The Salvation Army Southern California
2026 Summer Camp - Discovery Camp Director
The Salvation Army Southern California, Olympia, Washington, United States
2026 Summer Camp - Discovery Camp Director
2026 Summer Camp Season runs June 8, 2026 – July 31, 2026.
Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Scope Of Position The job of Discovery Camp Director is to see that every program of the “main camp” is running smoothly. The Discovery Camp Director supervises the Program Team comprised of the Program Leaders and counseling staff.
Education and Work Experience
High School diploma or equivalent required
Prefer work experience of four (4) or more years or a youth-oriented college degree
At least four (4) years’ experience working with staff and children in a supervisory or teaching position
Must have experience in the supervision of personnel
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Must be a Christian in profession, confession, and demonstration
Knowledge of Salvation Army practices and organization
Ability to pass a criminal and driver background check
Possess valid State Driver’s License and pass driver safety training
Over 21 years of age
Must possess and demonstrate an ability to work with people from all populations, including community groups, participants, campers, and staff in an affable, concerned and caring manner
Must be knowledgeable in the areas of child/personnel safety assessment, planning, problem solving, and crisis intervention
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity
Strong communication skills, including written and verbal
Self‑motivated with the ability to motivate others
Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
Detail oriented
Capable of multi‑tasking
Energetic, personable, and dependable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the summer residential Discovery Camp program under the leadership and cooperation of the Camp Operations Manager
Participate in the planning and implementation of creative programming that meets the mission of Camp Gifford and The Salvation Army
Arrange and schedule programs with the key staff of the summer camping program
Supervise program and counseling staff
Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
Maintain good staff morale and arrange scheduling to allow for appropriate personal time and fellowship with other staff when allowed by camp schedule
Create, implement, and supervise camp recreational and educational programs
Responsible for staff and camper security ensuring that an environment of safety is continually observed
Organize regularly scheduled night watches, free time, class times, and all camp events in ways that will allow for adequate supervision and safety of the campers
Responsible for camper disciplinary problems
Provide support to the program team with program issues, concerns, and disciplinary actions
Interact with parents of campers to find the best solution to discipline issues including, when necessary, the removal of a camper
Responsible for statistic sheets (meal counts, canteen, NSA, etc.) and turning them into the Registration Coordinator at the end of each week
Conduct weekly debrief meetings maintaining schedules, briefs, and useful information for a comprehensive end of season written brief
Drive TSA Fleet Vehicles on official Camp Gifford/TSA business
Follow Salvation Army procedures in handling of personnel, finance, and general protocol
Give spiritual direction to the staff by leadership and example. Be an example of Christ to staff, campers, and volunteers through your verbal and non‑verbal interactions, by your lifestyle, and by your presence
Maintain a standard of cleanliness within the camp and personal living quarters
Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of teaching session and at the conclusion of the summer
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
Operate a telephone and computer
Lift up to 25 lbs.
Understand verbal and written information
Sweep, clean and perform other janitorial tasks as needed
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
The Salvation Army reserves the right to reassign, review the job or to require that different or additional tasks be performed based on the organization’s need or when circumstances change.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Scope Of Position The job of Discovery Camp Director is to see that every program of the “main camp” is running smoothly. The Discovery Camp Director supervises the Program Team comprised of the Program Leaders and counseling staff.
Education and Work Experience
High School diploma or equivalent required
Prefer work experience of four (4) or more years or a youth-oriented college degree
At least four (4) years’ experience working with staff and children in a supervisory or teaching position
Must have experience in the supervision of personnel
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Must be a Christian in profession, confession, and demonstration
Knowledge of Salvation Army practices and organization
Ability to pass a criminal and driver background check
Possess valid State Driver’s License and pass driver safety training
Over 21 years of age
Must possess and demonstrate an ability to work with people from all populations, including community groups, participants, campers, and staff in an affable, concerned and caring manner
Must be knowledgeable in the areas of child/personnel safety assessment, planning, problem solving, and crisis intervention
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity
Strong communication skills, including written and verbal
Self‑motivated with the ability to motivate others
Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
Detail oriented
Capable of multi‑tasking
Energetic, personable, and dependable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the summer residential Discovery Camp program under the leadership and cooperation of the Camp Operations Manager
Participate in the planning and implementation of creative programming that meets the mission of Camp Gifford and The Salvation Army
Arrange and schedule programs with the key staff of the summer camping program
Supervise program and counseling staff
Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
Maintain good staff morale and arrange scheduling to allow for appropriate personal time and fellowship with other staff when allowed by camp schedule
Create, implement, and supervise camp recreational and educational programs
Responsible for staff and camper security ensuring that an environment of safety is continually observed
Organize regularly scheduled night watches, free time, class times, and all camp events in ways that will allow for adequate supervision and safety of the campers
Responsible for camper disciplinary problems
Provide support to the program team with program issues, concerns, and disciplinary actions
Interact with parents of campers to find the best solution to discipline issues including, when necessary, the removal of a camper
Responsible for statistic sheets (meal counts, canteen, NSA, etc.) and turning them into the Registration Coordinator at the end of each week
Conduct weekly debrief meetings maintaining schedules, briefs, and useful information for a comprehensive end of season written brief
Drive TSA Fleet Vehicles on official Camp Gifford/TSA business
Follow Salvation Army procedures in handling of personnel, finance, and general protocol
Give spiritual direction to the staff by leadership and example. Be an example of Christ to staff, campers, and volunteers through your verbal and non‑verbal interactions, by your lifestyle, and by your presence
Maintain a standard of cleanliness within the camp and personal living quarters
Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of teaching session and at the conclusion of the summer
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
Operate a telephone and computer
Lift up to 25 lbs.
Understand verbal and written information
Sweep, clean and perform other janitorial tasks as needed
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
The Salvation Army reserves the right to reassign, review the job or to require that different or additional tasks be performed based on the organization’s need or when circumstances change.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
#J-18808-Ljbffr