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 Counselor to join our six-week in-person Summer Camp team. Camp starts Monday, July 8th, and ends Friday, August 16th. Our campers range in grades from Kindergarten through Grade 5.

The Kew-Forest School is proud to enroll an astonishingly diverse student body representative of Queens and New York City, including approximately nine percent of whom are international students. The Kew-Forest School promotes diversity in its hiring process and is committed to supporting its inclusive community by hiring culturally diverse faculty to work with our equally diverse students and families. Our mission is to do more than just educate—it is to deeply inspire. The Kew-Forest School is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it enters its 106th year of operation. The individual who joins our community to fill this position must be energetic, creative, imaginative, and thoughtful in their approach to summer programming as the School enters its era of Kew-Forest 2.0.

Under the supervision of the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs, the Assistant Camp Director will assist with the development and implementation of all-day camp activities and staff within Summer at The Kew-Forest School.

Responsiblities include supporting and assisting the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs 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 K-F 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
• other duties, as needed.

Skills and Experience

• Must be 21 years or older.
• 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.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Physical, visual, and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities. Must be able to run, walk, or stand and fully participate in camp activities for up to 8 hours.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, effectively communicate with children and adults, and manage large and small groups.
• Good role model of high integrity and adaptability.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in a camp program and/or other relevant experience working with children.
• Strong content knowledge of engaging youth in recreational and artistic activities.
• Thorough knowledge of group management, behavior management, and positive youth development principles.
• Interest in providing quality recreational experiences to youth in Grades K-5.
• Strong professionalism with the ability to take on multiple responsibilities, be flexible, and possess a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of and ability to enforce program expectations and department policies.
• Flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

Hours and Compensation

Tuesday, April 9- Friday, June 28, 2024

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

Monday, July 1- Friday, August 16, 2024

• Monday-Friday
• 7:45 am to 4:00 pm

Salary: $12,000

If you are a college or graduate student (or meet the above requirements) and love working with children, please contact us. A brief intro about yourself is strongly encouraged. The position reports to the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and is ideal for an individual with a flexible schedule. 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.

ACCREDITATIONS

The Kew-Forest School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA), the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), and the Long Island Athletic Association of Independent Schools (LIAAIS).

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.