Summer Playground Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allendale Columbia is seeking an organized, dependable, and high-responsibility Summer Camp Lead Counselor to lead our Kindergarten program serving children ages 5–6. This role is designed for an experienced professional who is confident supervising young children while also providing leadership and direction to a small team of camp staff.

The Lead Counselor will serve as the primary point of contact for a group of fewer than 15 campers and will work closely with a Co-Counselor to support daily programming, camper supervision, and activity transitions throughout the camp day. In this role, the Lead Counselor will mentor and guide the Co-Counselor while ensuring that campers are engaged in a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment.

This position also includes a transportation component, requiring a candidate who is comfortable operating a school van for local outings and field trips. The Lead Counselor plays a key role in maintaining a positive camp culture by modeling professionalism, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and supporting campers as they navigate their first structured camp experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Direct the daily workflow of the Co-Counselor. Delegate tasks such as activity setup, cleanup, and individual camper support.
• Transportation: Safely operate a school van for camper transport as needed (training provided).
• Group Management: Lead a cohort of under 15 campers through daily indoor and outdoor rotations, including gym time, arts & crafts, and lunch.
• Early Childhood Advocacy: Support 5-year-olds as they navigate their first formal camp experience, managing transitions and social-emotional growth with patience.
• Safety & Accountability: Maintain 100% headcount accuracy and ensure all health and safety protocols (allergies, hydration, NYS DOH standards) are strictly followed.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent qualification. Experience as a teaching assistant or similar role is a plus.
• Licensing: Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record and a willingness to be trained/certified to drive the school van. Must be at least 25 years old to drive a school vehicle, in accordance with insurance requirements.
• Health & Safety: Must hold a valid CPR and First Aid certification at the time of hire.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage or mentor other staff members or volunteers.
• Clearance: Must pass all NYS-required background checks and be available for the full duration of the session (June 29 – Aug 7).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Safely lift a child or children with a total weight of 50 pounds.
• Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking, and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Work with hands above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Work with arms extended at shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and kneel on the floor without assistance
• Must be able to push, pull, playground equipment, art supplies, manipulate office equipment, etc.
• Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and distinguish telephone, radio/pager signals, alarms, and other auditory tones

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hours: Approximately 37.5 hours per week during the summer camp session.

Compensation: $25.00 per hour.
This position is paid on an hourly basis and is classified as non-exempt, meaning it is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable federal and New York State wage and hour laws.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Senior Lead Counselor provides supervision and guidance to staff assigned to the Kindergarten program, including:

• 1 Lead Counselor
• 1 Co-Counselor

Lunch Provided

Please send your resume and letter of interest to Regina Grice, Director of Human Resources, at jobs@allendalecolumbia.org. Include your full name and “Summer Camp Lead Counselor" in the subject line. Please do not send a fax or a paper copy.

Allendale Columbia School, as an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in its hiring of employees on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital or veteran status, age, or disability. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students.