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Camp Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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How much do camp program director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a camp program director?

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 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 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 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:

Camp Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Program Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 33% Full Time, 37% 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.

Camp Director - Camp Sacajawea

Boone, IA

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
See more jobs at Girl Scouts of Greater Iowaexternal

$50K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Hiring Range: $50,400 - $53,500 annual salary
Year-round, on-site lodging is available.
Camp Director - Sacajawea
Department: Girl Services (Resident Camp)
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Camp Strategy and Operations
Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Purpose: The Camp Director is responsible for managing the operations of their respective GSGI Camp in alignment with Girl Services and Camp Teams, creating memorable, meaningful, and safe camp experiences each summer. This year-round role includes recruitment, training, and management of seasonal camp staff, financial management of the camp’s programs and expenses, oversight and implementation of camp programs and outdoor adventures, and management and execution of year-round facility rentals on the camp property. The Camp Director must showcase a daily priority on servant leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
A day in the life… (Essential functions)
Camp Season (May – August)
  • Manage, deliver, and evaluate camp programming and outdoor adventures to ensure program quality, staffing capacity, safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for all campers and staff.
  • Manage the overall seasonal staff experience including staff training, coaching, support, evaluation, and well-being.
  • Administer and track seasonal staff hours and salaries in accordance with camp contract agreements for all camp staff, including international seasonal staff.
  • Oversee the daily operation of summer camp including food service, program delivery, operations, camper and staff supervision, health care, and overall member experience.
    • Oversee the management of the food service area through supervision of Food Service Manager and review of food service program.
    • Secure sufficient coverage in health care staff and their implementation of the health care plan.
    • Develop and oversee the business management functions of the camp including financial record keeping, vendor payments, office operations, camp retail, etc.
    • Oversee the systematic approach to database management for campers.
    • Address parent/guardian questions and concerns in a timely manner utilizing all forms of communication.
  • Correspond and collaborate with the Property Team and Director of Camp Strategy amp; Operations on property needs and concerns.
Off Season (September – April)
  • Work closely with the Camp Team to design and plan camp programming and outdoor adventures to ensure program quality, consistency, staffing capacity, safety, accessibility, and inclusiveness for all campers and staff.
  • Collaborate with Camp Team to recruit, hire and train seasonal camp staff.
  • Assist in preparing camp program budgets including outdoor adventures and camp retail; monitor all expenses; report on budgets to financial management.
  • Manage the facility rental experience for assigned camp property including:
    • Correspondence with rental groups in a timely manner to address questions, concerns, and other needs to ensure a positive rental experience.
    • Facilitation of onsite camp activities or experiences when applicable.
    • Prepare or coordinate the preparation of facility prior to and after rental group arrival/departure to ensure the safety and well-being of facility rental groups.
    • Report on rental needs and logistical updates to Director of Camp Strategy and Operations.
  • Work closely with the Property Team and Director of Camp Strategy and Operations to:
    • Manage property development and maintenance needs to ensure stewardship of current resources and identification of future needs.
    • Conduct annual assessment of property and maintenance needs.
    • Assist in preparation of annual and long-term property plan.
  • Stay up to date and ensure adherence with ACA and GSUSA Camp initiatives and bring new ideas and opportunities to the Camp Team.
  • Support council goals in membership and customer support as well as supporting overall council strategies, initiatives, and events.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Leadership Responsibilities:
  • This position has management responsibilities for all seasonal camp staff.
The fine print… (Qualifications)
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment must be resourceful and self-motivating.
  • Strong supporter of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s desired culture.
  • Appropriately enthusiastic, responsible, dependable, consistent, level-headed, and flexible in work-related situations.
  • Ability to guard the health and well-being of campers and staff at all times.
  • Capable of sustaining energy for participation in a full day's worth of activities and multiple days in a row during peak summer camp season.
  • Ability to make decisions and adjust plans in real-time.
  • Prior experience working with children in outdoor events in a leadership position.
  • Previous experience with camp operations.
  • Understanding of budgeting, scheduling and camp programming.
  • Strong customer service orientation, excellent communication, written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
  • Strong computer skills including MS Office products.
  • Strong planning, organizing, problem solving skills and detail oriented.
  • Previous experience working in a non-profit environment, managing staff and/or volunteers, with experience managing seasonal staff strongly preferred.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications and Requirements
  • Must uphold and support Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as outlined in our Employee Handbook.
  • Must maintain annual or lifetime membership in Girl Scouts at all times.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and liability insurance.
  • Every three years, successful completion of a criminal background check and driving check.
  • Flexibility and adaptability is key. Evenings and weekends are a regular part of the summer camp season and seasonally year-round based on rentals.
Your Surroundings
  • Year-round on-site lodging is available. Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation, and the results of weather and nature may be encountered.
  • The position involves exposure to both indoor and outdoor settings where periods of elevated noise are common.
  • Up to 10% travel within the council, as well as out of state to relevant conferences.

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