Summer Camp Sports Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Summer Camp Sports Specialist brings enthusiasm, energy, and leadership to the camp community and works collaboratively with counselors and summer staff to support a positive, active camp experience. The Sports Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of an engaging, developmentally appropriate sports and physical activity program for children ages 4–12, designed to promote teamwork, skill development, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

Programming will expose campers to a variety of sports, games, and movement-based activities, including individual and team sports, cooperative games, skill-building drills, fitness challenges, and recreational play. Activities are designed to support gross motor development, coordination, strength, endurance, teamwork, strategic thinking, and confidence, while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

The goal of the sports program is to foster a love of physical activity, encourage healthy habits, build self-esteem, and provide campers with meaningful opportunities to learn new skills, work collaboratively, and take pride in both individual and team accomplishments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate sports and physical activity experiences for children ages 4–12, incorporating individual and team sports, skill-building drills, cooperative games, and fitness activities.

• Create and adapt activities that promote teamwork, sportsmanship, coordination, strategic thinking, and confidence as part of the overall summer camp experience.

• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and safety-focused environment where children feel encouraged to participate, challenge themselves, and develop both individual and team skills.

• Collaborate effectively with camp leadership, counselors, and fellow staff to integrate sports and movement activities into daily programming, themed weeks, and special events.

• Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, and a cooperative attitude in response to program needs, weather adjustments, varying skill levels, and group dynamics.

• Provide support to the Program Director, Assistant Director, Unit Leads, and Head Counselors as needed to ensure smooth program operations and a cohesive camper experience.

• Attend and actively participate in all required staff trainings, meetings, and orientations.

• Commit to availability for the full summer camp season.

• Model positive personal habits, appropriate dress, respectful communication, and professional relationships that reflect camp values and set a positive example for campers.

Education: High School Diploma, BA required

Experience:

In accordance with New York State Department of Health (DOH) licensing regulations, all camp staff are required to participate in and successfully complete mandatory pre-camp counselor orientation and training prior to any interaction with or supervision of campers. Staff must demonstrate emotional maturity, good moral character, and personal integrity, as required by DOH standards. A genuine interest in and enjoyment of outdoor activities is also expected, as the camp program is largely outdoor based.

Licensing and/or Certifications:

Accepted but not mandatory

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work as a team member with other counselors and adult staff members.
• Experience working with children in a group setting.
• Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient, and willing to learn.

Compensation:

• This is a seasonal stipend-based position paid through payroll.
• The total summer stipend for this role is $5,260.08 , covering the full Camp Funkist season (June 25–August 21, 2026), including required training days and scheduled camp days.
• Stipends are distributed semi-monthly in accordance with the YWCA payroll schedule and are prorated across all paid days in the season.
• This stipend reflects compensation for the full seasonal assignment and is not calculated on an hourly basis.