summer operations specialist

The Summer Operations Specialist keeps the behind-the-scenes machinery of camp running smoothly so campers and staff can focus on creativity, connection, and fun. This role touches nearly every part of camp life: camper travel, health and dining logistics, staff orientation, special events, ACA accreditation, and the day-to-day data that keeps everyone informed. It is ideal for a highly organized, detail-loving problem solver who enjoys variety and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

This is a leadership role. The Summer Operations Specialist works closely with and reports to the Camp Director, attending leadership meetings and supporting all camp leadership as needed.

Availability: Ideally early June through the end of August, with some flexibility on start and end dates. Availability for virtual training and prep in the spring is strongly preferred.

This is a non-cabin role. 

Essential Responsibilities & Functions

Camper Travel

  • Plan and coordinate camper arrival and departure days, including buses, flights, and family drop-off and pick-up.

  • Communicate with transportation companies, chaperones, and staff to confirm schedules, rosters, and contingency plans.

  • Lead day-of travel operations, tracking every camper's arrival and departure and resolving issues in real time.

Health & Safety Logistics

  • Coordinate with camp nurses on camper arrival health paperwork and forms.

  • Support camper medication pick-ups and medication tracking.

  • Help ensure health information is accurate, complete, and shared appropriately with relevant staff.

Dining Hall Logistics

  • Coordinate with the dining hall on camper allergies and dietary needs.

  • Provide accurate cabin counts each session for family-style dining.

  • Step in to support dining hall operations when needed.

  • Assist with food ordering as needed.

Day-to-Day Operations & Camp Data

  • Maintain and pull key camper and staff information, such as birthdays, allergies, and campers by cabin.

  • Produce clear lists, reports, and rosters for directors, counselors, and program staff.

  • Coordinate logistics for counselor intersession changes.

  • Identify ways to improve systems, spreadsheets, and workflows.

ACA Accreditation Support

  • Support the Leadership Team in preparing for the American Camp Association (ACA) visit.

  • Help organize documentation and track compliance with ACA standards throughout the summer.

  • Identify systems that can be improved and implement changes in real time to strengthen compliance and camp operations

Staff Training & Orientation

  • Support the Staffing Director with orientation logistics, schedules, materials, and training sessions.

  • Help plan and run the hands-on parts of orientation, like Arrival Day walk-throughs, emergency drills, and the systems staff will use all summer.

  • Support tracking of completion of required staff paperwork, certifications, and trainings to keep records accurate and ACA-ready.

Event & Program Support

  • Support field trips, special days, evening activities, and other camp-wide events.

  • Assist with supply ordering, inventory, and distribution across camp.

Leadership & Office Support

  • Serve as a point of contact for operational questions from staff, keeping Directors informed and handling routine issues on their behalf.

  • Attend leadership meetings and support Directors as needed.

  • Provide general office support, including communication, filing, and administrative tasks.

  • Help prepare end-of-summer reports, inventories, and notes on what worked so next summer's planning starts strong.

Qualifications

  • Must be 21 years or older with a valid US driver’s license.

  • Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage many moving parts at once.

  • Comfortable directing and delegating to staff, and speaking in front of large groups.

  • Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy.

  • Flexibility and sound judgment under pressure.

  • Passion for working with children 

  • Experience planning or producing events, programs, or performances; camp, theater, or youth programming experience strongly preferred.

Personal Qualities

The best candidate is:

  • Creative: full of ideas and excited to put a fresh spin on camp traditions

  • Organized: detail-oriented, plans ahead, and keeps every event on track

  • Independent: a self-starter who takes ownership and follows through

  • Fun: brings energy and enthusiasm that campers and staff want to be part of

  • A clear communicator and collaborative team player

  • Calm and adaptable when plans change at the last minute