Part-Time Summer Camp Counselor – Preschool (Ages 3.5–5)

Salem Gymnastics & Swim; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid staff training

Weekly incentives

Staff shirts provided

Real-world experience

Job summary

Salem Gymnastics & Swim is seeking energetic summer counselors for a preschool program. You’ll guide campers aged 3.5 to 5 through activities like gymnastics, ninja, and swim, under supervision. Training is provided, and a positive, patient attitude helps create a welcoming, safe environment.

Shifts are morning, Monday–Friday, with training in May. This role offers real-world experience, potential school-year opportunities, and the chance to grow with our programs.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Experience with young children preferred (babysitting, preschool, daycare, etc.).
• Must be willing to participate in activities with campers.
• Must have reliable transportation for early shifts.
• Must complete mandatory staff training and background checks as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small group of preschool campers with a supervising counselor.
• Assist with gymnastics, ninja, and swim activities after training.
• Act as a water watcher during swim time to ensure camper safety.
• Lead themed crafts, songs, games, and activities for preschoolers.
• Support arrival check-ins and morning drop-off with families.

Skills

Experience with preschoolers

Patient, upbeat attitude

Active and energetic

Reliable transportation

Education

High school student or older

Job description

Want a summer job that’s fun, rewarding, and still leaves your afternoons free? Join the Totally Kids Camp crew at Salem Gymnastics & Swim! Every week brings a brand-new theme, from Superheroes to Ninjas to Spy Week, packed with tumbling, ninja, splashing, games, and crafts. You’ll guide a small group of our youngest campers, ages 3.5 to 5, through their very first camp adventures and be the friendly face they run to every morning.

Open to high school students and up, this is the perfect role for anyone who loves little kids, staying active, and having fun. Great counselors also have the chance to grow into school-year roles with our programs!

Schedule & Commitment

• Dates: First week of June through first week of August 2027 (10 weeks)
• Days: Monday–Friday, no weekends!
• Hours: About 21 hours per week. Typical shift is 8:15 AM–12:30 PM, with rotating early-morning shifts (start time TBD). Afternoons free!
• Availability: Counselors must be available for at least 8 of the 10 weeks. We’ll ask about any dates you’re unavailable during your interview, so have your summer plans handy.
• Training: Mandatory, paid 2‑day staff training in May 2027 (dates TBD).

What You’ll Do

• Lead a small group of up to 7 preschool campers, staying with the same group all week, with support from a floater counselor who assists across all preschool groups
• Help little ones try gymnastics, ninja, and swim alongside our coaches. No experience needed! We’ll train you on how to assist with each activity.
• Serve as a dry‑deck water watcher during swim time, keeping campers safe in and around the pool
• Lead themed crafts, songs, games, and activities designed for preschoolers
• Help run smooth arrival check‑ins and morning drop‑off with families
• Supervise snack time, transitions, and bathroom breaks (all campers are potty‑trained)
• Help campers with everyday needs like shoes, handwashing, and changing for swim
• Keep camp spaces clean, organized, and ready for the next adventure
• Be a patient, positive role model who helps every camper feel safe, included, and confident

Who We’re Looking For

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Experience working with young children is preferred (babysitting, preschool or daycare, church nursery, tutoring, volunteering, etc.)
• A patient, upbeat attitude and genuine excitement about working with little kids
• Willingness to jump in and participate in activities alongside campers
• Reliable transportation to and from camp, including for early shifts
• Able to be on your feet and active most of the morning, work in a warm pool environment, kneel or sit at kid level, and lift up to 35 lbs

Requirements

• Completion of mandatory, paid staff training in May 2027
• Staff 18 and older must complete a background check, USA Gymnastics membership, and SafeSport training before camp begins
• Requirements for staff under 18 may vary and will be shared during the hiring process
• Staff shirts provided! Pair them with black or navy athletic bottoms and closed‑toe athletic shoes.

Pay & Perks

• Competitive hourly pay based on age and returning‑staff status
• Part‑time morning schedule, so afternoons and weekends are all yours
• Paid training so you’re ready to rock day one

Free staff shirts

• Weekly staff incentives and team‑building, because our counselors deserve to have fun too
• Real‑world experience that looks great on résumés and college applications, especially for future teachers and childcare professionals
• Opportunities to continue with us during the school year through programs like Schools Out Fun Days