Do you enjoy building exceptional guest experiences, leading high-performing teams, and creating programs that make a lasting impact?

Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center is seeking an experienced Director of Recreation to lead one of the most visible and exciting departments on our campus. From summer camps and retreat groups to team-building events and outdoor recreation, you’ll help create experiences that guests remember long after they leave.

This is more than managing activities—it’s an opportunity to build a department, develop staff, and help advance a ministry that serves more than 70,000 guests each year.

What You’ll Do

As Director of Recreation, you’ll lead every aspect of our recreation program, including:

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise recreation staff.
• Plan and coordinate recreation activities for retreats, conferences, camps, and guest groups.
• Meet with group leaders to recommend activities and develop recreation schedules.
• Oversee summer day camp, Grandparents Camp, and future youth programming.
• Ensure safe operation of aquatic activities, ropes course, canoeing, archery, climbing, and other recreation offerings.
• Maintain training standards, certifications, and risk management procedures.
• Coordinate inspections, equipment maintenance, inventories, and safety documentation.
• Evaluate and develop new recreation programs, equipment, and facilities.
• Work closely with other departments to provide an outstanding guest experience.
• Participate in the campus emergency on-call rotation.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who enjoys leading people as much as leading programs.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Three or more years of progressively responsible ministry, recreation, camp, outdoor education, hospitality, or youth program experience.
• Experience supervising employees or seasonal staff.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience planning activities for children, youth, and adults.
• Knowledge of recreation safety, risk management, and emergency procedures.
• The ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff.
• A servant-hearted attitude and commitment to exceptional guest service.
• Ability to obtain or maintain CPR, First Aid, AED, and activity-specific certifications.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass required background screening.

Preferred (but not required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks & Recreation, Outdoor Education, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Camp or conference center leadership experience.
• Instructor-level certifications in recreation disciplines.

Why Lake Yale?

Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center has served churches, families, schools, and ministries for generations. Our mission is simple:

Making Christ known through a life-changing experience in an opportunity-rich environment.

Here, recreation isn’t simply entertainment—it creates opportunities for connection, growth, teamwork, and ministry.

This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of recreation at one of Florida’s premier Christian conference centers.

Benefits

• Full-time, year-round salaried position
• On-site housing provided
• Competitive salary (salary range based on experience)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative leadership team
• The opportunity to build and grow an expanding recreation ministry

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Because this position serves in areas frequently used by children and families, employment is contingent upon successfully passing a Level 2 background screening and drug test conducted by Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. Are you willing and able to complete these requirements?
• Why do you want to work at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center? What about our mission of “Making Christ known through a life-changing experience in an opportunity-rich environment” appeals to you, and what do you believe you would contribute to our team and our guests? (Please respond in at least 2–3 complete sentences.)
• Please list any current recreation, safety, or instructor certifications you hold (such as CPR, First Aid, AED, Lifeguard, Ropes Course, Archery, Challenge Course, or other related certifications). If you do not currently hold any, please indicate “None.”

Experience:

• Ministry, Programming, Camp, or related: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person