For more than a century, Camp Atwater has been a place where young people discover confidence, culture, and community. Founded in 1921, Camp Atwater is the oldest Black-owned and operated residential summer camp in the United States and has served tens of thousands of youth from across the country and around the world.

We are seeking an energetic, creative, and mission-driven Program Director to help lead the daily camp experience and create unforgettable programs for campers ages 8–15. This role is ideal for a leader who loves working with young people, thrives in an outdoor environment, and understands the power of culturally affirming spaces to transform lives.

As Program Director, you will help shape the rhythm and spirit of camp—designing programs, leading traditions, mentoring staff, and ensuring that every camper has a safe, engaging, and inspiring experience.

What You Will Do

Lead Dynamic Camp Programming

• Plan and implement engaging daily and weekly activity schedules for campers and staff
• Lead large camp-wide events, traditions, competitions, and special programs
• Encourage creativity, teamwork, and active participation across all activities
• Help maintain the energy and spirit that make Camp Atwater special

Mentor and Supervise Staff

• Train, guide, and supervise counselors and specialty activity instructors
• Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to strengthen staff leadership skills
• Complete supervisory documentation including staff observations and evaluations

Create an Inclusive Camper Experience

• Welcome campers and introduce them to camp rules, traditions, and daily routines
• Foster a positive, inclusive environment where every camper feels safe and valued
• Serve as a positive role model who demonstrates leadership, respect, and enthusiasm

Ensure Safety and Well-Being

• Enforce safety procedures for all camp activities and programs
• Respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies or incidents
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, injuries, and program participation

Build Community

• Support conflict resolution among campers and staff
• Encourage cooperation, leadership, and personal growth among campers

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older by July 1, 2026
• Experience in structured group camping or supervisory experience working with children or youth (minimum four weeks)
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a fast-paced camp environment
• First Aid, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid certification required (may be obtained prior to camp)

Why Join Camp Atwater?

Working at Camp Atwater means becoming part of a historic legacy of leadership development, cultural pride, and youth empowerment. Staff members have the opportunity to:

• Help shape life-changing experiences for young people
• Work with a diverse and passionate leadership team
• Develop valuable leadership and youth development skills
• Be part of a 100-year tradition rooted in heritage, excellence, and community

This is a senior program leadership role responsible for the safety, supervision, and overall management of all water-based activities. The Waterfront Director sets the standard for professional lifeguarding, risk management, and aquatic leadership while creating a safe and exciting waterfront experience for campers.

We are looking for a confident aquatic professional who can lead a lifeguard team, manage open-water safety, and operate a high-quality waterfront program in a residential camp environment.

What You Will Lead

• Full oversight of the camp waterfront operation, including swimming, boating, and kayaking

• Supervision, training, and evaluation of lifeguards and waterfront staff

• Implementation of waterfront safety protocols, drills, and emergency response procedures

• Daily management of swim areas, docks, boats, rescue equipment, and waterfront facilities

• Compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and American Camp Association standards

• A waterfront culture that prioritizes safety, professionalism, teamwork, and fun

Required Qualifications

• 21+ years old by June 20, 2026

• Current Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification

• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid

• Waterfront Lifeguarding Instructor Certification

• Demonstrated experience lifeguarding in open-water environments (lakes, rivers, or similar)

• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in an aquatic or waterfront setting

Ideal Candidates

We strongly encourage candidates with experience in:

• Residential summer camps

• Aquatic program management

• Training and supervising lifeguards

• Outdoor recreation or adventure programming

• Open-water rescue and risk management

Why Camp Atwater

For more than 100 years, Camp Atwater has been a place where young people build confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Our staff are part of a historic legacy of youth development, cultural pride, and community leadership.

As Waterfront Director, you will play a critical role in ensuring that one of the camp’s most beloved spaces is safe, well-run, and unforgettable for every camper.

A senior residential camp counselor's essential job duties include: actively supervising campers, leading and planning diverse camp activities, ensuring camper safety, providing emotional support, acting as a role model, facilitating personal growth, managing group dynamics, and coordinating with other staff members, often taking on additional leadership responsibilities compared to regular counselors.

Must be 18 years or older by June 20, 2026.

