Sports Instructor, School Break Camps

About the role

JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Sports Specialists to design and lead engaging athletic activities for children in grades K–5 at our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). Specialists are role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, play, and build confidence through physical activity.

You’ll spend your day teaching sports skills and leading games. You’ll plan age-appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead age-appropriate activities in your specialty area
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during activities
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill-building and exploration
• Work in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experience
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campers
• Support camp-wide special events and large-group programming as assigned
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)
• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Example Sports & Games Activities

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Floor Hockey
• Kickball
• Dodgeball
• Wiffle Ball
• Flag Football
• Ultimate Frisbee
• And More!

Available Dates

• December Camp: December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2
• February Camp: February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
• Passover Camp: April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Spring Break Camp: April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Candidates do not need to commit to all dates. Staff are scheduled by the day and shift.

Available Shifts

• Full Day: 8:30am – 4:30pm, 8 hours
• Morning Shift: 7:30am – 3:30pm, 8 hours
• Afternoon Shift: 10am - 6pm, 8 hours

Requirements

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
• Customer service experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria

Skills and Abilities

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area (sports, etc.)
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities
• Excellent group management skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staff
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities
• Creativity, flexibility, and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needs
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Ability to work well with others, building and sustaining collaborative relationships
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership

Physical Requirements

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time (rain, heat, humidity, cold, etc.) to ensure the supervision and safety of campers
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

Pay

This is an hourly position with a competitive starting pay rate of $17 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Benefits

• Access to JCC Greater Boston's top-class fitness, recreation, and wellness facility in Newton during active seasonal employment
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability
• Supportive, vibrant in-person work environment

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive.

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation.