Start Date: September 1, 2026
Organization: Project Kampfire Location: Kananaskis, Alberta (and various satellite sites) Reports to: Program Director
The Organization
Established in 1951, Project Kampfire (formerly Kamp Kiwanis) is a high-impact organization dedicated to changing young lives. We are best known for offering 100% subsidized summer camp experiences to underserved youth in Calgary and the surrounding area. In addition to our flagship summer program, we operate a massive year-round Outdoor School serving 5,000+ students, alongside rental programs and mobile delivery initiatives.
The Opportunity
If you are a high-energy leader who thrives in the dynamic environment of camp life and has a passion for social impact, we are looking for a Program Manager. In this role, you are the manager of your site. You are responsible for the safety, happiness, and daily execution of our mission for up to 110 children at a time. While our Program Director handles long-term strategy and school relationships, you are the boots-on-the-ground leader ensuring that the Project Kampfire magic happens every single day.
Key Responsibilities
1. Staff Supervision & Leadership
- Direct Management: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a seasonal team of up to 25 counsellors and resource instructors.
- Culture & Community: Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional staff culture. Lead daily huddles and provide real-time coaching to ensure high performance.
- Discipline: Exercise sound judgment in managing staff performance and formal disciplinary actions when necessary.
2. Child Supervision & Safety
- Primary Oversight: Ensure the physical and emotional safety of up to 110 students/campers daily.
- Behavioral Lead: Act as the final on-site authority for behavioral management and student conflict resolution.
- Emergency Response: Serve as the on-site "First Responder" for all medical, behavioral, or logistical crises.
3. Instructional Delivery & Teaching
- Direct Teaching: Facilitate large-group assemblies and lead core educational activities in the field.
- Classroom Engagement: Lead "Classroom Meetings" at schools prior to their trip to build hype and set behavioral expectations with students.
- Curriculum Quality: Ensure that all staff are delivering the educational curriculum effectively and accurately.
4. Operational Coordination
- Teacher Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for visiting school personnel, ensuring their goals are met during their stay.
- Logistics: Coordinate daily with the Operations Director regarding site maintenance, food service schedules, and equipment needs.
Qualifications & Traits
- Education: Post secondary education in child or youth care, education, kinesiology, outdoor pursuits, recreation, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience: Proven leadership in a summer camp or outdoor education environment; experience managing both staff and large groups of children is essential.
- Instructional Skill: Demonstrated ability to teach children in both classroom and outdoor settings.
- Independent Judgment: A high level of sound reasoning and discretion; the ability to make critical decisions without immediate supervision.
- Communal Living: Enjoys living and cooperating in a residential community setting.
- Certifications: Current Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross, and Canada Flat Water Canoe Instructor certifications (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
- Requirements: Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a clear Vulnerable Sector Check. Working Conditions
- Residential: This role requires living on-site during program seasons (accommodations and meals provided).
- Seasonal Flow: Availability for evenings, weekends, and 24/7 on-call duties during active program weeks.
- Physicality: Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and lift/move up to 50 lbs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience and education.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental package.
- Perks: On-site accommodations and meals during program sessions; $50/month cell phone allowance.
To Apply
Please forward a resume and cover letter in PDF format to: Jenn Radder, Program Director
Project Kampfire operates with strong commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to remove barriers for equity-deserving groups, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, visible minorities, and people with disabilities. Some positions may require specific qualifications, training and/or abilities.
Pay: $44,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Experience:
- child and youth: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Class 5 Licence (required)
- First Aid and CPR Certification or will obtain (required)
Work Location: In person
