Overview

The Kew-Forest School, a PS-12 co-educational day school founded in 1918 in Forest Hills, NY, seeks an experienced Summer Camp Assistant Director to join our six-week in-person Summer Camp team. Camp starts Monday, July 7th, and ends Friday, August 15th. Our campers range in age from Kindergarten through Grade 6.

We take pride in our remarkably diverse student body, which reflects the vibrant communities of Queens and New York City. Approximately nine percent of our students are international. We promote diversity not only among our students but also in our hiring practices, ensuring that our faculty is culturally diverse and equipped to support our inclusive community of students and families.

At Kew-Forest, our mission extends beyond education – we aim to inspire our students to discover their passions and reach their full potential. As we celebrate our 107th year, we are excited to embrace new approaches to summer programming. We are seeking an energetic and creative individual who can bring fresh ideas and a thoughtful approach to our popular summer program as we enter the era of Kew-Forest 2.0.

The Assistant Camp Director will help develop and implement daily camp activities and manage staff, under the supervision of the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs.

Responsibilities include Supporting and assisting the Lead Teacher in or with:

• Providing a safe and nurturing environment for everyone; will be actively involved in day-to-day operations and have a positive attitude about all programs;
• Developing and implementing camp curriculum and schedules. Leading activities for camp and/or camp groups as necessary;
• Recruitment, selection, training, and provision of ongoing supervision of all camp staff. Providing ongoing coaching to staff to ensure goals are achieved and to preparing them for increased responsibilities;
• Executing staff training curriculum. Leading training activities and/or staff meetings as assigned;
• Executing day-to-day responsibilities to create a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment. Enforcing safety regulations including keeping campers and program areas clean and safe;
• Anticipating and minimizing potential problems with staff, campers, or the environment and responding effectively to problems that occur. Applying camp policies and procedures in responding to and/or disciplining staff and campers;
• Responding quickly and effectively to accidents and incidents. Assisting with the conduction of investigations as may be required and per Kew-Forest policies and procedures. Accurately preparing and submitting Accident and Incident Reports in a timely manner;
• Ensuring that Lead Teachers effectively plan, organize, and lead small and large group activities. This may include evening and/or weekend events;
• Acting as a team member as evidenced by active participation in all training events and staff meetings, cooperating with and seeking out all camp staff members;
• Positively and proactively communicating with and responding to supervisor, staff, campers, and parents;
• Actively participating in camper activities;
• Assisting staff in executing established procedures for supervising campers and activities including but not limited to transportation, group time, lunch, and swim times; and
• Performing other duties, as needed.

Skills and Experience

• Must be 21 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• At least 16 weeks of successful administrative experience or equivalent in a licensed camp setting.
• At least one year of successful experience as a counselor at a licensed day camp.
• Current First Aid and Adult and Child CPR, Basic Life Support certifications.
• Demonstrated ability to create, schedule, organize, and implement daily camp activities, special events, and training activities.
• Physical, visual, and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities. Ability to run, walk, stand, and fully participate in camp activities for up to 8 hours daily.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, effectively communicate with children and adults, and manage large and small groups
• Demonstrated integrity and adaptability as a positive role model.
• Minimum of one year experience in a camp program or related work with children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of youth engagement through recreational and artistic activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of group and behavior management, and positive youth development principles.
• Passion for creating engaging recreational experiences for youth in Grades K-6.
• Demonstrated professionalism with ability to manage multiple responsibilities, while maintaining flexibility, and a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and enforce program and department policies.
• Flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

Hours and Compensation

Tuesday, April 8- Friday, June 27, 2025

• Monday-Friday
• 10-15 hours per week (flexible hours)

Monday, June 30- Friday, August 15, 2025

• Monday-Friday
• 7:45 am to 4:00 pm

Salary: $12,000

• Full summer commitment is required

If you are a college or graduate student (or meet the above requirements) and are passionate about working with children, we’d love to hear from you. Please include a brief introduction about yourself with your application. This position reports to the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and is ideal for an individual with a flexible schedule. All necessary materials for summer camp will be provided.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Keesha Sterling, Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs, at ksterling@kewforest.org.

To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.

MISSION

We are The Kew-Forest School.

Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.

Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.

Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.