Camp Director 2026 (Seasonal) - Chelsea Summer Camp

TURN YOUR SUMMER INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY – BECOME A SEASONAL CAMP DIRECTOR WITH KIDS IN THE GAME!

Empower Staff, Inspire Campers, and Build a Summer That Matters.

Kids in the Game provides unforgettable day camp experiences for hundreds of New York children across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and now Westchester & Jersey City! When you join the Kids in the Game summer camp leadership cohort, you’ll be part of a dynamic team of Camp Directors and 275+ coaches running outstanding programming at our 13 summer day camps.

THE KIDS IN THE GAME SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

Kids in the Game camps are where sports, creativity, and community come together to shape confident, compassionate, and connected kids. Every summer, our camps across New York City, Westchester & Jersey City bring together diverse groups of children to explore new sports, build friendships, develop positive social skills, and learn how to be part of a team. Our camps offer kids a uniquely designed blend of sports and games, arts and crafts, STEM enrichment, field trips, swim activities, theme weeks, and all-camp special events to make every week the highlight of a child's summer.

Each day is fueled by energy, laughter, and belonging. Our team of camp leaders, specialists, and counselors create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to try something new. We believe camp is more than a summer activity — it’s a place where kids discover who they are and who they can become.

As a Certified B Corporation, we're also on a mission to positively impact the lives of all of our stakeholders - campers, families, staff, community members, and our partners. We’re looking for Camp Directors who want to inspire the next generation of leaders, model and build emotional intelligence, boost kids’ confidence, create tight-knit communities, and bring inclusive camp programs into communities across NYC, Westchester & Jersey City. 

Your Leadership Can Change the Game — Join Kids in the Game This Summer.

CAMP DIRECTOR ROLE & KEY TASKS

As the Chesleas Camp Director, you'll be the heart of our camp, overseeing all aspects of camp management and creating a safe, memorable experience for the staff and campers. 

The Chelsea Camp is currently located at Avenues The World School, 259 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001. You must be able to arrive by 7:30am daily via public transportation or personal transportation (car). You must be able to stay on-site until 5pm daily (and until 5:30pm twice per week to oversee after care activities).

The Camp Director’s responsibilities include:

Ambassadorship, Core Values & Camp Culture

• Ambassadorship: Embody our mission and values in every interaction—with campers, families, staff, school partners, and the broader community. From greeting families each morning to representing KING at open houses and local events, your leadership builds trust, connection, and excitement around what makes our camps unique.
• Camp Culture: Incorporate camp energy, traditions, and sense of belonging by leading morning and afternoon rallies, theme days, and celebrations that strengthen team spirit and camper pride.
• Ambitious: Inspire growth, creativity, and innovation in every area of camp—from program design to staff development. Encourage new ideas, celebrate progress, and show your team what’s possible when we lead with imagination and drive.
• Positive: Set the tone each day with enthusiasm, optimism, and fun. Help your team and campers stay motivated, flexible, and solution-oriented.
• Committed: Lead with consistency and reliability. Show up prepared, communicate clearly, and take ownership of your work. Model accountability and pride for your staff and campers.
• Inclusive: Create spaces where every camper and staff member feels valued, seen, and supported. Celebrate differences, promote belonging, and coach your team on adapting activities and language so everyone feels included.
• Empathetic: Lead with compassion and care in every interaction. Support your staff through challenges, help campers navigate emotions and friendships, and ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and safe.

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Support in interviewing, and hiring camp leadership, specialists, and counselor teams in partnership with the People & Culture team.
• Be a part of and lead pre-summer training sessions, and team-building activities to prepare staff for camp operations & fun.
• Supervise daily staff performance, offering coaching, recognition, and redirection as needed.
• Conduct formal mid-summer and end-of-summer evaluations for all leadership and support staff.
• Work with your Assistant Directors to create weekly staff schedules and group assignments that align with camp ratios and program needs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and enthusiasm among camp staff through daily communication and consistent modeling of KING values.
• Mentor and develop future leaders—Assistant Directors, Specialists, and Counselors—through delegation and empowerment.
• Facilitate daily morning huddles and weekly leadership check-ins to align on goals and address challenges proactively.

Operations & Administration

• Work with (and learn from) company department heads to coordinate pre-summer logistics for your camp location(Operations, Marketing, Finance, and People & Culture).
• Work with your Admin Assistant Director to manage daily operations, including camper check-in/check-out, attendance tracking, and group rotations.
• Work with your Admin Assistant Director to maintain accurate camper enrollment and attendance data; communicate with the home office on daily counts and updates.
• Oversee supply ordering, delivery, and inventory tracking; ensure all program materials are prepared and well-maintained.
• Ensure all staff and camper documentation (medical forms, waivers, certifications, and emergency contacts) are completed and on file prior to participation.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to promote the camp through open houses, family engagement events, and local outreach.
• Track progress on operational goals, retention initiatives, and mid-season milestones through shared project management tools (Asana, Google Sheets).

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact (with your Admin Assistant Director) for parents and caregivers—providing consistent, timely, and professional communication.
• Support in collecting information to send weekly family newsletters and reminders about theme days, field trips, and special events.
• Address family questions and concerns with empathy, maintaining alignment with organizational policies and values.
• Host virtual or in-person Parent Info Sessions and Open Houses during pre-summer to build relationships and strengthen community trust.
• Represent Kids in the Game positively at local fairs, school events, and community gatherings to promote the camp’s mission.
• Gather and respond to parent feedback to continuously improve the camp experience.

Program Management & Culture Building

• Work with your Programming Assistant Director to plan and execute a balanced weekly schedule incorporating sports, arts, STEM, creative play, and team-building activities for all age groups.
• Ensure programming aligns with Kids in the Game’s developmental goals—emotional intelligence, confidence, and community connection.
• Support your Programming Assistant Director in working collaboratively with specialists to deliver structured, inclusive, and engaging activities.
• Incorporate weekly themes, spirit days, and special events that build community and enthusiasm.
• With your Assistant Director Team, lead morning assemblies or end-of-day celebrations to reinforce camp culture and recognize camper and staff achievements.
• Make sure your Off Site Assistant Director is ready every week to oversee field trips, swim sessions, and special programming logistics to ensure seamless execution.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements to enhance the camper and staff experience.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all NYC Department of Health, American Camp Association, and Kids in the Game safety regulations.
• Ensure that staff certifications (CPR, First Aid, AED) are current and on-site.
• Monitor facilities and equipment daily for hazards; address and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Implement and enforce all safety protocols—including camper supervision ratios, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.
• Lead staff training on emergency response, first aid procedures, and appropriate camper management techniques.
• Respond to behavioral, medical, or environmental incidents calmly and effectively; communicate outcomes with families and leadership.
• Maintain a culture of psychological safety—ensuring every camper and staff member feels physically and emotionally secure.

SEASONAL WORK EXPECTATIONS & SUMMER SCHEDULE

Pre-Summer Work Expectations & Schedule

Part time in-person & remote work from January to June dedicated to training, staff interviews, family outreach, info sessions & orientations

January - February

• Weekly hours:
• 3-5 hours per week
• Remote & office hours for completing Camp Director tasks
• Evening hours for training
• Remote work & tasks:
• Complete Camp Director Orientation and Onboarding
• Assist with camp interviews for leadership positions
• Lead final round interviews and candidate mini meets for counselors and specialists
• Attend Camp Director meetings and check ins with our team
• Lead virtual open houses and contact prospective families to effectively market the camp and boost enrollment 
• Begin meeting with your Camp Leadership teams monthly or bi-weekly
• In-person expectations:
• Once a month attend a Camp Director Meeting or Camp Supervisor meeting at our main office. 
• Training requirements: 
• New Hire Orientation
• Two weeks after onboarding
• New Camp Director virtual trainings
• Onboarding & Permit Required Trainings:
• Anti Sexual Harassment
• Mandated Reporter

March - April

• Weekly hours: 
• 5-10 hours per week
• Remote & office hours for completing Camp Director tasks
• Evening & weekend hours for training
• Remote work & tasks:
• Continue to support interviews for your camp staff 
• Attend Camp Director meetings and check ins with our team
• Continue to meet with your camp leadership team monthly or bi-weekly
• Support in staff retention efforts and touch points with your hired camp staff
• Support with camp marketing
• Conduct Virtual or In Person Parent Open Houses
• Attend regional camp fairs or camp marketing events
• In-person expectations:
• Attend Camp Director Leadership Institute (weekend days)
• Attend pre-summer staff social event
• Training requirements:
• Attend weekly Camp Director Trainings
• Attend Admin Assistant Director Trainings
• Review virtual training in online learning platform
• Complete virtual core training
• Begin to build content for on-site camp training

May - June

• Weekly hours: 
• 10-15 hours per week
• Remote & office hours for completing Camp Director tasks
• Evening & weekend hours for training (Saturdays)
• Remote work & tasks:
• Lead group interviews and candidate mini meets for camp (counselors and specialists)
• Attend Camp Director meetings and check ins with our team
• Continue Camp Leadership meetings and check ins; wrap up summer prep
• Support in staff retention efforts and touch points with your support staff
• Conduct Virtual or In Person Parent Orientations
• Assist camp leadership with building weekly camp schedules, coordinating field trips, and planning special events 
• In-person expectations:
• Attend Camp Trainings and support in creating training materials
• Leadership/All Staff/Camp Site Specific Trainings
• CPR/First Aid/AED Trainings
• Training requirements:
• Attend weekly Camp Director Trainings
• Attend Admin Assistant Director Trainings
• Review virtual training 
• Attend in-person Camp Field Day training
• Build content for on-site camp training & lead on-site trainings

