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.
The salary for this position is $2,704.00 per pay period, paid on a bi-weekly basis.