[2026] Assistant Village Leader, Fresh Air Camps

ASSISTANT VILLAGE LEADER  
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 15 to August 15, 2026  

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/ 

Role Overview 

Assistant Village Leaders play a key role in the overall management of camp by supporting the day-to-day operations, supervising staff, coordinating schedules, and assisting with administrative tasks. This position is ideal for applicants who have strong counselor experience and are ready to take on emerging leadership responsibilities. 

Each Assistant Village Leader supports a specific village, working closely with the Village Leader to ensure the safety, growth, and engagement of both campers and staff. They spend part of their time serving as a General Counselor and provide leadership coverage when the Village Leader is off duty or off-site. 

This position requires living onsite at camp from June 15 to August 15, 2026. Compensation for this role is $2,700 – $3,000 for the summer. Shared housing and meals are provided. 

Assistant Village Leaders report to their Village Leader.   

What You’ll Do 

• Support the daily supervision of 12–15 staff members and a village of 36–48 campers. 
• Lead and oversee the village in the absence of the Village Leader. 
• Plan and supervise village activities; assist General Counselors with cabin and village program planning. 
• Provide coaching, feedback, and support to counselors; assist with staff evaluations. 
• Model and teach positive camper behavior management techniques; assist with resolving camper or staff conflicts. 
• Collaborate with Camp Support Services Coordinators to provide staff with behavior management strategies and additional camper support. 
• Maintain open and professional communication between counselors and camp leadership. 
• Manage stressful situations calmly and appropriately in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Complete required reports, evaluations, and inventories in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Provide 24-hour-a-day supervision, leadership, and guidance to campers alongside co-counselors. 
• Live in a cabin with 6–12 campers and co-counselors for the duration of each camp session. 
• Assist Program Specialists during activity periods, participating and supporting campers as needed. 
• Prioritize camper needs when making decisions and uphold a camper-first philosophy. 
• Participate actively in the camp community — including campfires, overnights, hikes, swimming, and village meetings. (Some lifting or physical activity may be required.) 
• Communicate, model, and uphold camp policies, traditions, and community standards. 
• Ensure the safety, supervision and well-being of all campers at all times. 
• Demonstrate professionalism and approachability, maintaining healthy boundaries, and avoiding fraternization with general staff while on/off duty. 
• Serve as a role model for campers and staff by showing enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to camp values. 
• Live and work in a communal camp environment — including shared cabins, limited privacy, and group dining. Time off during each session will be scheduled by the supervisor. 
• Care for and responsibly use camp facilities, property, and equipment. 
• Be familiar with and follow all emergency and safety procedures. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp community. 

What We’re Looking For 

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp (June 29, 2026). 
• Previous experience as a counselor or staff member in a residential camp setting required. 
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, guide, and support others with fairness and professionalism. 
• Passion for working with children and creating a positive camp experience. 
• Enjoys living and working in an outdoor, residential setting. 
• Emotionally mature, flexible, and team-oriented. 
• Positive attitude with a willingness to take initiative and embrace challenges. 
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear as part of daily duties. 
• Able to regularly lift and move supplies and equipment weighing 20+ pounds. 
• Comfortable working in varying weather conditions, including heat and humidity. 
• Valid driver’s license preferred. 
• Available for the full duration of the summer season.  

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio, MMR, TDap, and varicella (and Hepatitis B for Health Care staff). As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment. 

Compensation & Perks: 

• Compensation for this position is $2,700 – $3,000 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. 

Ready to Join Us? 
To apply, please submit an Assistant Village Leader application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply. 

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