Summer Enrichment Coordinator

The Dream Program•Middletown, CT

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you looking for a rewarding, creative, youth-centered, team-oriented and FUN summer job? Consider joining us at DREAM! The DREAM Program is doing work throughout the Northeast to close the opportunity gap for at-promise children and teens through deep community collaboration and sustained mentoring relationships. DREAM’s Summer Enrichment Coordinators create and implement free local summer activities with youth who live in our partner communities. Many children and youth lack access to developmental resources that should be basic rights, and this can be a barrier to achieving their full potential. DREAM’s goal is to fill that gap through offering programs and relationships intended to empower youth. We envision a future where every child and teen, regardless of their background, thrives with equitable and sustainable support - breaking systemic barriers. We provide these services to marginalized communities, for youth and families who each have unique backgrounds and lived experiences. Because of this, it is important that incoming staff acknowledge the weight and urgency of incorporating the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the services provided by our organization and among our staff teams. Responsibilities and Expectations of Summer Enrichment Coordinators: Your Impact: You and your team will plan and implement eight (8) weeks of fun, memorable, enriching summer daytime activities using our summer learning objectives for youth living in low income housing. The activities you hold will happen in many locations: on-site (in communities where youth live), off-site (local parks, libraries, etc.), and more extensive field trips. Our summer curriculum will guide you to plan activities based on four main objectives: Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies, Problem Solvers, Artists and Creators, and Motivated Readers. You will get to know each individual youth who participates in your day camp group, and incorporate their interests and ideas into your daily activities. You will work with your team to plan and lead field trips out of the community on a regular basis, at least once weekly. Teamwork and Communication: This role involves high levels of teamwork, creativity, and interpersonal communication. You will be expected to communicate regularly with your co-service members, your supervisor, caregivers of youth in the program, and community members. You may also engage with organizations who provide lunch and offer other necessary or desired resources to your service site. Approach to Service: You will strive to provide a physically, emotionally, and mentally safe and inclusive environment for youth and your team. While using the summer objectives to guide you, we encourage you to put an emphasis on the interests of the youth being served, play, social-emotional learning, and summertime joy. We also encourage you to incorporate your own passions and skills into the activities being offered. You will likely engage with and support our survey staff throughout the summer, who are surveying youth as a part of our annual internal evaluations. Professional Development: You will receive two weeks of orientation to allow you to build your understanding of our organization, our local communities, and the skills necessary to be successful in the role. You will develop skills in youth engagement, positive behavior management, adaptability, problem solving, and community outreach.

Requirements

Summer Enrichment Coordinators are enrolled as AmeriCorps members (see here for more information) and receive a living stipend. To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
Excitement and passion for youth work.
Commitment to the entire service term (Monday June 1st -Monday August 10th, 2026).
Commitment to serve as a positive role model for youth.
The ability to participate in occasional meetings or service activities remotely. The majority of service is done on-site.
Ability to regularly meet in person with your team or your service assignment in their assigned location (including responsibility for transportation to and from).
Access to a reliable phone.
Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.

Nice To Haves

Previous youth work experience or motivations for a career in youth services.
Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving your diverse communities in a manner that is respectful and aware.
Creativity, high energy, and a problem solving mindset.
Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record.
Access to a car and willingness to drive youth in your personal vehicle.
First aid and CPR certification by the time summer sessions begin. (If not currently certified, DREAM will offer opportunities for certification during our summer orientation.)

Responsibilities

Plan and implement eight (8) weeks of fun, memorable, enriching summer daytime activities using our summer learning objectives for youth living in low income housing.
Hold activities in many locations: on-site (in communities where youth live), off-site (local parks, libraries, etc.), and more extensive field trips.
Plan activities based on four main objectives: Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies, Problem Solvers, Artists and Creators, and Motivated Readers.
Get to know each individual youth who participates in your day camp group, and incorporate their interests and ideas into your daily activities.
Work with your team to plan and lead field trips out of the community on a regular basis, at least once weekly.
Communicate regularly with your co-service members, your supervisor, caregivers of youth in the program, and community members.
Engage with organizations who provide lunch and offer other necessary or desired resources to your service site.
Strive to provide a physically, emotionally, and mentally safe and inclusive environment for youth and your team.
Engage with and support our survey staff throughout the summer, who are surveying youth as a part of our annual internal evaluations.