Summer Camp Activity Specialist Support Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Allendale Columbia School is seeking creative, high-energy, and skilled Activity Specialists to support our Summer 2026 program serving campers in grades K–3 (ages 5–9) . This position is ideal for individuals with expertise in a specific area who are passionate about teaching and engaging children in a fun, structured, and supportive camp environment.

The Activity Specialist will lead small-group sessions focused on their area of expertise, designing and delivering engaging lessons that align with weekly camp themes. Specialists will work with groups of up to 14 campers and will be supported by 2–3 General Counselors who assist with supervision, behavior management, and individual camper needs.

This role offers creative autonomy within a well-resourced environment, allowing specialists to focus on instruction while camp staff support logistics and classroom management. Activity Specialists play a key role in creating a dynamic and enriching camp experience by fostering creativity, participation, and skill-building in their specialty area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Specialty Instruction: Design and lead engaging 30–45 minute sessions in your area of expertise (e.g., Arts & Crafts, Sports, STEM, Dance, etc.), tailored to campers in grades K–3.
• Curriculum Planning: Develop age-appropriate lesson plans that align with weekly camp themes and promote creativity, participation, and skill development.
• Camper Engagement: Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages all campers to participate and explore new interests.
• Collaboration with Staff: Work closely with General Counselors who remain with the group to support supervision, transitions, and behavior management.
• Classroom Management Support: Provide clear direction and structure during sessions while partnering with counselors to maintain a positive and organized environment.
• Materials & Setup: Utilize provided materials and supplies to prepare and execute activities; ensure proper setup and cleanup of all sessions.
• Safety & Supervision: Maintain awareness of camper safety and follow all camp protocols in collaboration with support staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Demonstrated expertise in a specialty area (e.g., Arts, Athletics, STEM, Dance, Culinary, etc.)
• Prior teaching, coaching, or instructional experience in your specialty is required
• Ability to design and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans for children ages 5–9
• Must be creative, engaging, and confident leading groups of children
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Must be able to provide professional references
• Must pass all required background checks

Commitment Requirement:
Minimum commitment of 1 week required ; preference given to candidates available for multiple weeks or the full 6-week program (June 29 – August 7)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Safely lift a child or children with a total weight of 50 pounds.
• Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking, and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Work with hands above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Work with arms extended at shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and kneel on the floor without assistance
• Must be able to push, pull, playground equipment, art supplies, manipulate office equipment, etc.
• Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and distinguish telephone, radio/pager signals, alarms, and other auditory tones

Compensation: $25.00 per hour 

This position is paid on an hourly basis and is classified as non-exempt, meaning it is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable federal and New York State wage and hour laws.

Lunch Provided

Allendale Columbia School, as an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in its hiring of employees on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital or veteran status, age, or disability. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students.

Requirements: