Assistant Camp Director - Summer Camp

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Seasonal Grand Rapids, MI, US

Salary Range: $5,000.00 To $6,000.00 Annually

IKUS Life Enrichment Services / Indian Trails Camp is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through relationships, recreation, and advocacy. Set on 30 acres of forest, our barrier‑free camp offers inclusive outdoor activities that foster fun, friendship, and self‑reliance for campers aged 5 and up.

As Assistant Camp Director, you’ll partner with the Camp Director to oversee daily operations, support staff, and ensure campers have a safe and positive experience. This role blends leadership, mentorship, and hands‑on engagement to foster a well‑run, inclusive, and supportive camp environment.

• Supervise and mentor camp counselors and lead staff, fostering a positive, inclusive environment.
• Assist with staff training and daily support on safety, disability awareness, and hands‑on support strategies.
• Mediate conflicts and support problem‑solving in real time.
• Help coordinate transportation, meals, and special events as needed for orientation and staff outings.
• Actively participate with the lead staff, ensuring all programming is inclusive and adaptive.
• Build meaningful, supportive relationships with campers, understanding individual needs, preferences, and goals.
• Assist and guide counselors with personal care needs of campers, as necessary, including mobility assistance, feeding, dressing, and hygiene.
• Engaging with campers, care givers, and staff upon check in and check out providing answers to any questions as needed.
• Partner with the Camp Director to implement camp policies, procedures, and risk‑management strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between staff, campers, and leadership, keeping communication clear and proactive.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies or behavioral challenges.
• Ensure that all safety protocols are strictly followed, including those related to medical needs, dietary restrictions, and mobility challenges.
• Work closely with the Camp Chef, Kitchen Crew, Camp Nurse and Health Office staff to ensure the health and well‑being of all campers and staff.
• Participate in daily health checks, medication administration (if applicable), and general camp upkeep.

• 2–3 years experience in camp settings or working with individuals with disabilities; supervisory experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s in Special Education, Recreation, Social Work, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Strong interpersonal skills, problem‑solving ability, and calm decision‑making under pressure.
• Familiarity with adaptive recreation and disability services.
• MANDT Training (offered by IKUS)
• All required trainings through the community mental health organization (CPR/FA, Medicaid, etc).
• Required certifications:
  First Aid, CPR (or willingness to obtain before camp).

• Must be able to actively participate in camp activities, including assisting campers with mobility needs, responding to emergencies, and maintaining constant supervision.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather, remain on your feet for long periods, and perform physical tasks like bending, crouching, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and ability to transfer adult campers.
• Be comfortable providing very personal care, including tasks like changing diapers, supporting hygiene needs, and handling odors or messes, always treating campers with dignity and respect.
• Maintain high energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.
• No alcohol or drug use while at camp.
• Must have the physical, auditory, and visual ability to respond to critical incidents.

Job Type: Full time, seasonal, salary position.
Employment Dates:

• May 11 – May 15:
  Summer prep and work with Camp Director
• May 18 – May 31st:
  Summer Staff Training
• High Ropes Training – May (date TBD)
• May 31 st – August 7 th :
  Summer Camp
• June 26 th – July 5 th :
  Break Week
• August 7 th – Final Night Party

Schedule: Live on campus from Sunday to Friday. Friday evening and Saturday evening are free, returning to camp by Sunday morning. Break times and time off throughout the week based on rotating schedule.

Pay: $500 – $600/weekly, commensurate with experience

Included:
Living quarters – in private cabin.
All meals during summer camp sessions.
Free parking/storage if needed.

Reports to: Camp Director

For more about IKUS Life Enrichment Services: ikuslife.org EOE