1

Summer Activity Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide leadership and direction to playground participants in various activities scheduled ... Promote interest and provide information regarding the summer recreation program to the general ...

Activity Specialist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$18.28/hr

... summer from July - August 2026. The Adult Activity Specialist (Art-Focused) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading engaging art-based activities for adult participants. This role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Summer Activity Leader information

See salary details

$9

$17

$26

How much do summer activity leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer activity leader in the United States is $17.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Activity Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Activity Leader, you need experience working with children, knowledge of group management, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with first aid, CPR certification, and scheduling or communication apps is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and development of children while maintaining smooth operation of summer programs.

What is the difference between Summer Activity Leader vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Activity LeaderSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid certification often preferredCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentOrganizes specific activities, leads groupsSupervises campers, manages daily camp life
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational programs, summer campsSummer camps, youth programs
Common Search & ComparisonHigh overlap in responsibilities and certificationsSimilar roles, different focus on supervision vs activity facilitation

Both roles involve working with youth during summer, often requiring CPR/First Aid certification. The Summer Activity Leader primarily focuses on organizing and leading specific activities, while the Summer Camp Counselor supervises campers and manages daily camp routines. Both positions are common in summer camps and recreational programs, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are Summer Activity Leaders?

Summer Activity Leaders are individuals responsible for organizing, overseeing, and leading recreational and educational activities for children or youth during summer programs, camps, or community events. Their primary goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging environment where participants can learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. They often plan games, arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises, ensuring all activities run smoothly and safely. Additionally, they serve as role models and provide guidance, support, and supervision to participants throughout the program.

What are some common challenges faced by Summer Activity Leaders, and how can they be effectively managed?

Summer Activity Leaders often encounter challenges such as maintaining engagement among diverse age groups, managing large groups of energetic participants, and adapting activities to suit varying interests and abilities. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Leaders can also benefit from proactive planning, clear behavior expectations, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment to ensure smooth and enjoyable activities for all participants.
More about Summer Activity Leader jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Activity Leader jobs? Cities with the most Summer Activity Leader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity Leader jobs? The most popular types of Activity Leader jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Activity Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Activity Leader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Activity Leader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Activity Leader jobs are:
Infographic showing various Summer Activity Leader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,527 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Summer Activity Specialist

$18 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position: Summer Activity Specialist

Who we are:  The Police Athletic League (or PAL) is New York City’s largest independent youth development organization. We operate diverse programs from Head Start, Day Car and Universal Pre-K programs; to elementary and middle school after-school programs, summer day camps and summer Playstreets. We run evening teen centers and college readiness programs, as well as youth employment and juvenile justice programs. In its over a century of service, PAL is continuing its evolution and remains a vibrant and vital New York City institution.  

Position Summary: 

We are currently looking for knowledgeable and passionate people to fill the part-time role of Activity Specialist in our after-school program. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a broad range of specialties in the following fields: sports, STEM, leadership, performing arts, and visual arts. Activity Specialists will work collaboratively with the Center Director and other staff to ensure participants gain new skills and meaningful experiences.  

 What you’ll do:

  • Provide appropriate supervision at all times to ensure the health and safety of program participants.  

  • Serve as a positive role model for participants.  

  • Design, plan, and implement age-appropriate activities, which may lead to participants showcasing their learned skills during culminating performances or events.  

  • Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.  

  • Attend and actively participate in all required training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.  

  • Maintain open and respectful communication with parents to support the participant’s success and build strong relationships.  

  • Other duties as assigned.  

Required Qualifications/Commitment: 

  • Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. 

  • Be at least 18 years of age.  

  • At least two years of experience working with young people ages 5-14. 

  • Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following areas: STEM, Sports, Leadership, Performing or Visual Arts. 

  • Available to work during the after-school hours, Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week 

  • Available to attend all training sessions (in-person and online), and orientation

Who you are/What you bring:

  • Possess a desire to work directly with children.  

  • Open to feedback with a desire to grow professionally.  

  • Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient, and actively engaged.  

  • Able to follow directions and adhere to all policies and procedures.  

  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:  

  • May be required to go up and down stairs. 

  • May have to lift or move objects, small furniture, or other program materials.  

  • This role may require occasional engagement with community members and partners outside of the physical worksite, including attendance at off-site events, meetings, or outreach activities.  

Pay Range & Benefits:  

  • $18.00-$19.00 per hour (rate offered is commensurate with experience and credentials).  

  • Paid training opportunities and direct experience in youth development and program facilitation.  

Location:

At the Police Athletic League, we seek people who are talented, creative and passionate to help create a more inclusive city and better futures for our youth. We’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.

The Police Athletic League is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy

Employment with PAL is contingent upon successful completion of all the Agency’s lawful pre-employment checks, which may include a background check.