Director of Camps & Youth

About the role

About Neil Klatskin Summer Camps & Youth Programming:

Neil Klatskin Summer Camps offers traditional day camp programming for children 2yrs to entering 2nd Grade and various specialty camps for children entering 3rd-9th Grade. We aim to provide our campers and families with the most qualitive content.

Our camps are situated on an incredible 21-acre property. The campus features three heated pools, a water park and splash pad, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, an exhilarating challenge course with zip line, and multiple playgrounds. Camp also has use of the indoor JCC facilities with dozens of air-conditioned classrooms, gyms, racquetball courts, a kosher, nut-aware kitchen, dance studios, and a theater.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Kaplen JCC is seeking a Director of Camps & Youth to serve as the senior leader and head of JCC camping, holding overall responsibility for the quality, growth, culture, and success of its full camp and youth portfolio. In this role, the Director will lead, supervise, and develop the year-round team, establishing clear expectations, strong accountability, and a collaborative environment across agency departments. The position owns the camper, family, and staff experience while driving enrollment, retention, and operational excellence across traditional day camp, specialty camps, Start Up Nation, Inclusion, and year-round youth programming. Equally a forward-thinking visionary and an exceptional operator, this leader will challenge existing models to foster ongoing innovation in operations and programming. A key priority will be preparing for the opening and full utilization of the JCC's new camp and programming facility—identifying cutting-edge offerings, optimizing space, and establishing strategic partnerships to firmly position the JCC as a premier destination for Jewish day camp and youth experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Leadership & Camper Experience

• Establish the vision, culture and standards for an exceptional camper and family experience across all camps and ensure widespread understanding and compliance.

• Lead, supervise, coach and develop the year-round Camp & Youth professional team and senior seasonal leadership. • Foster a culture of belonging, relationships, Jewish values, fun and personal growth.

• Maintain a visible presence throughout camp, including programs, staff, camper engagement and overall camp culture.

• Ensure continuous improvement and innovation across camp and youth programs.

Enrollment, Retention & Growth.

• Establish annual enrollment, retention targets with a growth mindset for a camp operation serving approximately 650–700 campers.

• Develop and lead an annual outreach and recruitment strategy in partnership with Marketing.