Summer Camp Specialized Instructor (Chinatown YMCA)

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of program participants by providing consistent and appropriate supervision.
• Familiarize yourself with and uphold Risk Management and safety protocols, ensuring all participants adhere to these guidelines.
• Design and execute engaging activities and special events that are structured, suitable for the participants’ age group, enjoyable, stimulating, challenging, and grounded in the values of Mandarin Chinese.
• Instruct participants on the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, incorporating activities that enhance their skills and boost their confidence.
• Must be able to teach children in an engaging, safe, and responsive manner.
• Cook up and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Set up the room and later return the equipment used for the class.
• Plan with the Director to order and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for the class.
• Ensure that all equipment is age-appropriate, safe, and in proper working condition.
• Develop a written lesson plan and curriculum for the program session that is age-appropriate and progressive.
• Be able to modify lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of the participants.
• Responsible for leading all children through a creative and imaginative process, building skills and confidence.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the progress of their camper and encourage registration for other sessions/programs during the school year.
• Work with camp leadership to develop and lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.
• Provide supervision of the participants in line with YMCA program standards and guidelines (i.e., ratio, attendance).
• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate actions in emergency situations.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• College degree or formal certification in art, art education, youth development, or a related field working with youth.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children/youth.
• Experience working with youth, including knowledge of age-appropriate activities with a youth development framework, specifically in the area of Mandarin Chinese.
• Current CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development stages.
• Content expert in designated activity.
• Creativity, accountability, and flexibility are a must.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.