Outdoor Program Specialist/Camp Director

Job Description:

Are you passionate about youth development, outdoor education, and creating transformative experiences for our youth? Girl Scouts San Diego is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and experienced Outdoor Program Specialist / Camp Director to lead and support high-quality outdoor programs and seasonal camp experiences that inspire confidence, leadership, and adventure.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader who thrives in both program management and camp operations, enjoys working outdoors, and is committed to creating positive experiences for youth, families, volunteers, and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Year-Round Outdoor Programs

• Collaborate with the Outdoor Program Manager and team to plan, coordinate, implement, and facilitate engaging outdoor programs, activities, and events for youth, volunteers, and community members.
• Ensure all programs align with organizational goals, mission, values, and desired participant outcomes.
• Recruit, interview, train, supervise, and coordinate seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Manage program logistics, including scheduling, equipment, supplies, setup, and breakdown.
• Develop and manage program budgets and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Partner with marketing and community outreach teams to recruit participants and promote outdoor programs.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Girl Scouts USA standards, ACA guidelines, and applicable health and safety regulations.
• Maintain inventories of outdoor equipment and supplies; coordinate repairs and purchases as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, volunteers, staff, vendors, and community partners.
• Evaluate programs regularly and implement improvements based on participant feedback, industry best practices, and organizational goals.
• Facilitate team-building initiatives and challenge course activities, including low ropes, high ropes, climbing walls, and related outdoor experiences as needed.

Seasonal Summer Camp Leadership

• Serve as Camp Director during the summer camp season, overseeing daily operations for assigned day and/or overnight camps.
• Lead and supervise camp staff while fostering a positive, safe, and engaging environment for campers.
• Collaborate on the development of camp curriculum, schedules, staff training, and seasonal programming.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, and onboard seasonal camp staff.
• Coordinate camp tours, open houses, and recruitment events to increase participation and community awareness.
• Maintain proactive communication with campers, families, volunteers, and staff regarding camp operations and participant needs.
• Address and resolve concerns related to camper behavior, child development, parent communication, and program delivery.
• Plan, practice, and implement emergency procedures in partnership with outdoor and property teams.
• Coordinate annual inspections, specialty program certifications, and vendor-supported training.
• Maintain records, reports, evaluations, and recommendations for continuous program improvement.

Experience and Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Youth Development, Counseling, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum age of 25 years (per ACA requirements).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff and volunteers while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and youth development and age-appropriate programming.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, professionalism, confidentiality, and youth safety.
• Willingness and ability to live on-site during summer camp operations and occasional program weekends.

Preferred:

• Two or more years of leadership or supervisory experience in organized camping, outdoor education, recreation, or youth-serving organizations.
• Current ACA Camp Director Certification or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
• Knowledge of Girl Scout programming and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Understanding of ACA accreditation standards and camp operations.
• Current ACCT Level 1 Certification or ability to obtain.
• Lifeguard certification through the American Red Cross.
• Archery certification through USA Archery or National Field Archery Association.
• Experience facilitating challenge courses, ropes courses, climbing walls, or team-building programs.

Work Environment:

• This position works both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, primarily at camp and program properties. The schedule includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight stays as needed.
• Summer camp responsibilities require living on-site at an assigned overnight camp property in Julian, California, with additional overnight stays at council properties throughout the year.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on youth through outdoor adventure, leadership development, and meaningful camp experiences. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering the next generation through confidence-building programs, outdoor exploration, and lifelong memories.

If you are a passionate outdoor leader who enjoys mentoring youth, building teams, and creating exceptional camp experiences, we encourage you to apply.