Summer Camp Director (Volunteer) | Camp Coug
Lead the planning, staffing, execution, and evaluation of Camp Coug—a transformative summer experience helping youth ages 13–18 build confidence, connection, and leadership skills.
Questions? [email protected] • Expected response: 2–3 business days
Quick Summary
Cougs 4 Kids is seeking a hands-on volunteer leader to oversee every operational phase of Camp Coug—from project plans, registration, and volunteer training to camper safety, daily logistics, evaluation, and follow-up.
Workplace: Hybrid • Planning: January–June • Camp: 5–7 days in July/August • Minimum commitment: One year
About Cougs 4 Kids
Cougs 4 Kids, a program of Believe in Me, empowers marginalized youth across Washington State by connecting them with Washington State University alumni, student-athletes, and volunteers. Through mentorship, college readiness, leadership development, and experiential learning, we help young people discover confidence, community, and their potential.
Key Responsibilities
Before Camp
- Build and manage the project plan, camp schedule, staffing plan, and budget.
- Recruit and oversee 20–25 volunteers across pre-camp, camp, and post-camp phases.
- Coordinate registration, dietary needs, waivers, facilities, supplies, and family communications.
- Ensure staff complete trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, DEI, and youth-safety training.
During Camp
- Supervise camper safety, activities, meals, wellness protocols, and on-site logistics.
- Lead daily staff huddles, resolve issues, and serve as the primary emergency and guest contact.
- Create a joyful, inclusive environment and keep activities running smoothly.
After Camp
- Lead breakdown, debriefs, volunteer appreciation, and outcome collection.
- Gather stories, testimonials, and program metrics.
- Submit a concise final report with successes, challenges, and recommendations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong project-management and event-planning experience.
- Background in youth programming, education, recreation, camp leadership, or nonprofit work.
- Calm decision-making, conflict resolution, and clear communication.
- Comfort leading remote collaboration and in-person teams.
- Confidence with Google Workspace, Zoom/Meet, Google Forms, and Classroom.
- CPR/First Aid certification—or willingness to become certified before camp.
- Experience supporting trauma-impacted youth is preferred.
Volunteer Requirements
- One-year minimum commitment.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Background check and youth-protection training.
- Availability for occasional evening or weekend preparation and the full 5–7 day camp period.
What You’ll Gain
- Executive-level leadership experience with a high-visibility youth initiative.
- Hands-on community engagement and measurable mentorship impact.
- Professional recognition, portfolio-building results, and eligibility for a recommendation letter.
- The opportunity to create a welcoming experience that young people remember.
How to Apply
Ready to lead Camp Coug? Submit the short application or book an introductory call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this role fully remote?
Planning is remote-friendly; camp execution is in person. Exact dates and location are confirmed during onboarding.
How much time should I plan for?
About 5–10 hours per month during early planning, roughly 10 hours per week in the final four weeks, 5–7 full camp days, and about five hours for debriefing.
Is screening required?
Yes. This youth-facing role requires a background check, youth-protection training, and required program training.
Why This Volunteer Role Matters
Lead the vision, people, and preparation that make Camp Coug a safe, joyful, and well-coordinated experience for every participant. Your contribution will strengthen programs designed to help marginalized youth build confidence, character, belonging, and opportunity.
What You Will Own
- Set program goals and lead planning across activities, staffing, safety, logistics, families, and partners.
- Build a prepared leadership team with clear responsibilities, decisions, and communication routines.
- Oversee readiness, day-of delivery, incident response, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
You May Be a Great Fit If You Bring
- Camp leadership, youth programs, education, events, recreation, nonprofit management, or complex project leadership.
- Confident delegation, sound judgment, and the ability to inspire volunteers around a shared plan.
- Deep commitment to youth safety, inclusion, family trust, and operational excellence.
You do not need to match every preference to contribute. We welcome candidates whose professional experience, volunteer service, education, or lived experience prepares them to support this work.
What You Can Expect From Cougs 4 Kids
- A clear orientation, role expectations, and a primary team contact.
- Templates, program context, and practical tools for your assignment.
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where questions and ideas are welcome.
- Feedback and recognition that connect your work to visible community impact.
Commitment, Location, and Safety
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Scheduling is coordinated around program needs and volunteer availability. Planning may happen virtually, while some assignments require participation in Pullman or another Washington community. Before placement, the team will confirm the expected schedule, location, and deliverables. Roles involving youth may require orientation, a background check, and applicable safety training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does success look like for the Summer Camp Director?
Success means communicating early, completing agreed work reliably, protecting participant privacy, and helping teammates deliver a welcoming experience. The team will establish practical priorities so you know what to focus on first.
Will I receive support?
Yes. A program leader will share context, answer questions, and provide the tools needed for the assignment. Volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
Why volunteer with Cougs 4 Kids?
You can use skills you already have, grow through meaningful service, and join WSU alumni, students, families, and community partners working together for young people.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role feels meaningful, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not follow a traditional path. Tell us what draws you to the mission and how your strengths could help.
Apply to volunteer with Cougs 4 Kids. You can also learn more about Cougs 4 Kids and explore other volunteer opportunities.
Summer Camp Director volunteer: meaningful community impact
This volunteer opportunity connects practical skills with youth-centered service, clear goals, and dependable team support.
Summer Camp Director volunteer: application and onboarding
Applicants can share relevant professional, academic, volunteer, or lived experience. Cougs 4 Kids provides orientation and confirms expectations before service begins.