Director of Specialists, Fresh Air Camps
Director of Specialists, Fresh Air Camps
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 8, 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 Director of Specialists:
Director of Specialists help in the overall management of camp by directing the day-to-day camp program, supervising program staff (specialists), coordinating camp schedules, and assisting with administrative work. The Director of Specialists ensures campers receive quality experiential education throughout their encampment. This position is for applicants who have prior experience working at a camp and are looking for an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a camp program.
The Director of Specialists will report to either the Camp Director or Assistant Director.
What You’ll Do:
- Responsible for ensuring that each program area provides experiential learning opportunities for campers.
- Directly supervise and evaluate 16-18 Program Staff.
- Evaluate activity areas and activity instructors to support and improve as necessary.
- Assist the Camp Director in planning and carrying out pre-camp and in-service staff training.
- Plan and facilitate an orientation program for all Program Staff in addition to helping to plan and facilitate the general camp orientation.
- Responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment related to all activity areas.
- Be prepared to assume the role of any activity counselor in the event of their absence.
- Observe and provide support to program staff in their activity space.
- Work with volunteer groups and help coordinate volunteer activities.
- Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
- Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
- Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of the campers.
- Explain and enforce the camp's policies, traditions, and rules.
- Be an active member of the camp community by participating in camp programming, including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. 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 goals of the program.
- Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals in a large, noisy dining room.
- Invest time with campers and staff to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
- Assume responsibility for using and caring for camp equipment and facilities.
- Be 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.
- Must be able to supervise fairly and diplomatically.
- Passionate about working with children.
- 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.
- Able to maintain a positive attitude.
- Driver’s license preferred.
- Available for the entire duration of the summer program.
Ready to Join Us?
Apply now to become a Director of Specialists 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.