Camps and Recreation Manager

Principal Function

The Camp Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all summer and specialty camps, as well as assigned special programs. The role provides leadership in staff hiring and training, program design, and risk management, ensuring safe, high-quality, and mission-driven experiences for all campers.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Staffing & Leadership – Recruit, hire, train, and supervise camp staff (counselors, lifeguards, instructors, and specialty facilitators); manage scheduling, performance, and team culture throughout the season.
• Program Oversight – Plan and implement camp programming across all activity areas with a focus on safety, curiosity, and camper development.
• Training & Development – Lead training sessions and ongoing professional development; ensure staff are equipped in safety, youth protection, risk management, and Conner Prairie’s mission and values.
• Risk Management – Serve as primary safety officer for high‑risk activities (ropes course, OASIS challenge course, Burrow, zipline, waterfront); oversee inspections, equipment maintenance, safety briefings, and emergency procedures; maintain records for insurance and compliance.
• Camper Experience – Oversee group assignments, behavior management, guardian communication, and daily operations to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all campers.
• Budget & Logistics – Manage supply inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and departmental budget; oversee camp setup and teardown each season.
• Collaboration & Community – Coordinate with internal departments (education, interpretation, guest services, advancement, HR) and external partners (schools, community groups, HSE) to strengthen programming and expand impact. A key responsibility includes supporting the HSE Teacher‑in‑Residence program during the school year by collaborating closely with Teacher‑in‑Residence Amy Murch, scheduling activities, and co‑teaching a variety of camp‑and museum‑related programs.
• Evaluation & Improvement – Collect and analyze camper, staff, and family feedback to inform ongoing program improvements and strategic planning.

Supervises all seasonal and support staff for Adventure Camp, including Specialty Staff (zipline, bikes, first aid), Peer Leaders, Counselors, and Lifeguards. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and resolving staff concerns.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in education, early childhood education, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree (M.A./M.B.A.) is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Prior experience in camp operations is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• Experience in a museum, school, or entertainment/park environment is preferred.

• Lifeguard certification is preferred; willingness to obtain certification is strongly desired.
• Level 2 ropes course certification for training is preferred. Candidates who are not currently certified will be provided with training to achieve Level 2 certification.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Canva, Google Sheets) and Adobe is required.
• Strong knowledge of camp operations and programming is required.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage departmental budgets is required.
• Ability to interview, supervise, train, and support seasonal staff effectively is required.
• First Aid/CPR certification is required (training may be provided if not current).
• Ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations is required.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to read, write, and speak in English, are required; bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.
• Experience developing and delivering engaging programs and activities, ideally incorporating historical, scientific, or K–12 educational standards, is preferred.
• Experience in museum, school, or entertainment/park environments is preferred.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and scanners, is required.