Camp Paivika - Program Director

JOB TITLE: Program Director 

REPORTS TO: Camp Director

SCHEDULE: June 13 to August 5, 2026 Training and camp sessions 

LOCATION: Camp Paivika – Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains) 

STATUS: Seasonal 

DRIVER POSITION: No 

DAILY RATES: $121 per day | Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions 

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Program Director oversees and coordinates all camp programming to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience for campers with physical and developmental disabilities. Working closely with the Camp Director and supervisory staff, this role leads program planning, staff supervision, training, and daily operations across all activity areas and evening programs. 

As a key member of the camp leadership team, the Program Director supports staff development, serves as a resource for program leaders, and steps in as needed to support camper care and camp operations. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for individuals committed to inclusion, collaboration, and creating high-quality, mission-driven camp experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible with coordination and supervision of all programming activities: 
• Organizes and facilitates camper activities and evening programs. 
• Manages program staff to plan, promote and carry out all day activities and evening programs. 
• Meets daily with program staff 
• Supervises, directs work and evaluates the work of program staff. 
• Is a resource person for all staff. 
• Reports directly to the Camp Director, works closely with all supervisors by meeting daily. 
• Attends Supervisor/Program Staff prior to staff orientation to assist Camp Director and other staff in the planning of staff training and summer preparation.
• Assists with training for staff in all aspects of camp programming in addition to other sessions assigned by the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director. 
• Provides support to the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director 
• When needed, will work in cabins and support staff with camper care. Care may include: dressing, bathing, and toileting, grooming, lifting and feeding. 
• Will be “Supervisor on Duty” as assigned during staff daily breaks afternoon and evening.
• In the event of an emergency, accepts responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director to ensure the safety of all the campers and staff. 
• At the end of the summer program: 
• Assist in the planning of staff party. 
• Complete program staff performance evaluations and reviews individually with staff. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Completed college courses with major fields of study dealing with people with disabilities are desired or camp experience is preferred.
• Must have demonstrated leadership skills consistent with camp rules and policies 
• Driving is preferred. Current driver’s license and a written DMV check will be performed. 
• Provide documentation to confirm the legal right to work in the United States of America 
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is desired. 
• Must hold or obtain current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Adult and Pediatric certification. Camp Paivika will be offering this training. 
• Must agree to abide by AbilityFirst rules and policies. 
• All offers of employment are contingent on passing background check and a pre-employment physical exam which includes a drug screening test.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 75lbs. and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Must be able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers and staff, when camp is in session.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. 

NOTE: All staff members hired for temporary positions at Camp Paivika are considered temporary, at-will employees for the duration of their assignment. Temporary employees do not attain regular employee status at any time. 

During this period, it is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee, clearly communicate job expectations and Camp Paivika and AbilityFirst standards, and assess whether the employee demonstrates the required skills, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to successfully fulfill the temporary assignment. Employees are encouraged to seek guidance and support throughout this time 

Temporary employees who fail to meet performance, conduct, or attendance expectations may be separated from employment at any time, with or without notice. Completion of the introductory period does not alter the temporary or at-will nature of employment. Employees may terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst retains the same right. 

AbilityFirst reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify job duties, responsibilities, work assignments, or the duration of any temporary position at any time. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.  

AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 

Please include references in your application