Summer Instructor

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization seeks a Summer Camp Instructor to develop and implement hands-on learning experiences for children in Camden, NJ. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, managing materials, and providing supervision through positive discipline. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background, teaching experience, and the ability to communicate in both English and Spanish. This is a seasonal position requiring a commitment to the full summer camp schedule.

Qualifications

• Must possess teaching/coaching experience.
• Experience with children in urban settings required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement curriculum for summer camp.
• Instruct groups of children actively during camp activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and organize materials for camp.

Skills

Teaching/coaching experience

Communication skills

Ability to work with children

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

60 credits of college-level courses

At least 4 classes in education or specific subject areas

Job description

Under the leadership of the Summer Camp Supervisor and FYD Managers, this position is responsible for providing a safe, caring, and enriching learning environment for children enrolled in the Salvation Army Kroc Center’s summer camp. The instructor will be responsible for developing and implementing an instructional program/curriculum that accommodates multiple learning styles and is hands‑on and active. The instructor will guide Summer Camp Counselors who teach, coach, and supervise campers. Instructors must develop, lead, and deliver curriculum in one or more areas: Visual and Performing Arts, Aquatics, Sports, or Outdoor Adventure.

Responsibilities

Planning

• Ensure that the ultimate goal of spiritual, emotional, and physical development of all people is represented and infused in all activities.
• Meet with the Summer Camp Supervisor and Family & Youth Development Manager before camp to identify learning objectives and prepare, plan, and publish the curriculum for the Summer Camp Counselors.
• Provide written plans to the Camp Leaders before the camp session begins.
• Plan, prepare, and lead daily activities aligned with lesson plans.
• Manage guest presentations.
• Manage all supplies, equipment, and materials; inform the Camp Leaders when new or additional supplies are needed.
• Maintain the cleanliness and order of curriculum and classroom supplies.

Instruction

• Actively instruct groups of up to 30 students, accommodating multiple learning styles.
• Assist Camp Counselors in providing proper and continuous supervision for the assigned group during all activities.
• Lead children through activities enthusiastically and professionally according to training protocol and scheduled program activities.
• Guide children by providing clear direction and skill development.
• Provide Counselors with accurate information and directions, communicating changes promptly to allow them to support the planned curriculum effectively.

Camp Operations

• Assist in maintaining cleaning schedules to maintain the cleanliness of the Kroc Center, including completing tasks listed on daily checklists.
• Communicate with the Camp Leaders daily regarding concerns/issues with the program, children, or co-workers.
• Consistently demonstrate positive discipline, firmly and consistently enforce the rules, express clear expectations and accountability, and ensure that reprimands fit the misbehavior.
• Teach and model open and supportive communication with children and staff, working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Adhere to and ensure adherence to policies and procedures as stated in manuals, training, and meetings, including those of the Kroc Center, The Salvation Army, the Summer Food Service Program, and the NJ Department of Health.
• Attend all assigned meetings and training as scheduled, including weekly staff meetings.

Qualifications

• 60 credits of college‑level courses and at least 4 classes in education or specific content area: character education, sports, health, wellness & fitness, mathematics, science & technology, drums, dance, drama, music, art, or life skills; must be able to provide proof of planning and delivery of content.
• Proven teaching/coaching experience is required.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Experience working with children of varied ages and abilities in an urban setting is required.
• Must be reliable, dependable, willing, and able to commit to the entire summer camp season.
• Proven ability to exercise mature judgment and sound decision‑making.
• Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet program staffing/planning needs.
• TB test or chest x‑ray with insignificant results required.
• Physical by a doctor or appropriate medical professional indicating eligibility to work.
• Must pass a criminal background check, CARI check, and CHRI check (fingerprinting).
• Must provide three professional references.
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.