Summer Camp Work Expectations & Schedule

Camp Address:
Avenues The World School - 259 10th Ave NY, NY 10001

Summer Schedule:

• Dates: June 22 – August 28, 2026
• Includes pre-camp training and 7–8 weeks of camp operations
• There may be Saturday trainings during the month of June
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Support at least 2 days of After Care per week (until 5:30 PM)
• Camp Size: 50–80+ campers, 15–25+ staff members
• Weekly hours: 
• 40 - 45 hours per week
• Full-time, on-site work throughout the camp season
• Additional time may be required for staff meetings or staff events
• Remote work & tasks:
• Review and respond to camp emails and inquiries 
• Respond to internal messages through Slack
• In-person expectations:
• Greet families during arrival and dismissal, maintaining a welcoming and professional presence
• Oversee daily camp operations, including administrative, programming, and logistical tasks, ensuring smooth logistics and program delivery
• Supervise and support staff in implementing all camp activities
• Lead or participate in morning & afternoon rallies, special events
• Lead Daily Leadership Meetings and team huddles
• Training requirements:
• Review training completion rates among staff and ensure completion of training requirements
• Provide on-site training for staff hired late or replacement staff
• Provide on-site training for CITs and Jr. CITs in collaboration with Division Leaders 
• Lead on-site staff training sessions with Assistant Directors, specialists, and counselors as needed
• Attend weekly Camp Director meetings (virtual)

Requirements

Our ideal candidate would meet many of the following qualifications:

• Must have completed a physical exam and TB test within one year of the camp dates, pass NYS and national background checks, and be CPR, First Aid, and AED certified.
• Possess at least 5 years of overall camp experience and 2+ years of experience managing a day camp or sleepaway camp (Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director) with at least 60 campers.
• Possess your NYC Camp Director Certification (or be willing to attend the Orientation before Summer Camp 2024 begins).
• 5+ years experience as a Program Manager or Program Director for youth development after school and summer programs, or as a seasoned educator in a public / private setting (minimum of 5 years working with ages 4-13)
• Prior experience developing camp staff training materials, administering on-site training, and conducting staff evaluations.
• Commit to working part time / remotely during the school year to support camp planning efforts and commit to working eight weeks during the summer.
• Attend and help lead mandatory Core Trainings and all-staff team buildings, before and during the camp season.
• Be able to establish and maintain strong working relationships with fellow employees, participants, parents, and caregivers.
• Communicate in a timely and professional fashion with parents, caregivers, kids and staff across organization-wide communication channels (Slack, Email, Text, Google Calendar, etc.) and be able to interpret and understand both written and oral instructions.
• Be able to learn and effectively use multiple platforms for accessing and sharing information, including G Suite (doc, sheets, slides), camp registration software, Asana project management software, and other internal information management systems.

Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations

At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.

Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.

Active supervision & physical requirements include:

1. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.
2. Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
3. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
4. Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
5. Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
6. Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
7. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
8. Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

Benefits

SEASONAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

This is a part-time, seasonal position based in the Chelsea area of NYC. Camp Directors work part-time from January–June and full-time from late June through August to oversee camp operations.

Pre-Summer (January–June)

• Hours: 5–10+ hours per week (mix of remote and in-person work)
• Compensation: Monthly stipends ranging from $150–$600, increasing each month based on workload and completion of pre-set milestones
• Total Pre-Summer Compensation: Approximately $1,500–$2,000, depending on start date and weekly hours
• Notes: Stipends are prorated if milestones are not fully met

Summer (June–August)

• Dates: June 22 – August 28, 2026 (includes training and 7–8 weeks of camp)
• Camps may start as early as June 22nd and end as late as August 28th
• Compensation: $1,300–$1,500 per week, paid biweekly on Fridays
• Total Summer Compensation: $9,000–$12,000, based on camp enrollment and prior experience

Bonuses

End-of-Camp Bonus: Additional performance-based bonuses in the range of $300 - $500 are awarded based on camper enrollment and family satisfaction ratings (NPS scores).

WHY WORK WITH KIDS IN THE GAME

At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected to one another. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team. We are AMBITIOUS. POSITIVE, COMMITTED, INCLUSIVE, and EMPATHETIC.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for all of our interns and employees. We recruit candidates from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.