Camp Adventure Assistant Director – Summer 2026
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison’s public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses.
As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!
Program Description:
Camp Adventure focuses on developing leadership skills and providing a fun atmosphere for middle school-aged youth to experience the outdoors. Each week is designed around an outdoor theme consisting of daily activities and field trips. Examples of activities include canoeing/kayaking, hiking, log rolling, swimming, rock climbing and challenge courses. Throughout the summer, we offer 4 overnights for campers at local Wisconsin State Parks.
Job Description & Duties:
Spend your summer outside with Camp Adventure! The Camp Adventure Assistant Director is responsible for assisting in the overall supervision and management of the camp. Duties will include staff supervision, evaluation of staff, enforcing camp rules and policies, communicating with parents, creating a positive and safe environment for campers, and emergency management. Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for shopping within a budget for camp supplies and assisting in running camp activities. Paid professional development and training are provided to help build your skills. Opportunities to continue employment into the fall. Come join us!
Program Dates:
• May 18-June 6, 2026: Seasonal Director Training (20-40 hrs/wk)
• June 7-20, 2026: Mandatory paid training (40 hrs/wk)
• June 22-August 14, 2026: Summer Camp Program (40 hrs/wk)
• Week with NO overnight: Mondays-Fridays between 8:45am-4:15pm
• Week WITH an overnight: Mondays-Wednesdays between 8:45am-4:15pm, Thursdays at 8:45am overnight until Friday at 4:15pm
• August 17-21, 2026: Camp clean up and wrap up (20 hrs/wk)
• Staff Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:45am.
Work Location: The first 4 weeks will be located at Westmorland Park (4114 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711) and the last 4 weeks will be located at Demetral Park (601 N 6th St, Madison, WI 53704). The camp travels on field trips to different locations around the city and the surrounding area. There are overnights at a local state park on 7/9-7/10, 7/16-7/17, 7/30-7/31 and 8/13-8/14.
Start Date: 5/18/2026
End Date: 8/21/2026
- Hours a Week:
• 20-40 hours per week before June 12
• 40 hours per week during camp, plus overtime during overnight weeks. - Work Hours:
8:30am-4:30pm
- Pay Rate:
$18.00 – $19.40 /hour
- Minimum Qualifications:
• Supervising, coaching and managing staff.
• Training staff and program development.
• Developing a fun and safe camp culture for staff and campers.
• Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the summer.
• Using creative problem-solving skills.
• Keeping camp buildings organized and the property tidy.
• Communicating any property issues with the field supervisor.
• Working in resident/day camps.
• Perform independently and within a team.
• First Aid/CPR Certified or willing to get certified.
• Must have a vehicle or access to a vehicle on a daily basis.
• Training and experience in teaching outdoor activities to children.
• Training and experience in waterfront activities
• Previous experience working with middle school-aged children in an outdoor setting.
• Strong logistic and organizational skills
• Previous experience with supervising, evaluating, and coaching employees
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently in an emergency to ensure camper safety.
- Preferred Qualifications:
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher, or willingness to obtain.
• Experience multitasking many different priorities at once.
• Experience communicating in a professional manner with families, staff, youth, supervisors, and community members.
• Experience mediating conversations between staff members.
• Two or more seasons working in outdoor day or residential camps, or an equivalent experience.
- Other Information:
Applicants must be available to attend training and meetings beginning May 18. Some training takes place in the evenings. Applicants must be able to work until the end of the camp season. (August 12 minimum, preferably until August 21.)
If interested, please complete the MSCR online application. For questions, contact Liz Just at ekjust@madison.k12.wi.us or call 608.204.3042.
