Camp Director- Full Time, Year Round

Director of Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps

Location: Central Lake, Michigan

Pay: $60,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year

Date Posted: November 12

Job Summary

Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha is located on the crystal-clear shores of Torch Lake in beautiful northern Michigan. Founded in 1904, Torch Hayo-Went-Ha stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most respected boys’ camps, recognized for its century-long tradition of wilderness tripping, leadership development, and character-building experiences that shape young men for life.

Together with our sister camp, Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha, a premier girls’ camp located just 40 miles away on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, we form YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps, a unique pair of single-gender camps united by shared history, values, and a deep commitment to youth development and adventure-based learning.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic leader to serve as the next Camp Director of our storied boys’ camp. The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of leadership experience in an overnight camp or wilderness tripping program, with a strong background in outdoor leadership and youth development. The successful candidate will balance a deep respect for Hayo-Went-Ha’s rich traditions with a forward-looking vision that fosters innovation, excellence, and continued distinction as a premier resident and wilderness tripping camp for boys in the United States.

This is a full-time, year-round position. The Director is required to live on-site during the summer, with year-round housing available if desired. The salary range is $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• YMCA Retirement Fund participation (401a, 403b with 10% employer contribution when eligible)

Program Philosophy

YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps are dedicated to youth development, leadership, and character-building through traditional cabin-group living and progressively challenging wilderness trip programs. Our two- and four-week sessions provide age-appropriate adventures that foster resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.

Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha’s motto, “Each for all, all for each,” inspires a community grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and shared adventure. Campers emerge with greater confidence, a deeper sense of purpose, and lifelong friendships—values that have made our alumni community one of the strongest in camping.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the CEO, the Camp Director is responsible for all aspects of Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha operations, including (but not limited to):

• Program Leadership: Oversee all camp and wilderness trip programming, ensuring high-quality, safe, and mission-driven experiences.
• Staff Development: Recruit, hire, train, and mentor seasonal and year-round staff to deliver impactful camper experiences.
• Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage the camp’s budget, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.
• Marketing and Enrollment: Collaborate in the creation and implementation of strategies that promote camper growth and retention.
• Safety and Risk Management: Ensure full compliance with YMCA, ACA, Praesidium Guardian, and state and local safety standards and maintain a culture of proactive risk management.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with campers, families, alumni, donors, and local community partners.
• Philanthropy: Support fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement efforts in partnership with the CEO and leadership team.

Essential Functions

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate camp programs to align with mission and quality standards.
• Recruit, hire, and train a dynamic summer staff team.
• Lead wilderness tripping programs with a strong focus on safety, leadership, and personal growth.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure exceptional camper and staff experiences.
• Manage food service, healthcare, maintenance, and administrative operations.
• Oversee risk management and emergency response systems.
• Support alumni relations and development efforts through special events and storytelling.
• This position requires at times the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, basic agility (stooping, bending etc.) and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in residential or wilderness camping programs.
• Proven ability to manage complex operations and lead diverse teams.
• Strong financial and organizational management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Demonstrated passion for youth development, outdoor adventure, and the YMCA mission.
• Minimum age 25 with a valid U.S. driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Core Competencies

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Inspires others through purpose and shared values.
• Relationship-Building: Develops authentic relationships with staff, families, alumni, and community partners.
• Innovation and Growth: Balances respect for tradition with the drive to innovate and improve.
• Financial Acumen: Ensures responsible and strategic fiscal management.
• Risk Management: Prioritizes safety, preparedness, and proactive risk assessment.
• Team Development: Invests in building strong, motivated teams.
• Philanthropy and Stewardship: Promotes a culture of giving and engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $60,000 – $75,000, based on experience
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, YMCA retirement plan (10% employer contribution when eligible)
• Housing: Year-round housing available; on-site housing required during summer

How to Apply

Application Deadline: November 28

Submit your cover letter and résumé to:

John (JC) Carlson, CEO

jcarlson@hayowentha.org

Work Location

YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha

919 NE Torch Lake Drive

Central Lake, MI 49622

• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• 401a/403b with 10% match when eligible
• PTO/Sick Time

Proficiency in Spanish is a plus but not required.