2026 Sports & Games Specialist - NY & NJ

Kids in the Game•New York, NY

1d•$650 - $800•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)

Responsibilities

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.
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
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
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
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