Camp Director - Camp Emerald Bay
Position Overview
The Camp Director is the senior on-site program and operational leader responsible for the year-round planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all camp programming at Camp Emerald Bay. This role ensures the vision, mission, and values of Scouting America are implemented through safe, engaging, and high-quality programs serving Scouts, leaders, families, community groups, and partner organizations.
The Camp Director provides strategic and operational leadership for long-term (summer camp) and short-term programs (Outdoor Academy, weekend programs, training events, community and special-use programs). The position ensures compliance with Scouting America National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards, national policies, and council procedures; maintains strong relationships with units and stakeholders; manages program budgets and resources; and recruits, trains, supervises, and develops seasonal and year-round staff.
The Camp Director reports to the Director of Camping Programs and works collaboratively with the Island Managers.
Responsibilities
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises Program Directors for Scout Camp, Outdoor Academy, and Community Group Programs.
- Cross-functional leadership with Maintenance, Food Service, and Island Operations teams to ensure program readiness and safety.
- Ensures recruitment, training, supervision, evaluation, and discipline of seasonal and program staff.
- Serves as a primary liaison between the Western Los Angeles County Council (WLACC), camp staff, volunteers, units, and community partners during programs.
- Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during assigned operational periods, providing leadership, decision-making authority, and emergency response oversight.
- Ensures all programs meet or exceed NCAP standards for long-term and short-term camps.
Program Leadership & Management
- Serve as Camp Director for all program operations with a focus on youth safety, risk management, program quality, and camper satisfaction.
- Provide year-round leadership for program planning, calendars, staffing models, and resource allocation.
- Ensure programs align with Scouting America aims, methods, advancement guidelines, and youth protection policies.
- Collaborate with Council leadership to develop new programs and refresh existing offerings to meet changing needs and market demand.
- Monitor and assess program outcomes using camper, leader, and staff evaluations; implement continuous improvement plans.
- Ensure readiness inspections and oversee opening and closing for program readiness.
- Oversee planning, delivery, and evaluation of:
- Summer Resident Camp
- Outdoor Academy
- Community Groups, Schools and Special Use Programs
- Weekend and Short-Term Programs
- College and University Programs
- Leadership and Specialty Training Events
Risk Management, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Scouting America National Standards, NCAP requirements, and council policies.
- Enforce all camp rules, safety procedures, and emergency action plans, in conjunction with the Site Manager.
- Ensure appropriate supervision, training, and certification of staff for all program areas.
- Coordinate and participate in inspections, assessments, and accreditation reviews.
- Serve as the senior on-site leader during emergencies, coordinating incident response, documentation, communication, and post-incident review.
Human Resources & Staff Development
- Assist with the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of seasonal and program staff.
- Provide leadership development, coaching, and performance feedback to Program Directors and staff.
- Schedule and assign staff to meet program and coverage needs year-round.
- Foster a positive staff culture emphasizing teamwork, professionalism, inclusivity, and servant leadership.
- Maintain discipline and address performance or conduct issues in accordance with council HR policies.
- Plan and oversee staff recognition, morale-building activities, and professional development opportunities.
Budgeting, Resource & Asset Management
- Develop, administer, and monitor assigned program budgets while ensuring expenditures remain within approved financial plans.
- Approve program purchases and ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with council procedures.
- Oversee opening and closing inventories for all program areas.
- Supervise the care, use, storage, and replacement of program equipment and supplies.
- Prepare year-end program reports, inventories, and executive summaries with recommendations for future seasons.
- Submit program supply orders, wish lists, and capital improvement recommendations.
- Develop, maintain, and update the Program Operations Manual.
Marketing, Sales & Stakeholder Relations
- Collaborate with council marketing and registration teams to promote camp programs year-round.
- Recruit, retain, and cultivate relationships with Scout units, districts, community groups, schools, and partner organizations.
- Support registration systems, program capacity planning, and customer service efforts.
- Communicate proactively with unit leaders, SPLs, parents, and group coordinators before, during, and after programs.
- Ensure timely follow-up, program closeout, and expressions of appreciation to participating units and groups.
- Support development and marketing efforts by providing program stories, participant testimonials, photographs, and impact data.
Collaboration & Council Support
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Camping – Programs, Director of Camping, Business Director, Island Manager, and Council staff.
- Support council initiatives, special events, and strategic priorities as assigned.
- Represent Camp Emerald Bay and WLACC in a professional manner with volunteers, donors, vendors, and external partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, strategic priorities, and long-term success of Camp Emerald Bay and the Western Los Angeles County Council.
Education
- Bachelors preferred
Qualifications
- Minimum 25 years of age.
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.
- Proven ability to plan, implement, and evaluate safe, fun, challenging, and mission-driven outdoor programs.
- Working knowledge of outdoor camping facilities, program areas, and adventure-based programming.
- Strong problem-solving skills with flexibility in daily operations and long-range planning.
- Background in recreation management, outdoor education, youth development, or related fields.
- Goal-oriented with strong time management, budgeting, and reporting skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with youth, adult leaders, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
- The Camp Director’s primary work location is Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Due to the nature of camp operations, this position requires regular on-site leadership and is not designed as a remote or hybrid position.
- Exercise independent judgment in daily operational decisions consistent with council policies and strategic priorities.
- Ensure a high level of customer service before, during, and after all camp programs.
Licenses
- Current or ability to obtain Scouting America National Camp School certification as Camp Director (required; may be completed after hiring).
Benefits
All councils are equal opportunity employers and offer a competitive salary, based on the council’s geographic location. Scouting offers benefits to include major medical, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death, retirement plan, plus compensation for authorized and approved business-related expenses. We also offer a generous vacation policy and holiday observances.
Salary or Salary Range: $70,304-85,000
Use Google Chrome or Firefox when applying. Please keep your manager and SE informed of your resume submission and interest in this position.
Refer to this link for BSA career information: https://www.scouting.org/careers/working-with-us
How to Apply: email Linnea.Heinstedt@scouting.org
Use Google Chrome or Firefox when applying. Please keep your manager and SE informed of your resume submission and interest in this position.
Refer to this link for BSA career information: https://www.scouting.org/careers/working-with-us
