Unit Leader - Camp Felix

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence.  We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Camp Felix is The New York Foundling’s overnight summer camp that provides children and teens in its programs with a safe, enriching break from the city. Through outdoor activities, peer connection, and supportive mentoring, Camp Felix helps campers build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Camp Felix is a sleepaway camp located in Kent, CT. Transportation will be provided to and from the camp site.  

Mandatory Staff Training: Wednesday July 22 to Friday July 24 (3 days) 9am to 5pm in Manhattan, Sunday training onsite at Club Getaway (bus departs NYC at 12pm) 

Camp Sessions:  

Session 1: July 27-July 31

Session 2: Aug 3 to Aug 7

Session 3: Aug 10 to Aug 14

The Unit Leader works under direct supervision of the Camp Director and Assistant Director to achieve Camp Felix goals and objectives by creating and supervising a camp program that helps campers build positive relationships, improve their self-esteem, develop healthy habits and learn new skills. Specific responsibilities include: 

• Supervise, coach, and support a team of counselors, fostering a positive and professional staff culture

• Observe counselor performance and provide ongoing, constructive feedback to strengthen skills and effectiveness

• Conduct formal and informal performance evaluations in collaboration with the Camp Director and Assistant Director

• Serve as a resource for counselors, offering guidance, problem-solving, and hands-on support as needed

• Address staff or camper concerns promptly and constructively, helping to resolve conflicts when they arise

• Delegate responsibilities clearly and ensure counselors understand expectations and daily responsibilities

• Train and mentor counselors, introducing new skills and assessing their successful implementation

• Ensure campers are safely and promptly transitioned between bunks, activities, and special programs

• Communicate schedule updates and operational changes to staff in a timely manner

• Assist with planning and leading camp activities, including specialty areas such as aquatics, electives, and evening programs

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support a safe, engaging, and well-run camp environment

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required

• Experience working with children; camp or youth program experience strongly preferred

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred

• Energetic, enthusiastic, and able to model positive behavior for counselors and campers

• Hands-on leader who leads by example and actively supports staff in daily operations

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently, assess needs, and take initiative

• Proven ability to delegate effectively and manage staff responsibilities

• Ability to build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with counselors and camp staff

• Demonstrated commitment to camper and staff safety