Summer Camp Sports Head (NYC & NJ)

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nTURN YOUR SUMMER INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY – BECOME A SEASONAL SPORTS HEAD WITH KIDS IN THE GAME! Empower Staff, Inspire Campers, and Build a Summer That Matters. Kids in the Game provides unforgettable day camp experiences for hundreds of New York children across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and now Westchester & Jersey City! When you join the Kids in the Game summer camp leadership cohort, you’ll be part of a dynamic team of Camp Directors, Assistant Directors, and 275+ coaches running outstanding programming at our 13 summer day camps. THE KIDS IN THE GAME SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE Kids in the Game camps are where sports, creativity, and community come together to shape confident, compassionate, and connected kids. Every summer, our camps across New York City, Westchester & Jersey City bring together diverse groups of children to explore new sports, build friendships, develop positive social skills, and learn how to be part of a team. Our camps offer kids a uniquely designed blend of sports and games, arts and crafts, STEM enrichment, field trips, swim activities, theme weeks, and all-camp special events to make every week the highlight of a child's summer. Each day is fueled by energy, laughter, and belonging. Our team of camp leaders, specialists, and counselors create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to try something new. We believe camp is more than a summer activity — it’s a place where kids discover who they are and who they can become. As a Certified B Corporation, we're also on a mission to positively impact the lives of all of our stakeholders - campers, families, staff, community members, and our partners. We’re looking for Sports Heads who want to be positive role models, build emotional intelligence, boost confidence, create inclusive communities, and help bring high-quality camp experiences to kids across NYC, Westchester and Jersey City.. Your Leadership Can Change the Game — Join Kids in the Game This Summer. SPORTS & GAMES SPECIALIST ROLE & KEY TASKS As the Sports Head, you will report directly to the Programming Assistant Director and Camp Leadership Team and serve as the primary leader and decision-maker for all core sports programming at your camp site. You are responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate sports program that serves campers Pre-K through middle school, while supporting and coaching Sports & Games Specialists and Camp Counselors. This role is strategic, instructional, and leadership-intensive. The Sports Head owns the structure, quality, safety, and progression of camp sports programming and plays a critical role in staff development, camper experience, and overall camp operations. You must be physically present, highly organized, and confident leading both children and adults in a fast-paced camp environment. Sports Heads are senior leaders and role models who bring Kids in the Game’s core values to life every day while setting the standard for sports instruction, professionalism, and youth development across camp. We currently have 12 New York based camp locations and 1 Jersey City camp location. The sites and addresses are:Westchester & The Bronx:Westchester-Crestwood - 465 Westchester Ave, Tuckahoe, NY 10707Riverdale - 3120 Corlear Ave, Bronx, NY 10463Manhattan:Inwood - 532 W 215th St, New York, NY 10034Upper West Side - 147 W 70th St, NY, NY 10023West Village - 272 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014Chelsea - 259 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001Upper East Side (Carnegie Hill)- 980 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028Upper East Side (Lenox Hill) - 132 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075East Village - 215 E 6th St New York, NY 10003Brooklyn:Park Slope - 588 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215Greenpoint - 100 Dobbin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222Fort Greene - 39 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205Jersey City:118 Ferry St. Jersey City, NJ 07307 You must be able to arrive by 7:45am daily via public transportation or personal transportation (car) and stay on-site until 4:15pm daily (and until 5:30pm twice per week to support after care activities). The Sports Head responsibilities include:Ambassadorship, Core Values & Camp CulturePositivity: You lead with confidence, energy, and consistency, setting the tone for sports culture across camp. You motivate campers and staff through encouragement, praise, and growth-focused coaching, helping athletes of all levels feel capable and excited to participate. You model enthusiasm and resilience, maintaining a positive presence even during schedule changes, weather challenges, or high-energy camp moments.Empathy: You demonstrate strong emotional awareness when working with campers of varying ages, abilities, and confidence levels, as well as when supporting staff with different experience levels. You listen actively, coach with patience, and respond thoughtfully to camper frustration, behavioral challenges, or skill-related struggles. You understand that sports are a powerful learning environment and intentionally support social-emotional growth alongside athletic development.Commitment: You show up prepared, punctual, and fully engaged for all camp days, trainings, planning sessions, and leadership responsibilities. You take ownership of the sports program by proactively planning schedules, lesson progressions, and equipment needs. You consistently follow and enforce safety protocols, Department of Health regulations, and Kids in the Game standards, and you communicate clearly and promptly with camp leadership about any concerns related to campers, staff performance, or program execution.Ambition: You seek continuous improvement in both sports programming and leadership. You are open to feedback and collaboration with the Programming Assistant Director and Camp Director and actively refine lesson plans, progressions, and instructional strategies. You bring creativity and strategic thinking to sports programming, building skill progressions, special events, and tournaments that elevate the camper experience and push the program forward.Inclusivity: You intentionally design and oversee sports programming that is welcoming and accessible to all campers, regardless of skill level, background, or prior sports experience. You ensure activities are adaptable, developmentally