Camp Director, VASFA Space Adventure Camp

Science Systems and Applications, Inc (SSAI) is looking for a Camp Director to lead the Space Adventure Camp team at the Virginia Space Flight Academy (VASFA) at Wallops Island, Virginia. We're dedicated to igniting the curiosity of future aerospace leaders through hands-on experiences in rocketry, drones, coding, and robotics, complemented by exclusive NASA facility tours.   This will begin as a remote position with occasional travel to Wallops Island, VA then will be onsite at Wallops Island, VA from 5/27/25 through 8/8/2025 (Room and Board will be provided).   The total duration of this position is approximately 6 months.

As the Camp Director of VASFA's renowned Space Adventure Camp, you will be responsible for managing, administrating, and supervising all aspects of the summer camp operation. We're seeking a highly motivated leader with proven experience. You will serve as a mentor and example for the leadership and counselor teams. This includes planning and executing engaging activities related to space exploration, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers and staff, and fostering a positive and inclusive camp community. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in camp management, and a passion for space science and education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Development and Implementation:

• Implement and evaluate a comprehensive camp program that meets the needs and interests of the camp's target populations and ensures its delivery in a safe and high-quality manner.
• Provides staff and campers with a safe, secure, and quality experience that aligns with the camp goals and educational objectives by creating a positive, fun-filled environment while adhering to state, local, CDC, ACN, ACA, and the camp's administration's protocols and requirements for overnight camp operations.
• Coordinate daily camp schedules, including field trips, curriculum and activity time, meals, and behind-the-scenes tours with NASA, NOAA, Navy, Rocket Lab, and Virginia Spaceport Authority.
• Collaborate with camp instructors to enhance camp curriculum and technology on aerospace, coding, and robotics topics.
• Research, plan, and facilitate a comprehensive on-site 10-day staff training utilizing ACA’s best practices in partnership with camp leadership that includes instruction and training of camp counselors on topics including safety, standard operating procedures, communicating disease protocols, medication management, and camp curriculum. 
• Complete Director-level professional development training through the American Camp Association.
• Seek and analyze input from campers, families, and staff regarding the program's quality, safety, and enjoyment.

2. Staff Management and Supervision

• Assist with recruitment and hiring of camp staff.
• Supervise and evaluate all camp staff.
• Create and manage staff schedules.
• Ensure staff follow camp protocols, guidelines, and requirements and meet the highest possible standards. 
• Create a positive and supportive environment for camp staff by proactively identifying needs and facilitating solutions.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, creativity, and accountability.
• Participate enthusiastically in most camp activities, supporting and guiding those assigned as leaders.
• Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communication with camp staff.
• Provide ongoing support, feedback, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Observe staff behavior and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Conduct weekly pre and post-camp staff meetings.

3. Camper Safety and Well-Being

• Update camp procedures and safety protocols and develop crisis and risk management procedures in accordance with camp standards and regulations.
• Oversee camper profiles, forms, and waivers.
• Monitor camper health and well-being and coordinate with medical professionals as needed.
• Work with camp staff to address camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply proper behavior management techniques.

4. Camper Family and Community Relations

• Be an exemplary role model by displaying a positive attitude, interest, and motivation while working with staff, campers, other team members, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, guardians, and camp partners.
• Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on activities, policies, and procedures before and during camp operation.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all partnering organizations, including NASA, NOAA, Rocket Lab,