Summer Camp Dates: May 27th - July 25th (Mandatory Training Day on May 22nd)
Hours: M-F, MWF, or T/R
Shifts range between AM Shift: 6:45-12:30pm or PM Shift: 11:45-6pm
Location: Locations throughout Knox County
Pay Rate: Starts at $13.50/hr
Our Summer Day Camp Staff - also known as “Youth Development Specialists” - help create the best summer ever for kids in our community! On the Summer Day Camp Staff team, you'll supervise a group of children through daily camp activities like indoor/outdoor games, arts and crafts, swimming, weekly field trips, and social-emotional learning — all while gaining valuable leadership and childcare experience! You’ll help implement daily lesson plans designed to support kids' physical, mental, and social growth in a positive, energetic environment. Above all, you’ll be responsible for safety and supervision while modeling the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
CORE FUNCTIONS:
1. Support the Site Director in teaching, curriculum development, and supervision of students enrolled in the summer camp program.
2. Foster positive, developmentally appropriate relationships with students to encourage growth across physical, cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional domains.
3. Assist in setting and tracking weekly academic and developmental goals to promote student progress.
4. Identify and respond to potential program challenges using effective problem-solving strategies.
5. Participate in the daily cleaning and upkeep of the facility, supplies, and equipment to ensure a safe, welcoming environment.
6. Collaborate with the Site Director and YMCA staff to develop culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state standards.
7. Adhere to all YMCA policies, especially those related to safety, medical issues, discipline, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
8. Maintain strong, respectful communication and relationships with parents, students, and staff, modeling the YMCA core values.
9. Complete required documentation such as incident and accident reports promptly and accurately.
10. Embody and promote the YMCA’s Judeo-Christian values, including caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, in all actions and interactions.
11. Perform additional duties as assigned to support the program's success.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
There are no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Must be 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED. One year or more of college preferred. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Be able to meet state requirements.
REASONING ABILITIY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently required to talk or hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit and use hands and fingers. Employee may occasionally be required to lift 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of children or employees of the organization.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, COURSES
Additional training, licenses, and courses may be required throughout employment.
The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal opportunity employment employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
Since 1854, the Knoxville Y has been a cornerstone of our community. We are a community leader who supports children, adults, and families in their quests for physical, emotional, and social wellness. We are committed to building strong and healthy-minded children, individuals, families, adults, and communities through our programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
