Job Description
Job Description
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 17 – August 15, 2026
Discover Fresh Air Camps
Since 1877, Fresh Air Fund Camps have opened new doors for over 1.8 million children, offering transformative summer programs and year-round leadership opportunities. Our six residential camps are located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering a stunning natural setting for exploration and growth. Each camp provides unique programming tailored to different age groups and interests, from outdoor adventure to arts and sciences, creating an enriching environment for both campers and staff. Learn more about Fresh Air Camps: www.freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/
Life as a Program Specialist
Program Specialists play a key role in delivering high-quality programming and ensuring a safe, engaging camp experience for all participants. Each Specialist leads a specific activity area, developing lesson plans and teaching four to six one-hour periods daily. Specialists provide active supervision, instruction, and encouragement to campers while fostering skill development, creativity, and teamwork.
Activity areas may include (but are not limited to) Art, Athletics, Ceramics, Chess, Coding, Creative Writing & Journalism, Culinary Arts, Dance, Drama, Fashion and Sewing, Martial Arts, Music, Nature and Hiking, Outdoor Living Skills & Pioneering, Photography, Robotics, SCRATCH & STEAM, Sign Language, SEL, Video & Film, and Yoga.
When not teaching or in scheduled prep time, Program Specialists serve as General Counselors within an assigned village, living in cabins with campers and taking full responsibility for their safety, well-being, and positive group dynamics.
This position requires living onsite at camp from June 17 to August 15, 2026. Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer. Shared housing and meals are provided.
Program Specialists report to the Director of Specialists.
What You’ll Do:
- Plan and teach four to six one-hour classes daily, ensuring lessons are engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate in line with FAF curriculum.
- Provide supervision and guidance to campers during activities, promoting participation, teamwork, and skill growth.
- Supervise and collaborate with staff assigned to the activity area, effectively utilizing their skills to enhance program quality.
- Maintain program equipment and supplies, keeping the activity area organized and clean; may involve lifting and moving program materials.
- Prepare and submit lesson plans, supply requests, inventories, and other reports as requested by the Director of Specialists.
- Serve as a General Counselor in the assigned village during non-teaching or prep periods, including living in cabins with campers and co-counselors.
- Provide 24-hour supervision, leadership, and care to campers, including activity transitions, cabin time, meals, and behavior management.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive environment where all campers feel valued and safe.
- Prioritize camper needs when making decisions and uphold a camper-first philosophy.
- Participate actively in the camp community — including campfires, overnights, hikes, swimming, and village meetings. (Some lifting or physical activity may be required.)
- Communicate, model, and uphold camp policies, traditions, and community standards.
- Ensure the safety, supervision and well-being of all campers at all times.
- Demonstrate professionalism and approachability, maintaining healthy boundaries.
- Serve as a role model for campers and staff by showing enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to camp values.
- Live and work in a communal camp environment — including shared cabins, limited privacy, and group dining. Time off during each session will be scheduled by the supervisor.
- Care for and responsibly use camp facilities, property, and equipment.
- Be familiar with and follow all emergency and safety procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp community.
What We’re Looking For:
- At least 18 years old by the start of camp.
- At least two years of college or equivalent is preferred.
- A minimum of one year's experience working with children is required. Staff must be passionate about working with children.
- One year of teaching experience in specialty area is highly preferred with a demonstrated ability to design activities that are based on experiential/active learning theory.
- Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
- Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude.
- Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside your comfort zone.
- Available for the entire duration of the summer program.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment.
Compensation & Perks:
- Compensation for this position is $2,600 for the summer.
- All meals and housing provided during camp.
- The opportunity to gain valuable experiences in leadership, communication, and teamwork that will stand out on any resume.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a Program Specialist application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
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