McGaw YMCA Camp Echo is a quintessential overnight summer camp that delivers high-quality Traditional Camp, Teen Leadership, Wilderness Tripping, and Family Camp programs. With a dedicated camper population, Camp Echo staff are focused on more fully achieving the goals of camp and staying on the leading edge of the camp industry.
Camp Echo is hiring a second Program Director, focused on leadership and wilderness programs to work alongside the Traditional Camp Program Director to achieve great professional results for camp AND find personal balance. The incoming Program Director will focus on delivering exceptional summer Teen Leadership, Teen Wilderness, and Adventure Trip programs while strengthening Camp Echo’s community impact by leading school year leadership and wilderness programs based at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston. The ideal candidate has proven experience in leadership roles at camp or similar youth-serving organizations; has led wilderness focused programming; loves to develop staff; and is excited to be part of a collaborative team focused on enhancing our impact through on-going learning and growth.
The Program Director is required to live on-site and is provided housing at Camp Echo in Fremont, MI, May 15 – August 15 and is required to work at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston, IL the remainder of the year (with occasional night/weekend requirements). Housing is NOT provided in Evanston area. This is the best of both worlds: 3+ months living in the paradise of a 500-acre wooded camp property on a lake and 9 months enjoying city living!
Salary Range: $70,000 annually
Department: Camp Echo
Employment Type: Full-time Salaried, Exempt
Days/Hours: During Summer Program: 6 days/week; Non-program time: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience/Education/Certification Requirements:
- Age 25 or older [Michigan Camp Licensing Requirement]; college graduate.
- Proven track record in leadership role at Camp Echo or an equivalent summer camp.
- Minimum 3 summers, or 2 years, experience with child behavior management.
- Experience leading wilderness-based programs, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred.
- Excellent computer skills: Word, Excel, Outlook, and other web-based systems.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, committed to the YMCA values, and highly adaptable.
- Proven track record working with staff and campers from diverse backgrounds, with an evident commitment to equity.
Responsibilities of All Camp Echo staff:
- Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
- Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
- Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
- Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
- Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
- Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
- Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
- Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
- Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office.
- Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
- May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.
All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.
To apply, send resume to: [email protected]
All McGaw YMCA employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.