YMCA of Greater Nashua · 10 hours ago
Director of Camp and Teen Programs
Merrimack, NH
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
3+ years expYMCA of Greater Nashua is a community-focused organization dedicated to positive change. The Director of Camp & Teen Programs will lead Camp Sargent and develop comprehensive teen programs that empower youth and foster leadership, ensuring a transformative experience for participants.
CommunitiesEducationHealth CareNon Profit
Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Camp Sargent, ensuring high-quality summer day camp experiences for children ages 5-15
Honor Camp Sargent’s 101-year legacy while reimagining its future—exploring innovative programming, facility enhancements, and year-round opportunities
Develop and implement plans for year-round use of Camp Sargent property including retreats, outdoor education programs, family camps, teen programming, and community partnerships
Leverage historic camp facilities creatively to expand program reach and impact while maintaining the authentic camp experience
Ensure camp programming fosters achievement, relationships, and belonging through adventure, outdoor education, skill-building, and community
Design and implement diverse, inclusive camp activities that celebrate diversity and encourage every participant to reach their full potential
Monitor camp enrollment, family satisfaction, and program outcomes; make adjustments to maximize impact and financial sustainability
Ensure all programs meet or exceed YMCA standards, American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines, and health and safety regulations
Pursue and maintain ACA accreditation for Camp Sargent, utilizing standards to drive continuous quality improvement
Conduct regular facility inspections and coordinate with Facilities team on maintenance, improvements, and safety concerns
Serve as primary point of contact for families, building strong relationships and ensuring excellent communication
Create opportunities for family engagement including family camp experiences, parent education, and volunteer involvement
Share stories of youth achievement and program impact to support fundraising and community awareness
Stay current with best practices in camp management, teen development, outdoor education, and youth engagement
Build and lead comprehensive teen programming (ages 13-18) that engages middle and high school youth throughout our community
Launch and sustain signature YMCA teen programs including: Leaders Club – Teen leadership development and service learning, Y Achievers – Academic support and college/career readiness, Earth Service Corps – Environmental stewardship and outdoor leadership, Other nationally recognized YMCA teen initiatives aligned with community needs
Develop locally responsive teen programs that address emerging needs such as mental health support, workforce readiness, healthy relationships, and civic engagement
Create pathways for teen leadership, employment, volunteering, and meaningful contribution to the Y and community
Partner with schools, youth-serving agencies, and community organizations to expand teen program reach and impact
Foster teen voice and youth-adult partnerships, ensuring teens have genuine input into programs that serve them
Recruit, hire, train, and mentor seasonal camp staff and year-round teen program staff, building a diverse, skilled, and mission-driven team
Create a culture of collaboration, professional development, mutual respect, and fun among staff
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to ensure staff deliver high-quality, safe, and engaging experiences
Develop leadership capacity in staff, creating pathways for growth within the camp/teen programs and broader Y organization
Ensure all staff complete required certifications, training, and compliance requirements
Conduct performance evaluations and recognize excellence in youth development practice
Collaborate with VP of Youth Development & Achievement and other program leaders to create seamless youth development continuum
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Education, Youth Development, Outdoor Education, or related field (or equivalent extensive experience)
Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in camp or youth program settings
Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate diverse youth programs that engage participants and achieve outcomes
Strong leadership, team-building, and staff development skills
Experience managing budgets, marketing programs, and driving enrollment
Deep commitment to youth development, character building, and creating inclusive environments
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities
High emotional intelligence with ability to navigate conflicts and build trust with diverse stakeholders
Current certifications in First Aid and CPR (or willing to obtain immediately upon hire)
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during summer camp season
Resilient, adaptable, and able to handle dynamic environments with calm judgment
Preferred
Camp director or assistant director experience
American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation knowledge or experience
Experience with YMCA teen programs (Leaders Club, Y Achievers, Earth Service Corps) or similar youth development frameworks
Additional certifications such as Lifeguarding, Wilderness First Aid, or outdoor education credentials
Experience with outdoor education, adventure programming, or environmental education
Bilingual abilities that reflect community demographics
Experience working with diverse youth populations including underserved communities
Company
YMCA of Greater Nashua
INVESTING IN OUR KIDS, OUR HEALTH AND OUR NEIGHBORS At the Y, strengthening community is our cause.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Michael LaChance
CEO
Heather Lapalme
Executive Assistant to CEO
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