Assistant Camp Director

Location: Manhattan, Montana

Employment Type: Seasonal from April - August 31; potential to be promoted to full time year-round position after the 2023 summer. 

Mission: 

The Assistant Camp Director plays a pivotal role at Alpengirl and ensures the delivery of safe, incredible experiences for both campers and guides. As the Camp Director’s right-hand support, this role provides great exposure into all aspects of camp life and operations. This role reports directly to the Camp Director and is perfect for someone who is eager to take the next step in their leadership journey within the Outdoor Recreation, Camping, or Youth Development industries. 

About Alpengirl: Alpengirl Girls Adventure Summer Camp is an overnight summer camp for 11 to 16 year old girls that specializes in multi-adventure wilderness based outdoor programming with a focus on health and fitness. Alpengirl operates one or two-week camp sessions in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming from mid-June through mid-August. 

Alpengirl is a proud member of Canyonlands Camps, a partnership of America’s leading youth summer camps. Canyonlands Camps’ vision is to empower tomorrow’s leaders to enjoy moments of purpose and achievement, cultivate lifelong bonds, and conserve the great outdoors. As a member of Canyonlands Camps, Alpengirl and its staff have the support and resources provided by Canyonlands Camps’ Partner Services team. 

What You’re Responsible For: 

Guide Training & Support

• Recruit, train, manage, supervise, and evaluate Alpengirl’s summer guides (“Alpenguides”).

• Plan and conduct a fun and rewarding Alpenguide training that meets American Camp Association (“ACA”) standards. 

• Regularly monitor work of Alpenguides by visiting, assisting and camping with them in various front-country and back-country locations.

• Personally interact with and provide feedback and guidance to Alpenguides that promotes better understanding of their job responsibilities and results in greater enjoyment of their work.

• Provide Alpenguides with breaks on location as appropriate.

• Replace ill/injured Alpenguides on location until able to work or a new Alpenguide is hired.

• Document the camp experience through photography, video, creative writing, and social media.

• Report accidents, incidents, property damage or disciplinary problems to the Camp Director.

Camp Director Support

• Write and post articles to the Alpengirl blog and social media channels prior to and during the camp season.

• Resolve and mediate Alpenguide, parent and camper problems or concerns with Camp Director’s direction.

• Communicate with camper families as necessary.

• Assist in planning the next summer’s camp itineraries.

• Act as liaison between Alpenguides and Camp Director.

• Assist Camp Director with additional duties as directed.

Who You Are: 

Required Qualifications

• Passionate about empowering the next generation of young women. 

• Highly relational; able to develop genuine, long-lasting bonds with a diverse range of people.

• Eager to develop your skills under the mentorship of experienced leaders, while also mentoring Alpengirl’s summer guides (“Alpenguides”); committed to personal and professional development.

• Professional experience in leading teen backpacking trips or teaching outdoor programs to children.

• Experience in assisting with staff training or supervision of staff.

• Ability and confidence to teach backpacking and Leave No Trace to teen girls.

• Team player with strong project management skills and excellent communication.

• Highly organized and able to create repeatable systems.

• Independent and self-motivated problem solver. 

• Eager to work long hours in the summer; always willing and excited to support campers, guides, or the Camp Director during summer months.

• Able to step in and act as Camp Director in their absence. 

• Current certification as a Wilderness First Responder, and CPR.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely drive 15-passenger vans with trailers for long periods.

Additional Requirements

• Able to hike in uneven terrain up to 10 miles at elevations up to 11,000 feet.

• Move and/or lift up to 60 pounds; load and unload equipment / packs from vehicles.

• Able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers and Alpenguides in a variety of environments.

• Emotional stability and maturity to respond quickly and appropriately to camper and Alpenguide needs and emergency situations.  

• Able to work in variable and potentially extreme temperature conditions, depending on elevation, time of day, and season.

Preferred Qualifications

• A college bachelor degree in outdoor education or related field.

• Experience backpacking in bear country.

• Current certification as lifeguard.

• Age 25 or older to facilitate rental vehicle driving requirements.

What We Offer: 

• Competitive compensation.

• Generous benefits package:

• Paid Time Off

• Pro-Deals

• A clear path to career advancement, including funding for professional development.

• A collaborative community of fellow Canyonlands Camps Directors and leadership teams. 

• The support, mentorship, and camaraderie of the entire Canyonlands Camps Partner Services team.  

Application Process: 

Send an email with a resume and short cover letter attached in pdf format to info@alpengirlcamp.com. Phone and video interviews will begin with selected candidates as soon as possible. Start date is as soon as possible. 

Alpengirl provides equal employment opportunities to all and does not discriminate regarding its employees on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.