Camp Unit Director - FAIRFIELD YMCA

Take the lead in creating an unforgettable summer experience as a Camp unit Director with the Y! In this role, you will oversee and inspire a group of campers and staff, ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive camp environment. You’ll lead program planning, staff development, and risk management while fostering strong relationships with campers, staff, and parents. This position supports the Y’s mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Essential Functions:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with campers, families, and staff.
• Leads an assigned camp unit (age group) and ensures smooth daily operations including unit routines, schedules, transitions, and activity flow.
• Provides active supervision and maintains safety at all times using appropriate positioning, scanning, and headcounts; adjusts supervision based on risk level and camper needs.
• Creates an inclusive, positive unit culture where all campers feel welcome, supported, and able to participate; uses YMCA-aligned behavior guidance strategies.
• Supervises, coaches, and supports seasonal staff within the unit; provides direction, feedback, recognition, and performance documentation as needed in coordination with the Camp Director.
• Supports activity planning and quality programming by helping staff prepare developmentally appropriate activities, set up program areas, and maintain engagement.
• Communicates professionally with families regarding unit routines and day-to-day needs; escalates sensitive concerns (injury/illness, behavioral concerns, safety issues) to the Camp Director per procedure.
• Implements YMCA child protection practices and policies including mandated reporting requirements and the Rule of Three; follows all YMCA camp rules and expectations.
• Follows required health, safety, and administrative procedures including attendance/rosters, drop-off/pick-up protocols, incident/accident reporting, medication/allergy awareness, and required documentation.
• Responds appropriately to incidents and emergencies and immediately reports risk concerns; supports safety readiness of program spaces, supplies, and equipment; performs other duties as assigned.

• At least 1 year of post-high school education in a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience as a senior counselor or specialty director at a licensed day or resident camp.
• Proven ability to create, organize, and implement camp activities and staff training programs.
• Effective leadership skills with a professional, friendly, and adaptable approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to motivate and support campers, staff, and parents.
• Ability to stay calm and objective under pressure or in challenging situations.
• Observant, safety-conscious, and capable of responding quickly to emergencies.
• Valid CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record preferred.
• Completion of mandatory new employee trainings and department onboarding.

As a Day Camp Unit Director, you will lead by example, fostering a cause-centered culture that emphasizes caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. You’ll guide staff in planning and executing engaging camp programs, ensuring safety and compliance with Y policies and state regulations. Your role includes supervision, staff coaching, and maintaining open and professional communication with campers, parents, and the camp team.

This role is ideal for an experienced camp professional with strong organizational and leadership skills who is passionate about youth development. If you’re collaborative, detail-oriented, and ready to make a lasting impact, we’d love to have you join our team!

This is a Summer Camp position for 2026, running from June through September. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Apply now to secure your job for the summer!