Summer Instructor

The Salvation Army; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a Summer Camp Instructor to develop and implement curriculum for the Kroc Center’s summer camp. This role involves supervising children, coordinating with camp leaders, and ensuring a safe learning environment.

The ideal candidate will possess teaching experience, 60 college credits, and be bilingual in English and Spanish. Reliability and the ability to commit to the entire summer camp season are essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold 60 credits of college-level courses and at least four classes in relevant subjects.
• Proven teaching/coaching experience is required.
• Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and enriching learning environment for children.
• Coordinate with camp leaders to prepare curriculum.
• Instruct groups of up to 30 students and supervise camp counselors.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Teaching/coaching experience

Effective communication

Experience with children in urban settings

Education

60 credits of college-level courses

Four classes in education or specific content 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 develop and implement an instructional program/curriculum that accommodates multiple learning styles and is hands‑on and active. The instructor will guide Summer Camp Counselors and deliver curriculum in areas such as Visual and Performing Arts, Aquatics, Sports, or Outdoor Adventure.

The duties listed below are the primary duties of this position but are not all the duties that may be required. The Salvation Army reserves the right to change, reduce, or expand the duties of this position at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

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 (Summer Camp Leaders) 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 keep the Kroc Center clean, 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, enforce 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 policies and procedures 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.
• Hold 60 credits of college‑level courses and at least four classes in education or specific content areas such as character education, sports, health, wellness & fitness, mathematics, science & technology, drums, dance, drama, music, art, or life skills; ability to provide proof of planning and delivery of content is required.
• 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 clearance from 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.