Lead structured sports and group games for children from Pre-K through middle school while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. Collaborate with camp leadership and counselors to deliver daily programming aligned with weekly themes.
Requirements summary
Candidates should have experience leading sports or recreation activities for children and be capable of managing groups of varying sizes. Must be able to pass background checks, provide medical clearance, and meet the physical demands of active outdoor coaching.
Turn your summer into something extraordinary – become a seasonal sports & games with kids in the game!
Empower Staff, Inspire Campers, and Build a Summer That Matters.
Kids in the Game provides unforgettable day camp experiences for hundreds of New York children across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and now Westchester & Jersey City!
When you join the Kids in the Game summer camp leadership cohort, you’ll be part of a dynamic team of Camp Directors, Assistant Directors, and 275+ coaches running outstanding programming at our 13 summer day camps.
THE KIDS IN THE GAME SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE Kids in the Game camps are where sports, creativity, and community come together to shape confident, compassionate, and connected kids.
Every summer, our camps across New York City, Westchester & Jersey City bring together diverse groups of children to explore new sports, build friendships, develop positive social skills, and learn how to be part of a team.
Our camps offer kids a uniquely designed blend of sports and games, arts and crafts, STEM enrichment, field trips, swim activities, theme weeks, and all-camp special events to make every week the highlight of a child's summer.
Each day is fueled by energy, laughter, and belonging.
Our team of camp leaders, specialists, and counselors create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to try something new.
We believe camp is more than a summer activity — it’s a place where kids discover who they are and who they can become.
As a Certified B Corporation, we're also on a mission to positively impact the lives of all of our stakeholders - campers, families, staff, community members, and our partners.
We’re looking for Sports & Games Specialists who want to be positive role models, build emotional intelligence, boost confidence, create inclusive communities, and help bring high-quality camp experiences to kids across NYC, Westchester and Jersey City..
Your Leadership Can Change the Game — Join Kids in the Game This Summer.
SPORTS & GAMES SPECIALIST ROLE & KEY TASKS As a Sports & Games Specialist, you will report to the Programming Assistant Director and Camp Leadership Team and work collaboratively with counselors and specialists to deliver daily sports and games programming.
You are responsible for leading structured activity periods, role modeling for counselors, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging sports environment throughout the camp day.
This role is active, hands-on, and leadership-focused, requiring strong communication, creativity, and a passion for youth development through physical activity.
Kids in the Game camps are where movement meets meaning.
Our staff are youth development professionals who understand that sports are a powerful tool for teaching confidence, teamwork, resilience, and inclusion.
Every day is filled with energy, laughter, and connection — and our Sports & Games Specialists are at the heart of that experience.
We currently have 12 New York based camp locations and 1 Jersey City camp location.
The sites and addresses are: Westchester & The Bronx: Westchester-Crestwood - 465 Westchester Ave, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 You must be able to arrive by 7:45am daily via public transportation or personal transportation (car) and stay on-site until 4:15pm daily (and until 5:30pm twice per week to support after care activities).
The Sports & Games Specialist's responsibilities include: Ambassadorship, Core Values & Camp Culture Positivity: You bring energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to camp each day, regardless of weather, schedule changes, or challenges.
You motivate campers through encouragement, praise, and growth-focused language, helping them feel confident trying new skills and participating fully.
Your attitude helps create a fun, upbeat sports culture where campers and staff are excited to engage and play.
Empathy
You demonstrate patience, understanding, and compassion when working with campers of different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and confidence levels. You listen actively, respond with emotional awareness, and support campers through frustration, conflict, or hesitation. You recognize that sports are a learning space and help campers grow socially and emotionally alongside their physical development.
Commitment
You show up prepared, punctual, and reliable for all camp days, trainings, and responsibilities. You fully engage in required pre-summer virtual and on-site trainings and apply that learning throughout the summer. You follow schedules, lesson plans, and safety protocols consistently and communicate promptly with camp leadership about any concerns related to campers, staff, or programming.
Ambition
You seek opportunities to grow as a sports leader and youth development professional. You are open to feedback, coaching, and collaboration, and you bring creativity and initiative to your programming. You actively look for ways to improve activities, adapt games, and enhance camper engagement — always striving to make each day better than the last.
