Day Camp Manager

On-site · Glorieta, NM 

Full Time · Year-round

Hourly pay plus housing and benefits

Programs Department

Job Description

The Day Camp Manager provides leadership and enacts the vision and strategy for Glorieta Adventure Camps' Day Camp program. The Manager is responsible for creating transformative experiences that inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and biblical truth.

This position is more than program management. The Day Camp Manager serves as a ministry leader, staff developer, and community ambassador who influences the lives of children, families, and staff throughout Northern New Mexico. The manager oversees aspects of Day Camp, including program design, staff recruitment and development, family engagement, community partnerships, operational excellence, and long-term program growth. The successful candidate will lead a program focused on developing character, community-mindedness, and critical thinking in campers while building a culture where staff intentionally model Christ-like character through evangelism and discipleship while creating meaningful opportunities for spiritual, relational, and personal growth.

Key Responsibilities

Vision and Leadership

• Lead the established strategic vision, growth, and execution of the Day Camp program.
• Ensure all programming aligns with Glorieta's mission of inspiring Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and biblical truth.
• Champion a culture of safety, excellence, hospitality, and spiritual impact.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Programs and Executive Team to achieve organizational goals.

Program Development

• Design and oversee engaging, age-appropriate outdoor adventure experiences for campers ages 6-13.
• Build experiences that intentionally develop character, community-mindedness, and critical thinking.
• Lead curriculum development, camper discipleship initiatives, and character formation strategies that point people to Jesus.
• Ensure activities, Bible studies, worship experiences, and reflection opportunities work together to create transformational experiences.
• Continuously evaluate and improve programming based on camper outcomes, parent feedback, and organizational priorities.

Staff Recruitment and Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and mentor summer leadership staff, counselors, and support staff.
• Develop a staff culture centered on pursuing a vibrant relationship with Jesus, servant leadership, spiritual growth, and excellence.
• Create systems for coaching, accountability, leadership development, and performance management.
• Equip counselors to facilitate meaningful relationships, discipleship conversations, and experiential learning.
• Build pathways that develop future Day Camp leaders from returning campers, junior counselors, and seasonal staff.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents, churches, schools, and community partners.
• Maintain consistent communication with families throughout the year.
• Represent Glorieta at community events, schools, churches, and outreach opportunities.
• Support scholarship initiatives and efforts that increase accessibility for local families.
• Serve as a visible and trusted leader within the communities Glorieta serves.

Operations and Administration

• Manage program budgets, schedules, staffing plans, transportation logistics, and operational systems.
• Oversee registration support, camper records, incident reporting, and program documentation.
• Utilize data, surveys, and evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness and camper impact.
• Ensure compliance with camp policies, risk management procedures, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with Guest Services, Food Service, Program Support, Marketing, and Operations teams to deliver exceptional camper experiences.

Growth and Innovation

• Develop strategies to increase Day Camp participation and retention.
• Support Glorieta's strategic goal of expanding Day Camp reach and long-term ministry impact.
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in youth development, outdoor education, and Christian camping.

Qualifications Required

• Vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Ministry experience in a Christian camp environment or similar setting.
• Strong alignment with Glorieta's mission, values, and statement of faith.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to build relationships with children, parents, staff, churches, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred

• Experience leading youth programs, camps, outdoor education programs, or similar ministries.
• Bachelor's degree or proven success in Child Development, Education, Youth Ministry, Recreation, Outdoor Education, or related field.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and supervise staff.
• Five or more years of camp, youth ministry, or outdoor education leadership experience.
• Experience designing experiential learning and character development programs.
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate programming.
• Experience with curriculum development and staff training.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar databases.
• Experience analyzing program outcomes, surveys, and participant feedback.

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• Relational leader who genuinely loves the Lord and desires to positively impact children and families.
• Visionary thinker who can create and communicate a compelling future.
• Talent developer who invests deeply in staff growth and leadership formation.
• Ministry-minded with a passion for discipleship and character development.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative while remaining highly organized.
• Passionate about helping local youth discover purpose, belonging, and faith through outdoor adventure.

Company Overview

Glorieta Adventure Camps is a Christian outdoor adventure camp located in Northern New Mexico. Our mission is to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and Biblical truth. Our camps are filled with activities and programs that are loaded with fun and tailored to inspire lives towards deeper relationships with Christ. Our staff are passionate about providing an environment that is safe and points guests back to the mission. Working at Glorieta Adventure Camps is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself and know you are making a difference in people's lives and communities. We are looking for ministry-minded individuals to join our team and help further our mission. We encourage all applicants to carefully consider our mission statement before applying.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is hourly and commensurate with experience.

• On-site housing included in compensation
• Medical coverage through CHM, employer-funded HRA, and pharmacy benefit plan
• PTO, sick leave, and volunteer time off
• Retirement benefits after one year of employment including employer contributions and matching
• Camp program and retail discounts
• Free annual camp session for immediate family members
• Friends and family lodging opportunities
• On-site meals during summer operations and special events
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities

Application Process

Those interested in employment with Glorieta Adventure Camps can apply through the careers section of the Glorieta website.

Disclaimer: This Job Description is not a complete description of all that is necessary to do your job. Also, all camp employees are expected to do what it takes to work as a team, even with other departments, to serve guests. This is not only an expectation, but a value that we hold as an organization. We will help each other get the mission done.