Camp Director & Assistant Camp Director

ABOUT SOLAR YOUTH Solar Youth, Inc. is a New Haven-based nonprofit dedicated to youth development and environmental education. Our mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s under-resourced neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success—nothing less!

Many of the young people we serve face significant challenges, with limited access to positive role models and meaningful opportunities. At Solar Youth, we strive to be a consistent and supportive presence, building long-term relationships that begin as early as age 4 and continue through high school.

Through our neighborhood-based programs, youth explore their environment, develop skills and confidence as agents of positive change, and teach others what they have learned—a model we call Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach! We emphasize thoughtful decision-making, personal responsibility, and FUN, while helping youth cultivate the skills and motivation to become engaged members of their communities, build healthy relationships, develop both physical and mental well-being, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

At the heart of our work are five core elements, which connect youth to nature, their communities, and each other: Environmental Exploration, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them; Youth-Led Problem Solving, encouraging leadership and critical thinking; Nonviolent Communication, promoting empathy, conflict resolution, and strong relationships; and Mindfulness Practice, instilling self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Learn more at solaryouth.org.

SOLAR YOUTH CAMP Solar Youth’s Camp is a five-week summer program designed to provide up to 100 youth with opportunities to explore their local environment, develop essential life skills, and build confidence as community leaders. Open to youth ages 5 to 13 at no cost to families, our camp nurtures a deep connection to nature, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Throughout the program, youth engage in hands-on environmental exploration, learning about New Haven’s diverse ecology and urban infrastructure while gaining a broader understanding of conservation and sustainability. Camp activities include active games, arts and crafts, team-building exercises, outdoor learning experiences, mindfulness practices, literacy support, community service projects, and weekly field trips beyond their neighborhoods.

By fostering curiosity, leadership, and joy, Solar Youth’s Camp empowers youth to see themselves as stewards of their environment and agents of positive change.

POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking dedicated, environmentally-focused leaders with a passion for hands-on youth development and the ability to effectively serve and support youth facing significant life challenges. The Directors will oversee camp operations, staff supervision, program planning, and overall camper safety. This role requires someone who can create an engaging, inclusive, and dynamic camp experience, ensuring that all activities align with Solar Youth’s mission and core values. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and proactive leader, capable of designing meaningful recreational and educational activities, managing camp logistics, and mentoring staff. They should be creative problem solvers, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and be passionate about working with youth and teens.

Solar Youth is hiring two key leadership roles for our Solar Youth Summer Camp: Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director. Both positions will work together to ensure the successful planning, implementation, and daily operations of our five-week summer camp, serving up to 100 youth ages 5-13.

• The Camp Director is responsible for big-picture leadership, program design, staff supervision, and ensuring a high-quality camp experience. This role requires strong leadership skills, youth development experience, and strategic decision-making.
• The Assistant Camp Director will provide hands-on operational support, focusing on daily logistics, staff coordination, camper supervision, and on-the-ground problem-solving. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into a leadership position in youth development and outdoor education.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BOTH ROLES

• Ensure camp fosters a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment that aligns with Solar Youth’s values.
• Supervise, train, and support camp educators and youth educators to provide high-quality programming.
• Ensure camper safety and well-being, enforcing safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Oversee program planning and execution, ensuring all activities align with Solar Youth’s mission.
• Act as a mentor and role model for staff and youth, promoting joy, leadership, and stewardship.

ROLE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Camp Director – Leadership & Strategy

• Big-Picture Leadership: Oversee the entire camp operation, ensuring a structured, high-quality summer experience.
• Program Design & Oversight: Develop and refine the camp schedule, curriculum, and activities.
• High-Level Staff Supervision: Hire, train, and evaluate camp educators, providing coaching and performance feedback.
• Camper & Family Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians, handling any significant camper concerns or incidents.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Lead program impact assessments, oversee data collection, and develop the end-of-season report.

Assistant Camp Director – Operations & Logistics

• Daily Camp Logistics: Oversee camper check-in, transportation logistics, attendance tracking, and camper grouping.
• Staff Coordination: Serve as daily support for camp educators, helping with schedule adjustments and troubleshooting.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure first aid kits are stocked, handle minor first aid and incident reports, and escalate serious issues to the Camp Director.
• Parent & Staff Communication: Handle daily parent updates, assist with check-ins, and manage minor family concerns.
• Field Trip & Activity Coordination: Assist in planning weekly adventure trips and special activities, ensuring smooth execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

For Camp Director

• 3+ years of experience in youth camp leadership, outdoor education, or program management.
• Proven ability to design, coordinate, and oversee high-quality camp programming, ensuring a fun, inclusive, and team-focused environment.
• Experience supervising, training, and evaluating staff, with strong skills in team leadership, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Strong background in behavior management, conflict resolution, and working with families in a camp or youth setting.
• Ability to develop and implement program evaluation strategies, including data collection and reporting to measure camp impact.
• Preferred: 21+ years old with a clean driving record
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Experience in youth programming, camp management, or education
• Ability to manage schedules, oversee staff, and coordinate logistics
• Comfortable working outdoors and in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

For Assistant Camp Director

• 1-3 years of experience in youth programming, outdoor education, or camp leadership.
• Ability to manage daily camp operations, including camper check-in, attendance tracking, and transportation logistics.
• Experience supporting staff training and team coordination, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with families, address minor concerns, and support a positive camper experience.
• Understanding of safety procedures, incident reporting, and maintaining a well-organized camp environment
• Preferred: 21+ years old with a clean driving record
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Experience in youth programming, camp management, or education
• Ability to manage schedules, oversee staff, and coordinate logistics
• Comfortable working outdoors and in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Start Date: May 1st or Mid-May (exact date to be determined)
• End Date: Between August 8th-15th
• Location: (IN-PERSON) New Haven, CT
• Employment Type: Exempt, Salaried (Temporary)
• Pay Range (Semi-Monthly, Per Pay period) :
• $1,828.67 per pay period → (equivalent to a $43,888 annual salary)
• $2,083.33 per pay period → (equivalent to a $50,000 annual salary)
• Note: Total salary will be based on the actual number of pay periods worked, depending on the start and end date of seasonal employment.
• Job Schedule: SY CAMP dates are tentatively June 30th - August 1st . Camp is daily M-TH 8:30AM-3:00PM (subject to change). Fridays are training days for all staff including our Youth Educator Interns. In addition time allotted for administrative duties: such as updating data, shopping for supplies, and 1on1s. There will be 1-2 weeks training at the end of June. Camp Directors are expected to work full days, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, Fridays are generally more flexible, with scheduling determined by the Directors based on the needs and flow of the week.
• Candidates can expect a phone call, zoom, and/or in-person interview.
• Longevity: Interested candidates may be considered for a full-time position for the academic year.

TO APPLY: go to THIS JOB APPLICATION FORM. You will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter (a one page description of how your values drive your work and why your experiences are a fit for the role).

Please note that we are a small organization and aim to respond to all candidates, but due to the volume of responses may not be able to in a timely manner. If you follow the above directions, you should get an automated email response confirming receipt of your application. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by us directly. NO CALLS PLEASE.

Solar Youth is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.