Inclusivity
You create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all campers feel safe, respected, and supported. You adapt sports and games to meet varying skill levels and abilities, ensuring equitable participation for every camper. You model inclusive language, teamwork, and sportsmanship, helping campers understand that sports are for everyone. Activity Leadership & Instruction Lead 45-minute sports and group games activity periods throughout the camp day Provide structured, age-appropriate instruction for campers Pre-K through middle school Teach and facilitate a variety of team sports and group games, including but not limited to: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Whiffle Ball, Pickleball, Track & Field Group games such as Capture the Flag, Castle Ball, Wizard Ball, Fire Ball, Rock Paper Scissors Showdown, Tic Tac Toe Tag, and more Adapt activities to different age groups, skill levels, and learning styles Align daily activities with weekly camp themes and special event programming Camper Engagement & Youth Development Foster a love of movement, teamwork, and physical activity Encourage campers to try new skills, take healthy risks, and celebrate effort and improvement Build campers’ confidence, motor skills, cooperation, and sportsmanship Acknowledge and celebrate camper achievements and milestones Team Collaboration & Support Work closely with counselors to help them confidently support sports and games activities Communicate clearly with Camp Directors and Assistant Directors about camper needs, behavior, or safety concerns Support all-camp events, theme days, transitions, and special programming Contribute positively to staff culture and team morale Safety, Supervision & Organization Prioritize camper safety at all times by following Department of Health regulations and camp safety protocols Set up, maintain, and break down sports areas and equipment daily Maintain organized, clean, and safe activity spaces Actively supervise campers during activities, transitions, and outdoor play Assist with incident documentation and reporting as directed SEASONAL WORK
Expectations &
SUMMER
SCHEDULEPre-Summer
Work
Expectations &
Schedule: Part-time participation in virtual and in-person trainings during
May and
June
Required attendance at: Virtual trainings (starting early June) Three on-site training days the week before camp begins In-person field day training Training attendance is mandatory and paid upon completion
Summer
Camp
Schedule
Dates: Late June through August (7–8 weeks depending on location)
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM
Support at least two days per week of aftercare (until approximately 5:30
SEASONAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE This is a part-time, seasonal position based in New York City.
Sports & Games Specialists must be available to participate in pre-summer trainings (virtual and on-site) to complete pre-summer work expectations.
Sports & Games Specialists must be available to work full summer camp hours from late June to the end of August.
Pre Summer Compensation - $375 $150 for virtual trainings $150 for all 3 on-site training days $75 for an in-person field day in June Training attendance is mandatory; you will only be paid for the trainings that you attend / complete on time.
You must complete all virtual and in-person training.
Note
Individual pay rates are based on camp enrollment (number of campers per week) and prior years of experience in similar roles and prior sports-related experience.
Pay
Schedule: Biweekly salary payments from late June - August 2026 Riverdale, Inwood, UES Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, East Village, West Village, Park Slope, Greenpoint, Fort Greene, and Jersey City will run for 8 weeks Westchester-Crestwood and UWS camp locations will run for 7 weeks
Total salary range based on 8 weeks of summer camp: $650 to $800 per week 8 week camp salary range (without the training stipend) $5,200 to $6,400
Total salary range based on 7 weeks of summer camp: $650 to $800 per week 7 week camp salary range (without the training stipend) $4,550 to $5,600
PM)
Work
Environment:
Full-time, in-person at assigned camp location
Camp
Size: 30–100+ campers with 10–30+ staff members
Our ideal
Sports &
Games
Specialist candidate: Is enthusiastic, dependable, and passionate about youth development through sports Has experience leading sports, recreation, or group activities with children Is confident managing groups of varying sizes and age ranges Communicates clearly and works well as part of a team Demonstrates strong organization, adaptability, and problem-solving skills Can pass required background checks and provide medical clearance CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred (or willingness to obtain) Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions. Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.
Active supervision & physical requirements include: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming. Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed. Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities. Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role). Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs. Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments. WHY WORK WITH KIDS IN THE GAME At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected to one another. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team. We are AMBITIOUS. POSITIVE, COMMITTED, INCLUSIVE, and EMPATHETIC.
Diversity,
Equity, and
Inclusion: We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for all of our interns and employees. We recruit candidates from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.
Market context
Youth support roles in steady demand
In New York, roles supporting youth programs and school-age services often see steady demand because organizations need reliable staff who can communicate well with children and teens. These positions are competitive when candidates show professionalism, patience, and flexibility, especially with youth ages 6–18. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight any experience working with young people and your availability.
