ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Program Leader Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Kids Junction

Summer Adventure Camp Sr. Leader

Madison, WI · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Kids Junction is seeking an adventure loving leader to join our Summer Adventure Camp (SAC) Sr. ... There are also opportunities to lead other education programs for our preschool programming. Learn ...

Reach Dane

Therapeutic Education Leader

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$36.50/hr

Part Year includes built-in summer break, 2 weeks winter break, and spring break WHAT WE OFFER ... Specialized therapeutic early childhood program leadership * Collaborative team with Therapeutic ...

Aptiv

Youth Service Supervisor

Janesville, WI · On-site

$20.42/hr

... and summer programming * Work directly with youth when additional program support is needed ... Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills * Ability to work a flexible schedule ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Program Leader JobsSummer Program Leader Jobs in Madison, WI

Summer Program Leader information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$30

$57

How much do summer program leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program leader in Madison, WI is $30.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $46.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a summer program leader do?

A Summer Program Leader is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising activities for children or youth during summer programs or camps. They ensure the safety and well-being of participants, lead recreational and educational activities, and foster a positive and inclusive environment. Summer Program Leaders also communicate with parents, assist with conflict resolution, and help create memorable experiences for participants.

What are typical challenges faced by a summer program leader and how can they be addressed?

Summer Program Leaders often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children, adapting activities to varying interests and abilities, and maintaining high energy throughout long days. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges. Building rapport with participants and collaborating closely with fellow staff members helps create a supportive and engaging environment, ensuring the program runs smoothly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer program leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Program Leader, you need experience in youth supervision, activity planning, and a background in education or recreation, often supported by CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety protocols, and incident reporting systems is also valuable. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication skills help you engage participants and resolve conflicts smoothly. These skills ensure a safe, enriching, and well-organized environment where youth can learn and have fun.

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

AspectSummer Program LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentOrganized program settings, planning activities, supervising groupsOutdoor or recreational settings, supervising campers, leading activities
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, community centers, summer camps, youth organizationsSummer camps, recreational programs, youth organizations

Both roles involve working with youth during summer programs, but Summer Program Leaders typically have more responsibilities in planning and supervising entire programs, while Camp Counselors focus on supervising campers and leading activities. The roles often overlap, but the Leader position usually requires more experience and leadership skills.

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Summer Program Leader jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Summer Program Leader job openings:
Summer Program Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Program Leader job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,926 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Elementary Afterschool & Enrichment Program Leader School-Year

Madison School & Community Recreation

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Elementary Afterschool & Enrichment Program Leader School-Year
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison's public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses.
As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!
Program Description:
The MSCR Afterschool Elementary Team is looking for creative, friendly, and reliable people with lots of energy and patience to create a fun and safe experience for kids during after-school time. You and another adult will be in charge of managing a classroom and leading activities for a group of up to 20 elementary students. Students are dismissed from school and check in with their group leaders until parents check them out. Paid professional development and staff training are provided. Opportunities to continue employment into summer. Come join us!
Job Description & Duties:
Program Leaders are responsible for:• Planning and leading indoor and outdoor activities for your classroom of up to 20 students at a time
• Keeping students safe and accounted for at all times using a tracking system
• Helping students with math and reading skills
• Following a daily schedule
• Overseeing snack time
• Helping students calm down when upset and re-engage
• Helping problem-solve when issues arise
• Supervising students on field trips, including swimming and outdoor activities
• Maintaining a clean and organized classroom
• Communicating with supervisor and coworkers in a professional manner
• Interacting with parents as needed
• Learning and practicing emergency procedures and drills
• Other duties as assigned
Program Locations & Staff Shift times - not all schools may have openings
Staff shift times for these schools:Mondays: 12:45pm, and Tuesday-Friday: 2:00pm. Staff end at 5:45pm• Emerson (East) - 2421 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704
• Hawthorne (East) - 3344 Concord Ave, Madison, WI 53714
• Lincoln (South) - 909 Sequoia Trail, Madison, WI 53713
• Lowell (East) - 401 Maple Ave, Madison, WI 53704
• Mendota (North) - 4002 School Rd, Madison, WI 53704
• Midvale (West) - 502 Caromar Dr, Madison, WI 53711
• Nuestro Mundo (East) - 4201 Buckeye Rd, Madison, WI 53716
• Southside (South) - 501 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713
Staff shift times for these schools:Mondays: 1:30pm, and Tuesday-Friday: 3:00pm. Staff end at 6:00pm
• Anana (formerly Falk) (West) - 6323 Woodington Way, Madison, WI 53711 (near Vitense)
• Henderson (formerly Glendale) (Southeast) - 1201 Tompkins Dr, Madison, WI 53716 (near Lafollette)
• Lake View (North) - 1802 Tennyson Ln, Madison, WI 53704
• Lindbergh (North) - 4500 Kennedy Rd, Madison, WI 53704
• Orchard Ridge (West) - 5602 Russett Rd, Madison, WI 53711
• Sandburg (North) - 4114 Donald Dr, Madison, WI 53704
• Schenk (East) - 230 Schenk St, Madison, WI 53714
Program Dates:• Training week: Monday, August 24 - Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Monday through Friday)
• Program Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - Thursday, June 10, 2027 (Monday through Friday, see calendar*)
*MSCR is a department of MMSD and follows the school-year calendar. For a complete list of staff workdays including professional development, full-day events, and holidays/days off, please review the MSCR Elementary Team school-year calendar
Hours/week: 18.5
Payrate: 16.00 - 17.40 /hour
Minimum Qualifications:
• Positive and friendly attitude
• Reliable work attendance
• Professional communication
• Can adapt quickly and remain calm in serious situations
• Wants to learn new skills to support students and their experience
• High school students or older
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior work experience in a similar role
• Classroom support experience
• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong
• CPR, First aid
• Bachelor's Degree or some college
Other Information:
For more information, please contact Erica Pape: empape@madison.k12.wi.us

Apply