Director Of Outdoor Education & Retreats

Lead with purpose at YMCA Camp Kirkwood! Inspire teams, grow programs, and create safe, life-changing outdoor adventures for every camper.

Camp Description

Since 1958, YMCA Camp Kirkwood has inspired adventure on 195 wooded acres, welcoming 900+ day and overnight campers each year and counting!

Job Description

The Director of Camping & Outdoor Education provides visionary and hands-on leadership for all camping and outdoor education programs, advancing the YMCA mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.


This leader models and upholds the YMCA core values of Faith, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty while providing strategic direction, operational excellence, and a welcoming camp culture. The Director is a visible, energetic presence who leads from the front while also carrying essential administrative and leadership responsibilities. This role plays a key part in growing camper participation, expanding programming, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the camp’s annual campaign.


Qualifications

21 years of age or older
Bachelors Degree
3+ years' experience leading successful YMCA or mission-driven day and overnight camps
Demonstrated ability to grow programs and increase camper participation
Strong organizational, administrative, and budget management skills
Excellent communicator with the ability to build trust and relationships
Passion for outdoor education, youth development, and Christian principles
Ability to live onsite in a shared housing environment
Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required by camp operations


YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
CPR & First Aid - Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.


Emergency Response - Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.


Incident Management - Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.


Safe Environment - Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.


Physical Readiness - Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.


Compliance - Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.


Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.


Essential Functions

Leadership & Staff Development


Lead, supervise, and develop year-round and seasonal camping and outdoor education staff in alignment with YMCA values
Foster a culture of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty, ensuring all staff feel supported, accountable, and mission-aligned
Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers who model positive character and servant leadership
Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and professional growth opportunities
Program Development & Growth


Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality day camp, overnight camp, and outdoor education programs that nurture faith, character, leadership, and a love for the outdoors
Grow camper enrollment and expand programs to reach new families, schools, and communities
Ensure programs are inclusive, engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate
Regularly assess program impact and make data-informed improvements
Camper, Staff & Volunteer Recruitment


Lead camper recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with marketing and advancement teams
Build relationships with families, schools, and community partners
Recruit and support volunteers who contribute meaningfully to camp programs
Operations, Administration & Stewardship


Develop and manage program budgets with a strong sense of responsibility and stewardship
Ensure deadlines, reporting, and operational requirements are met with accuracy and integrity
Oversee program logistics, schedules, and risk management practices
Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, safety standards, and accreditation requirements
Partnerships & Advancement


Develop and maintain strong school partnerships for outdoor education programs
Support the camp’s annual campaign by sharing stories of impact, collaborating on engagement opportunities, and supporting fundraising efforts
Serve as an ambassador for the camp and the YMCA mission within the community
Safety, Training & Program Support


Ensure a safe, welcoming, and values-centered environment for all campers, staff, and guests
Maintain or willingness to obtain required certifications, including:
Level 2 ACCT (preferred)
Lifeguard Certification
Target Sports
YMCA Team leader
Serve as a visible leader during camp operations, modeling professionalism, and integrity


Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.


Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.


Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.


Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.


Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.


Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.