Summer Camp Assistant Counselor (Full-Time Position Available: Friday, June 26, 2026)

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 6, 2026, and ends Friday, August 14, 2026. 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 108th 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.

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

• Providing supervision and academic and recreational assistance to campers in a safe, social, and emotional space;
• Planning and implementing camp activities, lesson plans, and special events that are structured, age-appropriate, fun, exciting, challenging, and values-based in the area of academic enrichment and recreation;
• Facilitating and supporting camp activities (including the arrival and dismissal process);
• Engaging with campers during camp activities, events, and trips;
• Maintaining flexibility and professionalism at all times and communicating behavioral expectations to campers;
• Managing and maintaining attendance sheets/logs;
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with staff and parents, and representing Kew-Forest with integrity;
• Attending meetings, as needed; and
• Performing other duties, as needed.
  
  

Skills And Experience

• Must be 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience working 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 the 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

• Six-week program between June - August 2026
• Full-time position: Monday - Friday, from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm
• Full summer commitment is required
• Pay rate: $20.00 per hour
  
  

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.

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.