Summer Day Camp Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

USF's Office of Youth Experiences provides engaging, creative, and inclusive opportunities for young people to explore new and innovative career paths. We offer an expanding variety of camps and other enriching experiences for elementary, middle, and high school students. The Office of Youth Experiences strives to promote the academic work of USF colleges and programs, assist with recruitment efforts, and collaborate with community stakeholders to provide better opportunities for underserved populations. These camps focus on connecting children and families with the University of South Florida by providing experiences that are engaging and unique.

This position will serve as a counselor for various Office of Youth Experiences summer camps which include elementary, middle, and high school summer camp offerings, both face-to-face and virtual. Current camps include, but are not limited to, the Tampa Theatre Film Camp, CAGE Elementary Cyber Camp, Everyone Can Code, AFA CyberPatriot Middle School Cyber Camp, High School Cyber Camp, Creative Writing, The Art of Filmmaking, and the JGHC Summer Institute: Mock Trial Intensive. This role is responsible for assisting with whole group instruction, working with a small group, managing student behaviors, and camp logistics.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum:
This appointment requires completion of the 9th grade and related experience.
FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in Education.
Experience working or volunteering in a camp, school, or program with K-12 students.
Experience and understanding of necessary technology used in at least one camp. (i.e. iMovie, GarageBand, Swift
Coding, Slack, etc.)
Special Requirements:
Employment with the USF Office of Youth Experiences requires you to complete a level one background check.
Failure to complete this requirement will be taken as a refusal of any job offer.

• Work directly with 3rd - 12th grade campers in whole group and small group environments.
• Deliver lesson plans and curriculum based on summer camp topics and goals.
• Navigate virtual environments (i.e., Teams, Zoom, Canvas).
• Facilitate small group discussions and discussion boards.
• Participate in counselor meetings prior to and after camp each day.
• Facilitate camper communication throughout the week.
• Assist campers in technical activities.
• Help facilitate the culminating activity on the last day of camp.