Summer Camp Assistant Director

 

About Our Summer Camp & this ROLE:

Rutabaga Toy Library’s Nature Arts Summer Camp offers a unique summer experience for children ages 5-10, combining key nature school principals in a small-group setting. Our mission is to foster a welcoming, engaging, and exploratory space where children can connect with nature and express their creativity through art made from found and natural materials. We are committed to sustainability, child-led activities, and providing a nurturing environment for our community of caregivers and families.

The Assistant Director will play a vital role in the planning and execution of our summer program, ensuring it runs smoothly and lives up to our mission. This position requires a balance of administrative skills, leadership, and direct engagement with campers and staff. The Assistant Director will work closely with the camp director to bring our vision for the summer to life while maintaining the lead-counselor position at camp.

KEY Responsibilities:

  • Program Planning and Execution: Assist in the development and implementation of camp programs that reflect our ethos of creativity, nature exploration, and sustainability.

  • Leadership and Staff Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for camp staff and parents, ensuring effective communication and fostering a supportive environment. Manage staff schedules to prevent burnout while ensuring program needs are met.

  • Direct Camper Engagement: Act as a lead counselor, participating in and facilitating camp activities, demonstrating a hands-on approach to leadership and mentoring.

  • Operational Support: Work alongside the camp director to manage daily operations, troubleshoot issues, and maintain a high standard of safety and engagement.

Desired skills & qualifications:

  • At least 2 years of experience in summer camp environments, with leadership roles highly preferred.

  • Experience in or passion for the arts and environmental sciences. 

  • Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and an understanding of the challenges and rewards of working in a nature-intensive, summer camp environment.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with a diverse range of children (campers), families, and young adults (staff).

Employment Details:

  • This is a seasonal position for the summer, with the opportunity for continued involvement in Rutabaga’s year-round Nature Arts programs.

  • The rate is $20-22/hour depending on experience.

  • Our camp runs for 10 weeks (June through August), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3 PM, with extended hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

  • Preparation for camp begins prior to the start date, with a flexible schedule leading into the camp season.

  • Post-camp opportunities include our Nature Arts Day Off Camps and before/after school programs.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

  • Make a meaningful impact by leading a program that combines creativity, nature exploration, and sustainability.

  • Develop leadership and program management skills in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

  • Become a key member of a community dedicated to promoting sustainable living and fostering connections among families.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about nature, the arts, and making a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete this APPLICATION FORM, including attaching your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for our Nature Arts Summer Camp team. We’d plan to review candidates in early April and make a final decision by the end of the month. Thank you!

Rutabaga Toy Library is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.