Summer Camp Junior Instructor

Who we are

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses - one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.

What is essential about working at our school

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self. 

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality. 

Summer at ECFS 
Summer at ECFS is a six-week summer day camp for rising PreK through 8th grade children. Both morning and afternoon sessions specifically cater to each camper’s interests. Each week focuses on a new student-designed theme which encourages campers to build, play, and learn through a unique and engaging lens. Students grow, learn, imagine, and collaborate across disciplines, while building bonds in a joyful, inclusive community.

Position Summary
The Junior Instructor role is designed for motivated high school students who are interested in developing  leadership and collaborative skills within a STEAM-based camp environment. Junior Instructors work closely with Lead Instructors to support the planning and facilitation of engaging, hands-on activities for campers in Pre-K through 8th grade.

This role emphasizes skill-building in instruction, communication, and classroom management. Junior Instructors are active participants in the learning environment—assisting with lessons, supporting small groups, and helping create a positive, inclusive, and well-managed classroom experience across a wide range of developmental levels.

Please note that this is an onsite role and is not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

This is a full-time role beginning June 22, 2026, through July 31, 2026. All Instructors must also be available to attend the following mandatory training dates: May 31st, June 13th, and June 14th.

The hiring range for this position is $17.75 per hour. When determining the rate, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate’s work experience, education, and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Please note that this is an on-site role and is not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Junior Instructor will be:

• Supporting lead instructors in the facilitation of daily STEAM activities and lessons for campers in Pre-K through 8th grade;

• Assisting with the preparation, organization, and clean-up of materials, supplies, and equipment for projects, experiments, and activities;

• Working with individual campers and small groups to provide guidance, encouragement, and instructional support throughout daily activities;

• Adapting developmentally appropriate support strategies based on camper age and cognitive, social emotional, and physical development;

• Maintaining a safe, structured, and engaging environment through active supervision, participation, and redirection when necessary;

• Modeling positive behavior, teamwork, patience, and enthusiasm for learning in alignment with camp and instructor expectations;

• Assisting with transitions between activities to support smooth daily operations and sustained camper engagement;

• Providing basic instructional support, including explaining directions, demonstrating tasks, and responding to camper questions;

• Collaborating with lead instructors and camp staff to support effective program implementation and daily operations;

• Serving as a positive role model for campers through appropriate behavior, communication, and engagement; and

• Performing other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements

The successful incumbent will possess:

• Current enrollment in high school (typically ages 14–18);

• An interest in leadership or working with children;

• The ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with instructors, staff, and campers;

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

• The ability to follow directions and apply feedback in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;

• Demonstrated responsibility, reliability, and maturity appropriate for working with children;

• The ability to engage with campers across a wide developmental range (Pre-K through 8th grade);

• Patience and adaptability when working with different age groups and learning needs;

• The ability to remain engaged, attentive, and professional throughout the camp day;

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and take initiative;

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and

• The ability to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive camp environment in which all campers feel supported and valued.

To Apply:
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please submit a resume along with an email and phone contact information of three professional references.

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.