Residential Activity Counselor NYC

Location and Dates:

St. John’s University (Queens Campus) - Housing available if desired

• Camp runs from June 15 - August 16, 2026
  
• 2, 4, 6, and 8 week contracts are available
  

Job Description

You will oversee international students during on-campus activities, as well as lead and supervise students during off-campus excursions. We are looking for both residential staff who will live on-campus, as well as staff who can reliably commute.

Your key tasks will consist of, but not be limited to:

Student Supervision:

• Act in loco parentis to ensure and maintain student discipline, welfare, safety, and security at all times.
  
• Ensure that students adhere to the YES USA Student Code of Conduct.
  
• Inform management immediately of any issues
  

Off-Campus Excursions

• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings and professional development workshops when arranged.
  
• Prepare for off-site excursions (study and memorize cultural and historical information, check and study directions to excursion sites, etc.).
  
• Provide information and share stories with students/chaperones about cultural and historical places visited in a fun and engaging way.
  
• Actively supervise, interact with, and entertain students and chaperones to ensure their satisfaction.
  
• Follow the itinerary but be ready to think on your feet and successfully manage emerging situations.
  
• Provide receipts from excursion vendors or cafes/restaurants after each excursion, if applicable.
  
• Assist at any time, whether on duty or not, with emergencies.
  
• Manage any problems or incidents and report them to the management team.
  

On-Campus Activities

• Lead on-campus activities, such as music night, volleyball, etc.
  
• Assist in coordinating on-campus food activity deliveries, including tasks such as picking up food, setting up a dining area, facilitating food distribution, and cleaning up the dining area.
  

Session Opening and Closing Responsibilities

• Contribute to the preparation for student arrival by participating in tasks such as room inspections, assembling welcome packets, facilitating new student orientation, and conducting campus tours, among other responsibilities.
  
• Meet and greet students at the airport and accompany them to the campus via private shuttle or taxi.
  
• Provide support during new student check-ins.
  
• Assist with end-of-course ceremonies.
  
• Assist with room inspections during student check-outs and coordinate their airport transfers for a seamless departure experience.
  

Residential/Administrative/Miscellaneous:

• Ensure punctuality for all excursions and scheduled activities
  
• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings and professional development workshops when applicable.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or current university student
  
• Native fluency in English.
  
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
  
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
  

Qualities

An ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Establishes strong rapport with teenagers through effective communication
  
• Displays a fun and outgoing personality to foster an engaging environment
  
• Exhibits genuine interest in other cultures and willingly shares personal experiences
  
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and authority when dealing with students
  
• Possesses a proactive approach to researching and learning about the city’s attractions to share with students
  
• Ability to guide students around the city independently.
  
• A good sense of direction and a strong knowledge of the city, including the public transportation system.
  
• Adapts well to change, showing flexibility in various situations
  
• Commits to working extended hours, including weekends and holidays, to ensure program success.
  

Application Procedure

Prior to offering a job to selected candidates, YES USA will:

• Complete a reference check (names and contact details of three references are required).
  
• Run a background check.
  

Upon signing a job offer, successful candidates will be required to:

• Submit a copy of their diploma(s) or transcripts along with other new hire paperwork.
  

Available Employee Benefits

• Two days off per week.
  
• On-campus housing in a shared dorm (residential staff).
  

Hours

• Excursions on non-study days could begin as early as 10:30am and end at 10:30pm.
  
• Excursions on study days could begin as early as 1:30pm and end at 10:30pm.
  
• All activity counselors lead 10 days of excursions and work 99 hours in 2 weeks
  

Compensation

• Residential Salary - $1,100 - $1,327 for two weeks
  
• Commuter Salary - $1,683 for two weeks