Camp Director, Camp Airy

Camp Airy, established in 1924, is one of the preeminent Jewish overnight camps in the United States, located in the serene mountain region of Thurmont, Maryland. Alongside its sister camp, Camp Louise for girls, founded in 1922, Camp Airy offers a rich tradition of summer experiences rooted deeply in Jewish values and community. The camp spans 450 acres bordering Catoctin Mountain Park and hosts approximately 350 campers each session, providing them with a vibrant, inclusive environment designed to foster growth, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Operating as a nonprofit organization, Camps Airy & Louise are committed to ensuring that every Jewish child has the opportunity to experience a summer at camp, regardless of financial circumstances, supported by initiatives such as the Awesome Fund and associated campership programs that aid about 15% of camper families.

The Camp Director at Camp Airy is a pivotal year-round, full-time leadership role offering an annual salary range of $100,000 to $120,000, along with comprehensive benefits and summer housing on-site. Reporting directly to the Co-Executive Directors of Camps Airy & Louise, this position requires a visionary leader to steward the camp’s mission while managing its daily operations. The role demands a dynamic individual adept in camper recruitment and retention, staff hiring and development, programming oversight, and maintaining a culture deeply aligned with Jewish values. Collaboration with Camp Louise on shared policies and a partnership role in fundraising efforts are critical components. The Director of Camp Airy will be expected to live on-site during the summer months, serving as a visible and engaged leader within the camp community year-round.

The Director manages a dedicated team including a year-round Assistant Director and a seasonal staff of around 300 during summer sessions. The role entails frequent coordination with Camp Louise leadership as well as with a broader year-round operational team including experts in finance, development, marketing, and camper care. Monthly planning sessions in Baltimore establish a strong foundation for coordinated efforts across the camps. The Director's responsibilities include leading recruitment initiatives through active engagement at fairs, tours, and community events, ensuring families receive exceptional care and service that encourages both enrollment and return participation.

A considerable part of the role is staffing and community leadership, involving recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising personnel with an emphasis on mentorship, inclusion, and accountability. The Director fosters a supportive and vibrant staff culture rooted in Jewish values and belonging, while also serving as a trusted leader for campers, families, and staff alike. Operational oversight covers all aspects of camp life ranging from facilities, maintenance, dining services, transportation, to safety and compliance with state and American Camp Association standards. Careful attention to risk management and health protocols is essential for maintaining a safe camp environment.

Programmatically, the Director guides program leaders to ensure the camper experience remains innovative, engaging, and infused with age-appropriate Jewish content through traditions such as Shabbat celebrations and values-based activities. The role evaluates and refreshes programming through continuous feedback and innovation.

Finally, the Director partners closely with the leadership of Camp Louise and the Co-Executive Directors to align policies and strategic direction. They serve as an ambassador for Camp Airy, participating in community and alumni events, and play an active role in fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships, and supporting the broader mission through initiatives like the Awesome Fund. This role requires regional travel for recruitment and conferences, flexibility to work irregular hours during camp season, and a deep commitment to the pluralistic Jewish community served by the camp.