Camp Program Director

For over 56 years, Camp Riverlea has been a place where children, teens, and young adults grow, explore, and belong. Nestled on 90 beautiful acres just outside Durham, our camp is a joyful community where connection, teamwork, and adventure thrive. 

We’re proud to have been voted “Best of Durham” twice in the past three years. This is a testament to the incredible staff who make each season unforgettable. At Riverlea, we believe in making a difference in young lives while building a strong, supportive community where everyone feels they truly belong. 

About the Position 

The Program Director is the collaborative and organizational heartbeat of camp.  This person who ensures every day runs smoothly, safely, and joyfully. You’ll implement and supervise all camp programs for about 160 campers and 40 staff each summer day (and about 30 campers and 6 staff during Spring Break Camp days).  This is a full-time, salaried position with longer hours during summer and school-break camps, balanced by a lighter, flexible, mostly remote schedule during the off-season.

If you’re a team-oriented problem solver who loves creating an atmosphere of respect, good energy, and shared purpose this is the role for you. 

Salary: $58,000-$65,000

Minimum qualifications:

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1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
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2. 3+ years of professional experience in camp, recreation, youth programming, or a related field, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
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3. Experience with youth behavior management, including supporting staff with challenging behaviors and communicating with parents or caregivers.
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4. Able and willing to obtain and maintain lifeguard certification.
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Responsibilities:

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1. Hire, train, assign, manage, evaluate, and support camp staff and counselors-in-training (CITs).
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2. Assist camp director in developing & refining CIT & staffing process/program yearly, staying in compliance with ACA standards & maintaining non-discriminatory & equal opportunity values.
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3. Assist camp director in implementing a plan of youth supervision and programing that ensures safety and fun experiences for campers, resolving any youth interpersonal, emotional, or social issues that might occur.
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4. Program Development & Marketing Outreach.
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5. Perform other duties as assigned by the owner or camp director.
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6. All work must be consistent with the written mission and goals of Riverlea, LLC and adhere to the most recent version of the American Camp Association accreditation standards.
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Essential Functions:

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1. Able to walk for extended periods of time & walk over rough terrain without assistance.
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2. Ability to successfully obtain and maintain American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification and perform all required lifeguarding and water-rescue skills.
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3. The ability to communicate well with people of all ages.
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4. Computer proficiency at an intermediate level in Microsoft Office. Ability to learn new applications.
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5. Has healthy levels of physical strength, flexibility and endurance and can lift 50 lbs.
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6. The ability to tolerate a fast-paced, noisy indoor/outdoor environment. 
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