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Camp Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Provides direct leadership, program development, recruitment and implementation of YMCA Camp Wapsie ... Camp Wapsie provides the perfect setting to serve Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding ...

Summer Day Camp Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.1K/wk

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... As a Camp Director , you will be the go-to person for all things camp at your specific country club ...

Summer Day Camp Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.1K/wk

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... As a Camp Director , you will be the go-to person for all things camp at your specific country club ...

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... Cooperate with fellow Counselors and Camp Director * Greet families and campers upon arrival

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... Cooperate with fellow Counselors and Camp Director * Greet families and campers upon arrival

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Cedar Rapids, IA

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... Cooperate with fellow Counselors and Camp Director * Greet families and campers upon arrival

Our Staff are the backbone of our programs and therefore, we pride ourselves on giving them an ... If KE Camps can meet your internship requirements, your on-site Camp Director will be your field ...

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Camp Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$19

$29

How much do camp program director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp program director in Iowa is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Camp Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camp Program Director, you need strong leadership, program planning, and organizational skills, often backed by a degree in recreation, education, or a related field. Familiarity with camp management software, first aid/CPR certification, and knowledge of safety regulations are typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to inspire and motivate staff and campers are standout soft skills. These qualities ensure effective program delivery, camper safety, and a positive camp environment that meets organizational goals.

What is the difference between Camp Program Director vs Camp Counselor?

AspectCamp Program DirectorCamp Counselor
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall camp operations, manages staff, plans programsSupervises campers, leads activities, enforces rules
Required CredentialsExperience in camp management, certifications in first aid and CPRHigh school diploma, basic first aid/CPR certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice and administrative settings, outdoor camp groundsOutdoor camp areas, direct interaction with campers
Industry UsageUsed in camp administration, hiring, and planningUsed in daily camper supervision and activity leadership

The Camp Program Director focuses on managing camp operations and staff, requiring leadership and planning skills, while the Camp Counselor primarily supervises and engages with campers during activities. Both roles are essential but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

What does a Camp Program Director do?

A Camp Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of a camp's programs and activities. They develop schedules, supervise staff, ensure camper safety, and create a fun, engaging environment for campers. Their duties also include managing budgets, communicating with parents, and ensuring that all camp activities comply with safety and regulatory standards. Overall, they play a key role in ensuring the success and smooth operation of the camp.

What are some common challenges a Camp Program Director may face during the camp season?

As a Camp Program Director, you may encounter challenges such as managing a diverse team of counselors, adapting activities to meet campers' needs, and ensuring all programs adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines. Balancing administrative responsibilities with on-the-ground leadership can require strong organizational skills. Additionally, handling unexpected weather changes, staff scheduling conflicts, and camper behavioral issues are common aspects of the role that require flexibility and quick problem-solving.
What are popular job titles related to Camp Program Director jobs in Iowa? For Camp Program Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Camp Program Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Camp Program Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Camp Program Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Camp Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Camp Program Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 30% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 21% Temporary, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,946 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Retreats Program Director

Retreats Program Director

YMCA

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,986 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

558th of 759 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Provides direct leadership, program development, recruitment and implementation of YMCA Camp Wapsie Retreats.
Camp Description
YMCA Camp Wapsie is a traditional overnight and day camp located 30 miles north of Cedar Rapids, in rural Coggon, Iowa. The site is nestled on 182 acres of scenic land, including lodging for around 280, a scenic waterway for exploring in canoes, a climbing tower with a zipline, an archery range, Ga-Ga pits, an outdoor sports court, a swimming pool, and much more. Camp Wapsie provides the perfect setting to serve Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities. We serve people of all ages through summer camp, year-round retreats, teambuilding, community, youth, and family programs.
Each summer, more than 2,000 campers of all ages and identities arrive at Camp Wapsie to make new friends, learn new skills, develop character, and have an adventure. Campers become a community as they learn to be more independent and contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social, and educational activities. Camp Wapsie is the place to help young people build the character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. With our deep tradition in camping, we strive to instill these underlying principles into each camper during their time at Camp. Here at YMCA Camp Wapsie, we are: For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, and For Social Development.
Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Camp Executive Director, provides direct leadership, program development, recruitment and implementation of YMCA Camp Wapsie Retreats and Outdoor Environmental Education programs operation, within the allocated budget. They will develop, run and promote programs for Retreat Guests. Hire, train and supervise programmatic staff. Assures quality programs and clean well-maintained program areas and assist with year-round camp programs and operations.
Qualifications
1. Minimum age 21
2. Minimum of one year of supervisory experience, preferably in a camp setting.
3. The ability to demonstrate leadership skills in management and delivery of programs.
4. Be customer service driven, have a positive mental attitude towards camp and youth work, be able to maintain a professional image and be a team player.
5. Good communication and organizational skills, be self-directed/motivated, and have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer software including basic knowledge of database management and strong social media experience.
6. Must possess knowledge of ACA standards and ability to operate programs within the guidelines.
7. Ability to supervise up to 3 people.
8. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people with a special emphasis on the ability to model the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
9. Bachelor's degree in camping, recreation or similar or related field or equivalent job-related experience.
Essential Functions
1. Develop and implement Retreat, Outdoor Environmental Education and Teambuilding programs in accordance with YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines.
2. Lead our family programing events.
3. Serve as primary contact and liaison with outside groups/retreat participants, before, during, and after their time at camp; and serve as a visible supervisor while groups are present at camp.
4. Coordinate outside group/retreat group needs with the Food Service, Maintenance departments and retreat program staff.
5. Provide some on-site supervision and assist with program coordination for Summer Resident Camp.
6. Lead marketing and promotion for retreat, family and seasonal programs under your areas of responsibility.
7. Builds effective, authentic relationships with Retreat guests, campers, parents, alumni and the community; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
8. Complies with and assures that the program and facility is up to both the Linn County Health Department and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
a. Help maintain ACA Accreditation and appropriate documentation.
9. Hire, train and supervise and program staff and volunteers to assure that they are following Camp Wapsie philosophies and rules and doing their work as assigned.
10. Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
11. Monitors the safety of your campers in their activities and keeps a close watch on any severe weather situations. Implements risk management and emergency procedures whenever necessary.
12. Maintains accurate records as required (i.e. Use Agreements, financial, program operation, Accreditation etc.)
13. Assist in the year round operation of camp including Fundraising, program development, special events and other duties for camp and the association as assigned.
14. Maintain proper use and storage of program supplies, equipment and areas. Repairs or reports damaged equipment or facilities promptly to Executive Director or maintenance so that they can be addressed and kept in good operating order.
15. Actively participate as a member of the YMCA's Program Staff Team and as a member of the Camp Advisory Committee and attend trainings as scheduled.
16. Create and maintain a harmonious, positive working relationship with fellow staff, YMCA Camp Wapsie campers and participants.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well;

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