Teen Program Director, Fresh Air Camps

Teen Program Director

Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 5, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Discover Fresh Air Camps

Since 1877, Fresh Air Fund Camps have opened new doors for over 1.8 million children, offering transformative summer programs and year-round leadership opportunities. Our six residential camps are located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering a stunning natural setting for exploration and growth. Each camp provides unique programming tailored to different age groups and interests, from outdoor adventure to arts and sciences, creating an enriching environment for both campers and staff. Learn more about Fresh Air Camps: www.freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/

Life as a Teen Program Director:

Teen Program Directors supervise the Teen Leadership Program at a specific camp. The Teen Leadership Program is for ages 13-17 at Camp ABC, Tommy, and Junior, and focuses on creating a supportive environment where youth can focus on their personal development and future goals. Through writing workshops, poetry slams, team building, and leadership workshops, participants become more independent and self-confident. The Teen Leadership Curriculum is centered upon SEL, cultural diversity, and personal development. This program includes 3 levels: the Leaders in Training Program, Counselor in Training Program, and Junior Counselor programs. The Teen Program Director, in coordination with the Program Director, is responsible for scheduling all the curriculum events and ensuring the curriculum is executed at a high level.

The Teen Program Director will report to either the Assistant Director or Camp Director.

What You’ll Do:

• Coordinate with the Program Director to review the overall schedule for camp incorporating the Teen Leadership Program needs.
• Plan and execute all aspects of the teen leadership curriculum, including training staff, scheduling workshops, assigning facilitators, and reserving locations.
• Observe staff while facilitating and providing guidance, support, and evaluations throughout the summer.
• Ensure all supplies needed for the Teen Leadership Program are ordered and received.
• Coordinate across camps regarding multi-camp events and training.
• Coordinate all logistics for any off-site event.
• Coordinate with the village leaders to ensure camper and staff needs are met.
• Edit curriculum to incorporate learnings and feedback from the summer
• Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Camp Director/Assistant Director during his/her absence.
• Assist the Camp Director in planning and carrying out staff orientation and in-service staff training.
• Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of the camp.
• Manage interpersonal and operational conflicts amongst campers, counselors, and other members of the camp community.
• Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
• Assist in the evaluation and record keeping of staff and campers.
• Oversee vehicle performance checks and daily usage logs.
• Coordinate with the Program Director in matters that are of mutual responsibility.
• Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of the campers.
• Be an active member of the camp community by participating in camp programming, including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. This includes, but is not limited to, hiking in the woods on camp property and swimming during swim activities. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
• Demonstrate a caring, supportive, and professional demeanor, including avoiding fraternizing with general staff while on/off duty.
• Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the program's goals.
• Invest time with campers and staff to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
• Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room.
• Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
• Assume responsibility for using and caring for camp equipment and facilities.
• Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
• Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

• Compensation for this position is $3,300 – $3,800  for the summer, commensurate with experience
• All meals and housing provided during camp.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experiences in leadership, communication, and teamwork that will stand out on any resume.

What We’re Looking For:

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
• At least three years of college or equivalent is preferred. College graduates are strongly preferred.
• Should have extensive experience as a general counselor or staff member in a residential camp setting—prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with children is required. Staff must be passionate about working with children.
• Must be able to supervise in a fair and diplomatic manner.
• Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
• Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player.
• Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone.
• Drivers license preferred. 
• Available for the entire duration of the summer program.

Ready to Join Us?
Apply now to become a Teen Program Director and help us create magical summer moments. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews are held virtually by our Camp Directors.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and fostering a diverse staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.