Nonprofit
Published 3/19/26 12:16PM

Game Designer

On-site, Work must be performed in or near Middle Grove, NY
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  • Details

    Job Type:
    Contract / Freelance
    Start Date:
    June 19, 2026
    End Date:
    August 22, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    May 1, 2026
    Compensation:
    USD $600 - $700 / week
    Cause Areas:
    Arts & Music, Children & Youth, Civic Engagement, Community Development, Conflict Resolution

    Description

    Game Designer

    Build worlds. Ignite wonder. Make play legendary.

    Camp Stomping Ground | Saratoga Springs, NY

    Pay- $650.00 a week 8 weeks of camp + 1 week of staff orientation ($325.00)

    Dates :

    Session 1: June 28 – July 10

    Session 2: July 12 – July 24

    Artsfest (Teen Program): July 26 – August 7

    Session 4: August 9 – August 21

    At Camp Stomping Ground, we believe play is how humans learn best.

    Every night, camp becomes a story. The forest turns into a kingdom under siege. The amphitheater becomes a council chamber. Counselors appear as villains, heroes, and mysterious guides.

    Campers solve riddles, form alliances, and work together to change the fate of the world.

    For 45–60 minutes, camp becomes something else entirely — a living world.

    And we’re looking for the person who designs it.

    The Job

    We are hiring a Game Designer to create and run immersive night games during our two-week summer camp sessions.

    Each day, you will design and lead one large-scale game for the entire camp.

    These experiences often feel like a mix of:

    • live-action role play (LARP)

    • immersive theater

    • adventure games

    • cooperative storytelling

    Campers aren’t spectators — they’re the protagonists.

    Omg isomg itYou’ll design the world. Our staff and campers bring it to life.

    You will design games for approximately: 150 campers and 60 staff

    These are large, energetic, theatrical events — and they’re one of the things Stomping Ground is known for.Many campers remember these games for years after they leave camp.

    Responsibilities

    Design and run a new night game each day of a two-week session.

    This includes:

    • Writing storylines and camp lore

    • Designing puzzles, challenges, and game mechanics

    • Casting counselors into character roles

    • Coordinating props, costumes, and environments

    • Directing the game in real time

    • Leading staff teams to bring the story to life

    • Adapting quickly when plans change (they always do)

    You will work closely with the Program Team and report to MK Thomson, Operations Director.

    Who This Job Is For

    We are looking for someone who believes deeply that play can change lives. You might be:

    • a game designer

    • a theatre maker

    • a dungeon master

    • a storyteller

    • an immersive experience designer

    • someone who grew up loving camp and never stopped imagining

    You should be able to:

    • think creatively and move quickly

    • collaborate with a team of staff performers

    • design fun and engaging challenges

    • improvise when things inevitably change

    Bonus skills:

    • theater production or stage direction

    • prop or set building

    • costume design

    • LARP or immersive theater experience

    • puzzle or game design

    • improvisation and performance

    Why This Role Matters

    In a world where so much childhood happens on screens, we create experiences kids can step into with their whole bodies and imaginations.

    Campers learn that stories aren’t just something you consume — they’re something you help create.

    And those moments of wonder stay with people for a lifetime.

    If you want to help 150 kids step into a new world every night,

    we want to hear from you.

    Join us at Camp Stomping Ground.

    Benefits

    Benefits

    • Room & Board Included – Live and work on a beautiful camp property with housing and meals provided throughout the season.
    • Creative Autonomy – Bring your ideas to life. This role offers real ownership and creative direction to design and lead original games and experiences.
    • Inspiring Community – Join a team of thoughtful, values-driven leaders who care deeply about kids, creativity, and community.
    • A Culture of Belonging – Be part of an intentionally inclusive environment where people are seen, valued, and encouraged to show up as their full selves.
    • Meaningful Impact – Design experiences that shape how young people connect, collaborate, and understand themselves and others.
    • Professional Growth – Develop skills in facilitation, leadership, and experiential design in a highly collaborative, feedback-rich environment.

    Location

    On-site
    3430 Boyhaven Rd, Middle Grove, NY 12850, USA

    Apply to This Job

    Instructions:

    Please email

    Laura@campstompingground.org with any questions or job interest.

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