[2026] Program Specialist, Fresh Air Camps

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• At least 18 years old by the start of camp.
• 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.

Qualifications

• At least two years of college or equivalent is preferred.

Skills

• Experience in a specialty area (e.g., Art, Athletics, Ceramics, etc.) is preferred.

Benefits

• All meals and housing provided during camp.

Pay

$2,600 for the summer.

Schedule

Living onsite at camp from June 17 to August 15, 2026.

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.