Unit Leader

Step into an inspiring leadership role where you guide an entire age group, mentor collegiate and high school counselors, and shape an unforgettable summer for our campers. As a Unit Leader at Willow Lake Day Camp, you serve as the heartbeat of your division, spending your days out on campus actively supporting group dynamics, camper growth, and team spirit. You will collaborate directly with camp directors every morning and afternoon to ensure smooth operations, dietary accommodations, and program excellence. Beyond leading on the ground, you act as the vital communication bridge between camp and our families, building trust through warm pre-camp outreach and attentive daily updates. If you are an educator, parent, or experienced youth leader looking to sharpen your organizational leadership while making a genuine, lasting impact, this is where your summer counts.

- Supervise, mentor, and inspire group counselors and campers across your assigned age division, maintaining an active, engaged leadership presence on campus from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM each camp day.- Serve as the dedicated camp liaison for families, leading pre-camp welcome calls, providing thoughtful camper updates, and returning parent communications promptly at the conclusion of the camp day.- Remain reachable and responsive after hours for parent follow-ups and direct collaboration with camp directors whenever family questions or needs arise.- Leadership team meetings before morning arrival and after afternoon dismissal- Commit as an integral member of the Willow Lake leadership team by attending and participating in off-season meetings, comprehensive pre-camp leadership orientations, and ongoing team training workshops.- Spend the day actively circulating among groups and activity areas, proactively identifying camper needs, resolving peer dynamics with empathy, and elevating group morale.- Partner closely with activity specialists and counselors to foster positive participation, skill development, and camper enthusiasm across aquatics, athletics, arts, and outdoor adventure.- Champion and uphold all physical and emotional safety standards across your division, ensuring every camper and counselor feels supported, included, and empowered to succeed.

- Professional experience as a classroom teacher, educator, coach, or youth professional working with children on a year-round basis- Demonstrated background in proactive, empathetic communication with parents and guardians to discuss camper growth, well-being, and daily needs- Experience guiding, mentoring, or supervising high school and collegiate staff, student teachers, or youth counselors with an encouraging, team-first approach- Practical understanding of age-appropriate social dynamics, positive behavioral reinforcement, and conflict resolution in active group settings- Prior experience in summer camps, schools, after-school programs, or youth sports recreation is a plus, but a passion for mentoring kids and supporting young leaders is essential

- High emotional intelligence, warmth, patience, and a genuine enthusiasm for empowering children and young adult staff- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for engaging with both camp leadership and camp families- Strong organizational abilities and active problem-solving skills in a dynamic, fast-paced outdoor environment- Ability to project positive energy, camp spirit, and approachable leadership every day- Must be available to work the full 8-week summer season from June 21 through August 13, 2027, plus pre-camp orientation sessions

- Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Psychology, Recreation Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience as a teacher, educator, or youth program administrator)

- Ability to traverse an active 35-acre outdoor campus on foot across rolling terrain, grassy fields, and paved walkways throughout the day- Comfort working outdoors in varied summer weather conditions- Stamina to maintain high energy, active engagement, and attentiveness across a full camp day

- Competitive seasonal compensation package- Opportunity for your children to attend at discounted tuition.- Complimentary hot and cold daily lunch provided on-site- Hands-on administrative and people management experience that enhances resumes for educational leadership, school administration, and supervisory careers- Immersion in a supportive, family-owned camp culture with long-standing traditions and a dedicated professional network

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp situated on 35 shaded, scenic acres along the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. We provide dynamic summer experiences for campers ages 3 through 15, featuring expansive lakefront boating and tubing, four heated swimming pools, outdoor adventure courses, creative arts studios, and athletic fields. Driven by our Dream Big philosophy, our dedicated leadership team creates an inclusive, spirited community where campers build lifelong friendships, discover new passions, and gain enduring confidence.

Our expansive 35-acre campus in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, combines picturesque lakeside outdoor facilities with extensive covered pavilions and indoor activity centers. Staff members work on-site across well-equipped athletic fields, pool complexes, adventure courses, and creative studios in a collaborative outdoor camp environment.