Director of Camping and Community Engagement

Overview

The Director of Camping & Community Engagement provides year-round leadership to the YMCA of Pueblo’s Urban Day Camp, YMCA Adventure Guides Program, and serves as the primary point of contact for outside group field trips to the YMCA. In addition, the Director develops outdoor education programming in partnership with local schools and plays a key role in advancing the vision for the Urban Day Camp by engaging donors, building partnerships, and supporting fundraising efforts to bring this vision to life.

Responsibilities

Urban Day Camp Leadership

Design, implement, and evaluate a safe, fun, and enriching Urban Day Camp program that includes outdoor education, recreational activities, leadership development, and character-building experiences.

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal camp staff and counselors.

Ensure compliance with YMCA, ACA, state, and local standards for safety, supervision, and program quality.

Manage daily camp operations including scheduling, risk management, and camper behavior management.

Foster strong parent communication and engagement.

Monitor enrollment, attendance, and program evaluation data to drive continuous improvement.

Outdoor Education with Schools

Develop and deliver outdoor education curriculum aligned with school standards to support local elementary and middle schools.

Coordinate partnerships with educators and administrators to integrate YMCA outdoor learning into the school day or after-school programming.

Facilitate hands-on lessons in areas such as ecology, environmental stewardship, team-building, and leadership.

Position the YMCA as a community leader in experiential education and outdoor learning.

Adventure Guides Program Oversight

Provide vision, leadership, and development for the YMCA Adventure Guides Program, strengthening parent–child relationships through shared experiences.

Plan, coordinate, and evaluate events such as campouts, service projects, and family nights.

Recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders and parent participants to ensure program quality and safety.

Integrate Adventure Guides as a key family engagement and membership benefit.

Track participation and outcomes to ensure program growth and long-term sustainability.

Field Trip Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for schools, community organizations, and outside groups scheduling field trips to the YMCA.

Develop, promote, and oversee group visit experiences (e.g., swimming, gym activities, camp-style programming).

Coordinate logistics with internal program areas (aquatics, youth sports, wellness, etc.) to ensure safe, organized, and mission-centered field trip experiences.

Maintain clear communication with group leaders before, during, and after visits.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

Partner with the CEO, Development staff, and Board members to secure funding for the Urban Day Camp vision.

Build strong relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and community leaders by sharing the impact of camp experiences.

Assist with donor recognition, tours, special events, and stewardship activities tied to the Urban Day Camp.

Provide program impact data and stories to strengthen grant applications, sponsorships, and fundraising appeals.

Staff Supervision & Development

Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision of seasonal and part-time staff for camp, outdoor education, and Adventure Guides.

Create a positive, team-oriented environment that reflects YMCA values.

Provide professional development and growth opportunities to staff and volunteers.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

Develop and manage budgets for Urban Day Camp, Adventure Guides, field trips, and outdoor education.

Ensure strong fiscal management through enrollment tracking, revenue growth, and cost controls.

Maintain accurate records, reports, and evaluation data.

Community Engagement

Promote camp, Adventure Guides, outdoor education, and field trip opportunities throughout Pueblo and surrounding communities.

Build relationships with schools, businesses, churches, and organizations to expand participation and partnerships.

Represent the YMCA at community events, fairs, and speaking engagements to elevate visibility and impact.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Environmental Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Minimum 3 years of experience in camp, youth development, outdoor education, or family programming, with demonstrated leadership in staff supervision.

Fundraising, donor engagement, or community relations experience strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of child and youth development principles.

Experience developing and delivering outdoor or experiential education curriculum preferred.

Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain); YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.

Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and environments.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Ability to lead outdoor activities in varied environments.

Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and actively engage with children and families.

Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during camp season.

Benefits

Free YMCA Staff Membership

Program discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Generous retirement benefits - 12% after eligibility is met

Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Disability Benefits

Life Insurance

Career development and training opportunities

OUR YMCA CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Posted Salary Range

USD $56,485.00 - USD $60,000.00 /Yr.