Athletics Special Needs Camp Counselor - Paid Summer Internship

Looking for a paid summer internship that empowers young people through sports and physical activity?

If you have a passion for athletics and want to help children grow while working in a beautiful outdoor setting, this is the opportunity for you!

About Us:

Camp Starfish is dedicated to providing a transformative summer experience for children with emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges. As an Athletics Program Specialist, you’ll play a key role in helping campers develop physical skills, teamwork, and self-confidence while creating a positive and inclusive environment for all.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate athletic activities and sports programs (e.g., soccer, basketball, volleyball, team-building exercises), ensuring all campers participate and learn the fundamentals of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fitness.
• Live alongside youth campers in a cabin, providing 24-hour supervision and helping them adjust to camp life and group living.
• Create a physically and emotionally safe environment that encourages sportsmanship, physical activity, and cooperation.
• Work to nurture each camper’s personal development, self-esteem, and individual goals through sport and recreation.
• Fully immerse yourself in camp life, learning valuable skills like group facilitation, behavior management, and effective communication.
• Participate in other outdoor camp activities (e.g., hiking, high ropes, boating, swimming, campfires), ensuring the campers experience a well-rounded camp experience.
• Collaborate with fellow counselors to implement safe, inclusive, and fun athletic programs tailored to the needs of each camper.

Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates include college students majoring in sports management, physical education, psychology, sociology, social work, or a related field.
• Strong passion for sports and physical activity, with the ability to inspire and motivate children to try new activities and improve their athletic skills.
• Willingness to work effectively with children with a variety of emotional, learning, and behavioral needs.
• Mental resilience and the ability to handle challenging situations with empathy and composure.
• Must be able to work the full summer season, including staff training dates.
• Must pass all required background and reference checks to work with vulnerable youth populations.
• At least one year of college, work, or life experience beyond high school.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with campers and staff.
• Ability to design and facilitate athletic activities that promote physical health, teamwork, and inclusivity.
• Physical ability to engage in outdoor activities, including sports, under the summer heat and environmental conditions (humidity, wind, lake water, etc.).
• Comfort and capability to implement behavior management techniques and support campers in navigating emotional or crisis situations, fostering the development of their social and coping skills.
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where every camper feels supported.

Development and Fellowship Opportunities:

• Course credit in physical education, sports management, psychology, social work, or related fields.
• 140+ hours of hands-on training for working with diverse children and supporting their development through athletics.
• Paid internship with eligibility for a 15-month Fellowship to further your professional development.
• Weekly seminars on core values, self-regulation, restorative practices, and other professional growth topics.

Internship Includes:

• A beautiful, immersive nature experience, where you will lead and participate in athletic activities.
• Room and board included, as well as laundry services.
• Paid time off and travel stipend for staff traveling over 250 miles.
• Opportunities to forge lifelong friendships in a supportive, team-oriented community.

How to Apply:

Ready to inspire kids through sports and physical activity this summer? Apply now to join us for a transformative experience where you can help campers grow physically, emotionally, and socially.

Camp Starfish is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join us in making this summer unforgettable for campers who need it the most!