Summer Camp and Program Director

Job Description

Saint Edward Retreat Center exists to provide people time and space to encounter Christ and His Church. Through hosted retreats and summer camps, our facility provides opportunities for self-reflection, wilderness adventures, and guiding mentors, which ignite the desire to share God's gifts as witnesses to the world.

We are seeking a Program Director to help take our mission to the next level.

Job Title: Program/Summer Camp Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Wrightwood, CA (In person)
Salary: $22.00-29.00

Position Purpose
Saint Edward Retreat Center (SERC) exists to provide people time and space to encounter Christ and His Church. Through hosted retreats, missionary formation, and summer camps, SERC offers opportunities for self-reflection, wilderness adventure, and faith-filled community that ignite the desire to live and share God's gifts with others.
The Program Director furthers this mission by developing, coordinating, and leading the center's year-round programs, including Camp Lolek Summer Camp, Science Camps, and the SERC Missionary Program.
This position requires a dynamic leader who can combine faith-driven hospitality with strong organizational and program management skills to ensure safe, engaging, and transformative experiences for all guests.

Check us out here! https://saintedwardretreatcenter.org/

Essential Responsibilities
1. Program and Camp Leadership
Direct all aspects of Camp Lolek (ages 7+) and Angel Tree Camp, ensuring programming that is safe, age-appropriate, and deeply rooted in Catholic faith and community.

Develop and implement camp schedules, themes, and activities that blend recreation, formation, and adventure.

Oversee Science Camp for local schools, coordinating curriculum, volunteers, and logistics for April-May sessions.

Supervise and evaluate seasonal staff, counselors, and volunteers to ensure effective performance and alignment with SERC's mission.

Maintain ACA (American Camp Association) standards and state safety regulations across all youth programs.

Coordinate risk management, health care coverage, and emergency procedures.

2. Missionary Program Coordination
Collaborate with the Executive Director to implement and expand the SERC Missionary Program, a year-round formation and service initiative for young adults (ages 18-26).

Recruit, train, and mentor missionaries to assist with summer camps, retreats, and facility operations.

Support community life and daily structure for missionaries, including service projects, faith formation, and personal development.

Assist with retreats and missionary-led events throughout the year.

3. Marketing and Outreach
Develop and execute marketing plans to increase participation in Camp Lolek, Angel Tree Camp, Science Camp, and SERC Missions.

Manage online and print communications, including email updates, social media, and promotional materials.

Build and maintain relationships with Catholic schools, parishes, and organizations to expand partnerships and promote SERC programs.

Represent SERC professionally at diocesan events, Catholic schools, and ministry fairs.

4. Budgeting and Administration
Develop and manage budgets for all assigned programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accurate reporting.

Assist in long-term fundraising efforts by providing program data, participant stories, and measurable outcomes.

Maintain and utilize SERC's participant database for tracking attendance, follow-up, and donor relations.

Support the Executive Director with data collection, enrollment trends, and program evaluation reports.

5. Collaboration and Facility Coordination
Work closely with the Facility Manager to ensure program spaces, lodging, and activity areas are safe, clean, and properly equipped.

Assist in property planning and maintenance coordination during off-season months.

Participate in regular staff meetings, prayer, and formation activities as part of the SERC leadership team.

Required Skills and Qualifications
Practicing Catholic committed to living and sharing the faith.

Minimum 3 years of experience in camp, youth ministry, or program management.

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate staff and volunteers.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing administrative work with hands-on leadership.

Capable of working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during program seasons.

Physically able to participate in outdoor activities, including hiking, team-building, and recreational leadership.

Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic marketing tools (social media, email, Canva, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Theology, Education, Recreation, or related field.

Certification or experience in high ropes, outdoor adventure education, or recreation safety.

Musical ability (guitar, piano, or vocal) for worship and community activities.

Background in trauma-informed youth ministry or experience working with vulnerable youth populations (e.g., Angel Tree participants).

CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Benefits

Meals provided during camps and retreats (estimated $375/month).

Paid time off, spiritual retreats, and professional development opportunities.

Schedule
Year-round, full-time role.

Seasonal flexibility required: longer days during summer and retreat seasons, lighter schedule in off-season.

Typical off-season work week: Tuesday-Saturday.

Ideal Candidate
You might be the right fit if you:
Love seeing lives changed through camp, community, and encounter with Christ.

Are equally comfortable leading a meeting, playing guitar by the campfire, or jumping into a game with campers.

Have a servant's heart, a strong sense of discipline, and a joyful approach to ministry.

Are eager to grow a thriving Catholic camp and missionary program into its next season of excellence.

Application Process
Interested applicants should submit the following:
A resume highlighting ministry, camp, or program experience.

A short statement of faith or cover letter describing their Catholic journey and passion for youth formation.

Send materials to:
director@saintedwardretreatcenter.org
Subject Line: Program Director Application - [Your Name]

About the Employer

The mission of St. Edward Retreat Center is to provide people time and space to encounter Christ and His church. The camp provides opportunities for self-reflection, wilderness adventures, and guiding mentors, which ignites the desire to share God's gifts as witnesses to the world