Summer Instructor

About the role

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 under the leadership of the Summer Camp Supervisor and Family & Youth Development Managers.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Actively instruct groups of up to 30 students, accommodating multiple learning styles.
• Aid 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.