Site Director

The Overnight On-Site Director (SD) for Surf Camp, Inc. must be a multi-talented, service-oriented individual with a strong desire to provide a safe, fun, and enriching summer camp experience for staff and campers in an overnight camp setting. Our programs attract teens from all over the world who have the desire to learn how to surf, learn about marine biology, and experience the local culture and wildlife unique to North Carolina. Applicants must be passionate about marine stewardship, teaching, inspiring youth, and surfing. This position requires the candidate to work as part of a team to inspire, instruct, and provide care to several teams and groups of campers.

The SD will be responsible for the daily running of our Campus Facility, planning and facilitation of various evening activities, running the camp store, overseeing the kitchen, and logistical support. Logistics are a key element of our overnight programs and include equipment management and maintenance, evening program set-up and break-down, and other duties as assigned. This position will also assist with the coordination of the arrival and departure of campers. Last but not least, the SD must ensure that all staff and campers stay safe while having an awesome and life-enriching experience. This position reports to the Operations Director.

Skills and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

1. Completed Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Education, Administration, or applicable field
2. At least one (1) year of camp administration experience
3. At least three (3) years of in-field camp experience (i.e. counselor, instructor, unit leader)
4. Experience managing multiple teams, their schedules, and their budgets
5. Ability to plan, originate, organize, and carry out daily and special programs
6. Ability to organize and manage the camp store and inventory
7. Ability to remain focused in a fast-paced, stressful, and fluid camp atmosphere
8. Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
9. Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard, first aid/CPR, or willing/able to get
10. At least 25 years of age
11. Strong communication, decision-making, logistical, and organizational skills
12. Must be in excellent physical condition
13. Ability to pass a 500-yard open-ocean swim test
14. Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
15. No conflicting summer commitments including travel, work, or other leave of absence
16. Proven ability to effectively manage staff
17. Able to pass a government background check
18. Clean driving record

Desired Skills

1. Director Certification by the American Camp Association
2. Serve Safe certification
3. Surfing experience
4. Wilderness First Responder certification or higher
5. Familiarity with local marine ecosystems and organisms
6. Energetic, morning person with a positive attitude

Responsibilities and Duties:

Activities primarily take place in North Topsail Beach at our Campus Facility with occasional office work in the Main Office in Wilmington, NC.

This seasonal position requires that individuals maintain a strong skill set in the following areas: organization, punctuality, and problem-solving, as well as having a solid attention to detail. These skills are crucial for you to provide the best possible experience for staff and campers. Programs do require work on weekends and holidays, though there is some time off between camps and/or during the week.

The following skills are crucial: goal setting, prioritization, strategy development, adherence to policies and procedures, and time management. It is of utmost importance to be proactive and forward-thinking.

Staff responsibilities are listed below, but may not be limited to this list:

1. Maintain the highest level of risk management, responsibility, and sound judgment at all times
2. Provide consistent support to the field staff and kitchen staff, by handling tasks and duties, delegating duties to staff, and focusing on campers’ safety and schedule
3. Responsible for the implementation of program curriculum and consistent day-to-day activities
4. Responsible for assisting in managing the schedules for all overnight programs at the facility 
5. Create meal schedules and cleaning schedules for all units residing at the camp
6. Supervise and manage the seasonal administrative staff and seasonal kitchen staff
7. Attend all scheduled meetings with the Program Directors
8. Perform all pre-session tasks, including but not limited to arriving at the camp location before the start date, reviewing camp binders, preparing for camper arrival, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring all supplies are prepared and accessible
9. Responsible for helping with water activities as needed
10. Facilitate camper check-in and check-out; coordinating picking up campers from the airport on the first day and on the last day, with supervision at the airport until the last camper flight departs
11. Organize and help prep facilities at the end of each camp session
12. Complete all post-session tasks; including but not limited to completing the binder checklist, clean-up, program and staff evaluations, and inventory of supplies
13. Conduct weekly team meetings to go over any camper issues, logistics, and schedule
14. Make quick decisions throughout the day based on weather and wave conditions
15. Practice open communication with your teams; address any issues immediately
16. Mentor staff and provide feedback and corrective action when necessary
17. Assist with daily camp setup and breakdown with seasonal administrative team when needed
18. Ensure that budgets are met and cost efficiencies are improved
19. Organize, develop, and implement program curriculum
20. Prepare and lead hands-on, educational, teambuilding activities for campers and staff
21. Supervise and actively participate in camp activities
22. Stand in for staff members as needed
23. Put camper needs before own; get to know each camper, make them feel welcome and accepted
24. Provide proper behavior management of campers; handle camper discipline issues and emergencies that may arise
25. Serve as a positive role model, display maturity, responsibility, flexibility, and sound judgment
26. Oversee participants' safety, medication administration, and dietary preferences
27. Safely transport students and/or staff in 15-passenger vans
28. Communicate with parents as needed during the camp session; answer questions and calmly address any issues that may arise
29. Carry and respond to the director’s company cell phone 24/7, delegating coverage when off
30. Coach and mentor all staff, particularly unit leaders, in camper/staff management
31. Follow proper Emergency Procedures when necessary
32. Clearly understand company goals, high safety standards, and mission; continuously work to professionally promote the organization’s mission and achieve its goals
33. Be knowledgeable of Surf Camp, Inc. as a company, as well as our diversity of programs

Compensation

We offer above-average industry-standard compensation commensurate with experience, and the inclusion of pro-deal opportunities. In addition, the compensation package will include ocean-view accommodations and meals during the summer program, valued at an additional $5,000.

Position Duration

Programs run from June 2- August 2 on Topsail Island, NC. All staff need to attend mandatory staff training beginning May 24 – May 31. Candidates would start at the beginning of May to prepare and assist in leading the mandatory staff training at the end of May. This position ends on August 3.

About Surf Camp Inc

Surf Camp Inc. is a leader in the growing world of learn-to-surf adventure camps. Our brand symbolizes a long-standing commitment to technical instruction expertise and ocean safety awareness which is evident in our three main core values: “Safety, Learning, and Fun!” We develop and conduct a diversified mix of summer camps for kids and teens, as well as adult travel adventure programs.