appropriate, and focused on participation, teamwork, and growth. You model inclusive language, fair play, and respectful competition, reinforcing that sports at camp are for everyone.Sports Program Design & OversightServe as the primary architect of the camp’s core sports program, including Basketball, Soccer, Whiffle Ball, Pickleball/Tennis, Volleyball, Football, and Track & FieldBuild and manage daily and weekly sports schedules for all camper age groupsDesign age-appropriate skill progressions to be implemented across the full 7–8 week camp sessionEnsure sports programming aligns with weekly camp themes, special events, and camp-wide schedulesPlan and execute camp-wide sports events, tournaments, and special competitionsActivity Leadership & InstructionLead daily core sports classes, including:Core Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Whiffle Ball, Pickleball/Tennis, Volleyball, and Track & Field Up to 5 instructional periods per day (45 minutes per period)Daily preparation and planning periodsDeliver clear, structured instruction focused on fundamental and intermediate skills such as passing, dribbling, throwing, catching, volleying, footwork, and teamworkAdapt instruction for campers Pre-K through middle school, ensuring developmental appropriatenessModify activities to support campers with limited prior sports experience, varying skill levels, or developmental needsCamper Engagement & Youth DevelopmentFoster a camp-wide culture that promotes movement, teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanshipEncourage campers to take healthy risks, build new skills, and celebrate effort and progressRecognize and celebrate camper achievements and growth throughout the summerSupport positive behavior management through clear expectations, consistency, and positive reinforcementStaff Leadership, Coaching & SupportMentor and support Sports & Games Specialists, providing guidance on lesson structure, classroom management, and instructional qualityObserve sports classes led by specialists and counselors and provide constructive feedbackSupport counselors in confidently facilitating sports-based activities and transitionsPartner closely with the Programming Assistant Director to ensure alignment across sports programmingSafety, Supervision & OrganizationTake full ownership of sports safety across campEnsure all sports spaces and equipment are inspected, set up, and maintained dailyEnforce Department of Health regulations and Kids in the Game safety protocolsActively supervise high-risk activities and transitionsRespond promptly and calmly to behavioral, medical, or safety incidentsCommunicate concerns to Camp Directors and assist with incident documentation as neededEquipment, Organization & OperationsCoordinate daily setup, breakdown, storage, and inventory of sports equipmentMaintain organized, clean, and clearly labeled sports storage areasAnticipate equipment needs and communicate proactively with leadershipEnsure sports spaces are safe, functional, and ready for instruction each day SEASONAL WORK EXPECTATIONS & SUMMER SCHEDULEPre-Summer Work Expectations & Schedule:Participate in virtual and on-site training expectations beginning in Mid-May and continuing through June Sports Head and Specialist trainings (in person and virtual)Virtual trainings starts within the first two weeks of JuneOnsite training will happen 3 days of the week prior to the first week of your camp start date. Receive a pre-summer stipend at the end of June for delivering on camp sports planning tasks:Review weekly sports plan & alignment with camp themeReview gameplay rules & modifications for core sportsBuild sports progressions by age group for weeks 1-4Build out plans for weekly tournaments / camp-wide eventCoordinate with Programming Assistant Director to map out the sports schedule for the camp seasonSummer Camp ScheduleDates: Late June through August (7–8 weeks depending on location)Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:45 AM – 4:15 PMSupport at least two days per week of aftercare (until approximately 5:30 PM)Work Environment: Full-time, in-person at assigned camp locationCamp Size: 30–100+ campers with 10–30+ staff members Requirements Our ideal Sports Head candidate:A candidate who is truly amazing with children!Possess 2 to 3 years of experience in large group sports instruction, preferably in sport-specific classes and physical education programsStrong to very strong proficiency in our Core SportsWhiffle Ball, Soccer, Pickleball, Track & Field, Football, Basketball, and VolleyballAdvanced PE teacher experience preferredAbility to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with staff, participants, and caregiversDemonstrate practical scheduling and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations Summer Camp Employment Requirements:Authorization to work in the United States.Up-to-date medical statement / physical exam and TB test documentation must be submitted prior to the camp start date.You must pass local, state, and national criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks.Being CPR, First Aid and AED certified is a plus.Knowledge of another language on top of English is a plus Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions. Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children. Active supervision & physical requirements include:Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments. BenefitsWHY WORK WITH KIDS IN THE GAME At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected to one another. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team. We are AMBITIOUS. POSITIVE, COMMITTED, INCLUSIVE, and EMPATHETIC.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for all of our interns and employees. We recruit candidates from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.SEASONAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE This is a part-time, seasonal position based in New York City. SportsHeads must be available to participate in pre-summer trainings (virtual and on-site) to complete pre-summer work expectations. Sports Heads must be available to work full summer camp hours from late June to the end of August. Monthly stipends & Pre-Summer Training StipendJune: $150 pre-summer stipendSports Heads only receive the full pre-summer stipend in June if they complete the required training and sports programming preparation from May-JuneRates will be prorated depending on progress Pre Summer Compensation - $375$150 for virtual trainings$150 for all 3 on-site training days$75 for an in-person field day in JuneTraini