2026 Summer Camp - Sports and Athletics Program Leader

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Design and implement a safe, fun, and educational sports and athletics program including, but not limited to: target sports (archery and air rifles), field sports (football, soccer, kickball, whiffle ball, etc), and outdoor games (human foosball, gaga ball, 9-square, horseshoes, etc.).

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High School graduate, some college preferred but not mandatory
• Interest, knowledge, and skills in target sports, field sports, and outdoor games
• Basic certification from N.A.S.P. preferred
• Experience working with children preferred

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Possess good leadership skills
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to pass a child safety background check
• Be detail oriented and well organized
• Must be knowledgeable in the areas of children/personnel safety, planning, problem solving, and crisis intervention

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plan, organize and supervise an interesting and meaningful sports and athletics program for campers designing activities for electives, free-time, and cabin activities
  • Create an environment that leads groups to success
    • Know the type of group and the specific needs of the group you’re working with
    • Maintain open, friendly, and professional relationships with participants
    • Maintain an attitude of fun and excitement
    • Use encouragement and positive reinforcement in all situations
  • Develop and implement elective courses for groups ranging from 8 to 20 campers and assume responsibility for supervision and instruction for Salvation Army Troop Program’s (badge classes & Music/art classes) as assigned by program schedule
    • Provide opportunities for campers to develop physical skills of locomotion, balance, and body awareness, as well as an attitude of sportsmanship while learning new skills in target sports, field sports, and/or outdoor games
    • Clearly communicate the instructions for each sport/game in a fun and creative manner
    • Keep records of participant’s progress; help them progress from beginner to advanced levels
    • Have all equipment prepared before the campers’ arrival
    • Ensure the safety of campers and staff
  • Lead briefing and debriefing sessions with each group
    • Communicate the objective of the activities
    • Observe groups’ responses to each activity and formulate appropriate questions to encourage group learning and growth
    • Initiate and facilitate final wrap-up session at the end of each session to sum up the experience and point campers to Christ in transferring their learning
  • Maintain order and cleanliness of sports areas
    • Brief all campers on rules at the beginning of each camp session
    • Maintain a high standard of safety, developing rules for conduct in program area
    • Conduct a daily check of equipment for safety and repairs
    • Maintain an inventory of supplies and materials to ensure that a good program is conducted for all sessions. Complete inventory of supplies and equipment at the end of summer.
  • Train and assist counselors so that they will be familiar with the programs and rules available to campers

 GENERAL DUTIES:

• Exhibit effective Christ-like conduct and service as an appropriate example for campers and staff
• Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
• Attend and participate in all camp programs as required including, but not limited to evening programs, chapel activities, and staff meetings
• Follow all policies and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and order in your person and living quarters
• Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of each session and at the conclusion of the summer

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
• Operate a telephone and computer
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Understand verbal and written information
• Sweep, clean and perform other janitorial tasks as needed

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.