Camp Specialty Instructor - Art Instructor

YMCA of Metro Atlanta; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metro Atlanta seeks a Camp Specialty Instructor to create curriculum and run the specialty program for day camps. You will supervise counselors, ensure safety, and deliver engaging activities across multiple focus areas. Strong planning, leadership, and communication are essential.

You will manage lesson plans, provide positive guidance, and collaborate with the Youth Development Director to support camper growth and safety in a dynamic outdoor/indoor setting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with children in a structured setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must pass background check and drug tests; CPR/First Aid within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Promote and ensure day camp programs run smoothly with high service quality.
• Manage site cleanliness and maintain a safe environment for all students.
• Lead programming in specialized topics to enrich the day camp program.
• Develop and implement lesson plans focused on skill development in a fun, engaging way.
• Provide campers with leadership skills and lifelong lessons through activities.
• Consult with the Youth Development Director on camper behavior concerns.
• Maintain incident/accident paperwork and certifications as required.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Database management

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, the Camp Specialty Instructor is primarily responsible for creating the curriculum and running the specialty program. They are responsible for execution of program activities, transitions, incident reports, and leading counselors. This role provides guidance, safety, leadership, and education for children served at camps.

Areas of need for Specialty Instructors (include, but not limited to): Archery, Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Cheer, Tumbling, Climbing Wall and Ropes Course, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Theater, Fitness, Flag Football, Kayak and Paddleboard, LEGO, Music, Nature, Pickleball, Robotics, Sports, STEM, Swim, Gaming, Tennis, and Volleyball

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that all day camp programs run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
• Manage the site cleanliness and ensure a safe environment for all students.
• Lead programming that focuses on specialized topics that will enrich the overall day camp program.
• Develop and implement lesson plans focused on specific skill development in a fun and engaging manner.
• Provide campers with valuable leadership skills and lifelong lessons while engaging in fun and interactive activities.
• Consult with the Youth Development Director on concerns related to camper(s) development of behavior.
• Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibility.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding day camp programs.
• Maintain and report incident/accident paperwork.
• Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR,Metro Atlanta YMCA New Staff Orientation and Branch Emergency proceduresand any other required certifications and/or training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES BASED ON NEEDS SPECIFIC TO ROLE:

• Be able to maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff and children.
• Be able to provide sound, caring, and positive leadership for children.
• Able to maintain a safe and fun environment for children.
• Provide, to everyone, extraordinary customer service to parents.
• Be able to recognize and implement safety standards in all program activities.
• Be able to participate effectively with other staff in implementing creative and fun camp activities for camp.
• Communicate positively with parents and staff as required.
• Attend all staff camp training.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 18 years of age or older (preferred 21 years of age or older).
• High School Diploma in progress or completed or GED.
• 2+ years of experience working with children in a structured setting.
• Background and expertise in a specialty area.
• A working knowledge of computers: MS Word, MS Excel, database management.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, solve problems, and possess effective time management skills.
• Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality.
• Must pass BFTS background check and drug tests.
• CPR/First Aid within 30 days of employment and maintain throughout employment.

ERGONOMICS:

• Ability to work actively outdoors and/or indoors while supervising children.
• Ability to climb, walk, run, stoop, squat or kneel.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment to appropriate destinations or affect the carrying of such equipment.
• Ability to use senses which enable safe supervision including seeing and/or hearing.

It's fun to work in an organization where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing! Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. Employment Requirement: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy. Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship. This job posting is subject to change at any time. The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work. The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Location: McCleskey East Cobb YMCA The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, with programs and services which build spirit, mind, and body. The Y believes in strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. When you join our team, you become part of a legacy over a century in the making, where passionate individuals work together to create meaningful change. Whether you're coaching future leaders, supporting wellness initiatives, or fostering connections, your work will have a lasting impact. Explore your potential, grow your career, and make a difference with the Y. Become a part of something bigger today!