Summer Learning Academy - Group Educator- Gardner

YMCA of Greater Boston

2d•$17 - $20

About The Position

Summer Learning Academy Group Educator – Boston Sites (5 weeks) Oak Square In partnership with the Boston Public Schools, Summer Learning/5th Quarter Learning is a 5-week Summer Learning Academy which runs from July 7th- August 7th, 2026. The goal of the program is to combat summer learning loss while at the same time providing some summer camp fun through enrichment activities such as STEM, Arts & Crafts, Sports, and weekly walking trips. Under the direction of the Site Director, the SLA Group Educator supports a consistent specific age group of children through a schedule of morning academic instruction led by licensed teachers (classroom routines and positive learning behaviors) and afternoon enrichment activities. Every afternoon the Group Educator transitions to leading a group while ensuring wellbeing, safety, personal growth and confidence in each child in a group. Group Educator supports students in their social emotional learning, helps create positive relationships with other campers and fosters children’s curiosity and sense of belonging in an inclusive environment through dismissal and pick-up. Group Educators play a vital role in supervising and guiding campers.

Requirements

Skills and Competencies:
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and utilizes effective communication skills.
Possesses a knowledge of group process – collaborative style of working within a team.
Ability to support both structured academic environments and active camp programming.
Certifications & Availability
Current First Aid, CPR and Oxygen certifications and as required by the specific camp; or successfully complete YMCA provided First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Training upon hire.
Must be available Monday through Friday during program hours for the full 5-week program.
Education/Experience:
Must be at least 16 years of age and have a passion for supporting children’s growth, learning and development.
Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in all physical indoor and outdoor games and activities.
Abilit to stand, walk and engage in physical activity throughout the day.
Programs based in Boston Public Schools buildings.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children (youth programs, instructional setting, camp settings or related field).
Experience monitoring behavior, documenting observations and working with children on social and emotional skills are preferred.
Encouraging a positive, supportive and engaging environment for all campers.

Responsibilities

Child Safety & Supervision:
Prioritizes the physical safety, emotional well-being, and supervision of all children at all times.
Maintains appropriate boundaries and serves as a positive role model for campers.
Conducts frequent name-to-face attendance checks throughout the day and during transitions.
Reports all accidents, incidents, and concerns immediately and completes the required documentation.
Morning Academic Support:
Support licensed teachers during academic instruction by:
Assisting with classroom management and routines
Supporting small groups or individual students as directed
Reinforcing positive learning behaviors and engagement
Builds strong, respectful partnerships with teaching staff to support student success.
Helps create a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Afternoon Camp & Enrichment Leadership
Leads and facilitates afternoon enrichment activities including STEM, arts, sports, and group games.
Plans and adapts activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of campers.
Supports smooth transitions from academics to camp programming.
Fosters teamwork, inclusion, and positive peer relationships among campers.
Communication & Professionalism
Communicates respectfully, openly and effectively with all children, staff, teachers, and parents.
Reports all accidents and unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and completes necessary documentation.
Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
Actively participates in all aspects of camp daily leadership schedule including openings, closings, and extended hours.
Attends all staff meetings and training sessions. Becomes familiar with training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
Program Operations & Compliance
Maintains cleanliness and cares for all program areas and supplies. Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property responsibly.
Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible). Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed and actively seeks to develop oneself.
Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA/EEC day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines and asks when in doubt.