Must have experience as a summer camp counselor, have participated in structured group camping, or have at least four weeks of experience in a supervisory role with children. Must have or gain First-Aid and CPR and Mental Health First Aid Certification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct camper supervision

• Activity planning and execution

• Group management

• Personal development support

• Mentorship and role modeling

• Staff coordination

• Emergency response

• Communication and documentation

• Leadership responsibilities

Important skills for a senior residential camp counselor:

• Strong leadership and organizational abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively with children of different ages and personalities

• Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and recreation

• Patience and ability to handle challenging situations

• Commitment to camper safety and well-being.

A junior residential camp counselor's essential job duties include: actively supervising campers during all activities, ensuring their safety, leading planned games and recreational activities, assisting with daily living tasks, maintaining a positive and supportive environment, enforcing camp rules, and communicating effectively with both campers and senior staff.

Must be 16 years or older by June 20, 2026.

Must have experience as a summer camp counselor, have participated in structured group camping, or have at least four weeks’ experience in a supervisory role with children. Must have or gain First-Aid and CPR and Mental Health First Aid Certification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct camper supervision

• Activity leadership

• Cabin/group management

• Positive role modeling

• Communication and reporting

• Enforcing camp rules

• Camp maintenance

Lifeguards must actively supervise swimmers in the designated swimming area, identify and prevent potential hazards, enforce water safety rules, perform rescues if necessary, administer first aid and CPR when required, provide water safety education to campers, and maintain vigilance to ensure the safety of all swimmers at the camp waterfront.

Must be 18 years or older by June 20, 2025.

Additionally, he or she MUST have the following:

• Valid lifeguard safety certifications/CPR/First Aid certifications

• Prior Lifeguard training and/or experience.

Specialty Instructors will lead, teach, supervise, and ensure the overall safety of the specialty area.

Applicants must demonstrate significant experience teaching/coaching in the specialty area, as well as the ability to train and supervise a group of assistants.

We require our Specialty Instructors to be able to work autonomously, developing their own program within our camp’s philosophy.

We follow a team approach and all work together to ensure the highest quality program and camp experience.

The camp Nurse resides ON SITE, and is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of campers and staff.

Must be nurse, physician or physician’s assistant licensed to practice in MA.

Must have experience or comfort in treating children and adolescents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluating injuries and illnesses of campers and staff

• Providing first aid for cuts, scrapes, stings, and minor injuries

• Administering medications as prescribed by a camp physician

• Monitoring chronic conditions and managing necessary care

• Educating staff on recognizing potential medical emergencies and basic first aid procedures

• Maintaining a clean and well-stocked health center with necessary medical supplies

• Maintaining accurate medical records for each camper and staff member

• Documenting all medical treatments, medications administered, and significant health concerns

• Communicating with camp directors and staff regarding camper health concerns

• Coordinating with off-site medical providers when necessary to arrange further treatment or consultations.

In close partnership with the Camp Director and Urban League staff, the Office Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the camp office.

Must have a valid driver’s license, willingness to work on-site, and work irregular hours.

Must be 21 years of age or older by June 20, 2025.

Key Skills required:

• Experience in business or office setting

• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with parents, staff, and campers

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Word.

While maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, essential job duties for a residential summer camp kitchen staff include:

• Preparing meals according to camp menus

• Following food safety guidelines

• Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen areas

• Serving food to campers and staff

• Managing food inventory

• Accommodating special dietary needs

• Assisting with meal planning and food ordering.

Lead maintenance and repair of the camp’s buildings, grounds, equipment and other facilities consistent with the mission and established policies and procedures of the camp.Item description

The Grounds Crew supports the safe operation of Camp Atwater by maintaining clean, hazard-free facilities and grounds in accordance with Massachusetts 105 CMR 430 and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain cabins, restrooms, dining areas, and common spaces

• Perform routine grounds care, cleaning, trash removal, and basic maintenance

• Assist with set-up and breakdown for camp programs and events

• Identify and promptly report safety hazards or maintenance concerns

• Follow all camp safety procedures, supervision protocols, and sanitation standards

Qualifications:

• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in varying conditions

• Dependable, safety-focused, and able to follow supervision and procedures

• Commitment to creating a safe, clean, and welcoming camp environment description