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: 

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.  

The Fresh Air Fund Terms and Conditions:

1. Messages are sent by The Fresh Air Fund and its recruiting partner CampHire (Camp2Career, LLC) to candidates who apply for jobs and consent to receive SMS communications related to recruitment and hiring. Candidates provide their phone number during the application process and must actively opt in to receive SMS updates. Messages include job application updates, interview scheduling, interview reminders, interview confirmations, hiring updates, and other employment-related notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Candidates can reply STOP to opt out at any time or HELP for assistance. Links to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use are provided at the time of consent.

2. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text "STOP" to the short code. After you send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.

3. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at [email protected] or 800-367-0003.

4. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages

5. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency may vary. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.

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Privacy Policy:

We collect your mobile number and related opt-in data for the delivery of SMS messages. Your mobile opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

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