and during some non-summer weekends as needed.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
• Valid drivers’ license, proof of insurance, and access to reliable transportation. Daily and/or occasional travel may be required

Salary: $66,560

Girl Scouts San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

From: Girl Scouts San Diego