Youth & Outdoor Activities Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

As our next Youth and Outdoor Activities Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of camping for young adults. This role goes beyond managing programs—it’s about creating transformative experiences that inspire young people to become tomorrow’s leaders. You will drive multiple volunteer committees to deliver innovative, safe, and memorable outdoor adventures, leaving a lasting impact on campers, teens, volunteers, and families. Through your leadership, our outdoor programs will uphold the highest standards of safety and quality while deepening connections to nature, adventure, and service. Join us in this key position where your contributions will forge a legacy within the camping movement and beyond.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all staff, volunteers, parents, and campers feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to our shared mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership: Develop and execute seasonal and year-round outdoor programs at Camp Thompson Resident Camp and the Carlisle Family YMCA, including summer camps, day camps, and facility rentals.
Volunteer Engagement and Development: Identify, recruit, and train volunteers to expand our reach and service to youth, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable volunteer network. Manage volunteer paperwork and conduct interviews for leaders in training and counselors in training.
Compliance: Ensure the health, safety, and ACA compliance standards and local and state regulations are maintained at all facilities and during all outdoor activities
Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal camp staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs at both day and residential camp sites. Conduct weekly meetings with staff and volunteers to complete activity observations and gather feedback on program success.
Cultivate Community Relations: Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, securing opportunities for teens to participate in external events and programs and increasing the utilization of the camp property to community and business organizations. This includes promoting corporate wellness and team-building activities.
Innovation: Pioneer new outdoor initiatives such as mobile programs for schools, community outreach efforts, and special events that broaden the scope and accessibility of camp. Upkeep Instagram and website to be inviting and correct with camp content.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3+ years of successful experience in outdoor programming, camp management, or related fields. Documented High Ropes hours and training.
Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and lead diverse volunteer and staff teams. Strong organizational and time management skills, with a successful project management track record.
Flexibility: Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift rapidly to serve our youth and volunteers best. Seasonally our ‘busy time will be April -January with a mix of both office and outdoor work. Hours will vary between 30-40+ respectfully each week.
Licenses: A valid state driver’s license is required. Age of 25+ is helpful to drive YMCA transportation\ program-related travel.
Personality Traits: Motivated, innovative, and results-driven with a strong passion for youth development. Able to inspire and lead a diverse team while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Lifeguarding Certification: Must possess a current lifeguarding certification or able to obtain.
Preferred Knowledge: Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word) Marketing and website knowledge.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred.
Significant life and work experience that demonstrate your ability to lead, manage outdoor programs, and make a meaningful impact in the camping community are also valued.

BENEFITS

In addition to offering a competitive salary, benefits that include major medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death insurance, a defined contribution retirement plan, generous PTO. As well as phone reimbursement for business-related expenses.

We also support ongoing professional development opportunities to help you grow in your role and advance your career within the Carlisle Family YMCA youth, teen and camping movement.