Camp Whittle Assistant Program Director (Summer Season) (5087)

POSITION SUMMARY

To further the mission of the YMCA by managing the administrative and operational functions of camp, ensuring compliance with policies, and supporting the long-term continuous improvement of operations. The Camp Counselor III acts as an Assistant Director, successfully developing coordinators into confident leaders, coordinating schedules and logistics, and building strong relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting guest groups. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), ACA standards, and risk management practices, and requires making timely decisions to balance camper safety and operational priorities, including providing confident leadership in the Camp Director's absence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Effectively manage the administrative and operational functions of camp by maintaining organized systems and ensuring compliance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate sound judgment by making timely decisions that balance camper safety, staff well-being, operational priorities, risk management, and the YMCA mission.
• Provide confident leadership and manage camp operations effectively in the Camp Director's absence.
• Contribute to the long-term planning and continuous improvement of camp operations by anticipating future needs and introducing ideas that strengthen programs and the overall camp experience.
• Demonstrate ownership of overall camp success by thinking beyond individual departments, fostering collaboration, and aligning leaders around shared organizational goals.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & COACHING

• Successfully develop coordinators into confident leaders by providing coaching, mentorship, accountability, regular feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Foster an environment where staff, supervisors, campers, center leaders, and guests feel comfortable seeking guidance and support.
• Address interpersonal and operational conflicts professionally, fairly, and promptly while working to understand multiple perspectives and facilitate productive conversations.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and consistently with leadership, coordinators, and other departments to ensure expectations, priorities, and operational changes are understood across camp.

CENTER RELATIONS & INTERDEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION

• Build strong relationships with YMCA center staff and visiting groups, serving as a responsive, solutions-focused partner from group arrival through departure.
• Coordinate schedules, transportation, facilities, staffing, program transitions, and operational logistics to ensure departments remain aligned throughout each session.
• Build strong partnerships across all camp departments, ensuring they have the information and resources needed to operate successfully while promoting teamwork.

PROGRAM OVERSIGHT & QUALITY CONTROL

• Ensure staff develop, facilitate, and deliver progressive, mission-driven activities tailored to the ages and abilities of the campers.
• Guide staff in debriefing activities with participants to reinforce learning and participate in continuous improvement efforts by evaluating the success of the program.
• Ensure Staff and Coordinators maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and fellow staff to promote a supportive camp culture and prioritize overall youth well-being.
• Ensure staff assigned to specialized activities (High/Low Ropes, Lifeguarding, Reptiles & Animal Care, Archery, Mountain Bikes) hold required certifications and strictly follow specific manufacturer and industry safety guidelines.

HEALTH, SAFETY LEADERSHIP & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of overall camp operations, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), YMCA standards, ACA standards, and risk management practices.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for leadership during both routine operations and emergencies.
• Oversee staff in continuously monitoring participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions to identify, mitigate, and report hazardous or unsafe conditions.
• Use problem-solving skills to direct staff during critical incidents and ensure both staff and campers follow all established safety procedures

FACILITY, EQUIPMENT & OPERATIONAL STEWARDSHIP

• Monitor staff compliance with pre-use inspections, ensuring the team demonstrates good stewardship of camp resources through the proper care, maintenance, and storage of all supplies.
• Clean, secure, and organize program areas following each use, and assist in packing materials both on a daily basis and at the close of the season.
• Verify that all staff complete required YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) training, certifications, and annual skills assessments prior to facilitating any activities.

COMPLIANCE, TRAINING & ADMINISTRATION

• Complete all required YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) training, certifications, and annual skills assessments prior to facilitating any activities.
• Follow all risk management and manufacturer guidelines, operating equipment only as authorized and seeking guidance when a task falls outside current training.
• Complete required documentation efficiently and promptly report any incidents, hazards, policy violations, or operational concerns to management.
• Manage competing priorities effectively, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and balance strategic leadership with the day-to-day needs of camp operations.

DEPARTEMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES (DISHWASHING, HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE)

• Ensure all staff complete assigned dishwashing, cleaning, and maintenance tasks efficiently and safely, maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming facilities.
• Properly use, store, secure, and replenish cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring they remain inaccessible to participants.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety, or facility concerns and assist with the upkeep and operation of camp grounds.

CABIN LIFE & 24-HOUR CAMPER SUPERVISION

• Provide oversight to ensure coordinators and staff effectively maintain 24-hour supervision, sleep in the cabin, and use proven leadership and safety practices to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the campers.
• Ensure staff develop the cabin into a cohesive "family unit" using positive discipline techniques that build skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and living together.
• Ensure staff maintain personal health and stamina by getting adequate food, hydration, and sleep to remain capable leaders, and strictly abide by all camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.

DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE)

• Uphold and follow all transportation guidelines and procedures as outlined in the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Transportation Policies
• Conduct pre-driving safety check of assigned vehicles and note down any and all safety and/or maintenance requirements

EMPLOYEE HOUSING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE)

• Employee housing is a privilege connected to employment and is subject to all YMCA and Camping Services policies.
• Maintain housing areas in a clean, safe, functional, and respectful manner.
• Obtain approval before hosting visitors or engaging in activities outside normal housing expectations.
• Properly care for camp housing, furnishings, and resources, and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Conduct yourself professionally and serve as a positive representative of the YMCA while residing on camp.

GENERAL EXPECTATION & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• Ensure all your worked hours are accurately recorded AND self-approved in Paycom
• Reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Plays an active role in continuing to identify ways to improve and expand upon safety standards
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
• Uses problem solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
• The Program Director is authorized to cancel the Camp Staff agreement for all, or part, of the camp season without notice. Reasons for termination of employment include but are not limited to insufficient registration/reservations, emergencies (epidemic, fires, etc.), personal negligence, personal health that limits performance, violations of Camping Services or YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Staff Personnel Policies.

RETURNING STAFF EXPECTATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)

• Serve as a positive role model for first-year staff and Center Volunteers, demonstrating best practices in camper engagement, behavior management, and camp operations.
• Utilize your prior experience to anticipate daily camp needs, take initiative during transitions, and proactively assist new staff in understanding camp routines and standard operating procedures.
• Play a leading role in elevating safety standards by actively guiding peers in the proper execution of emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA Core Values.

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES (IF ASSIGNED)

• Area-Specific Certification & Training: Complete all specialized training, maintain required certifications, and follow specific manufacturer and industry safety guidelines for