Kiddie Camp Unit Leader
Concord Academy, Concord, MA
The Unit Leader is the heartbeat of their division – a dynamic, visible leader who shapes the daily camper experience and mentors a team of head and group counselors. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on engagement, requiring energy, empathy, decisiveness, and a deep commitment to community. Candidates must be available to work the majority of our 8-week season, attend pre-camp meetings/gatherings, as well as all staff training dates the week before camp starts. This is a full-time seasonal position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a summer camp or education environment, including staff supervision
- Knowledge of and experience with children ages 3-5
- Proven effectiveness in collaborating with peers and working with groups of children
- Ability to effectively handle parent/guardian concerns with poise and self-control
- Ability to mediate conflict effectively
- Good character, patience, adaptability, and sense of humor
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Background in early childhood education preferred
Reports to: Camp Administrative Team
General Responsibility
The Kiddie Camp Unit Leader is a senior leadership role and member of the camp’s Leadership Team, responsible for mentoring and supporting the staff who work with our youngest campers, ages 3–5, ensuring a nurturing, developmentally appropriate camp experience. This individual sets the tone and daily rhythm of Kiddie Camp, fostering a culture of safety, joy, professionalism, and strong partnership with families.
Specific Responsibilities
- Set the tone and culture for kiddie camp, fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and mission-driven environment
- Lead by example in professionalism, positivity, and accountability
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all campers and staff
- Maintain a visible, approachable presence throughout the camp day
- Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and coach counselors, supporting high-quality programming, strong team morale, and clear, consistent performance management
- Oversee and manage daily lunch procedures for all Kiddie Camp groups, including preparation, supervision, and clean-up to ensure a safe, organized, and positive mealtime experience.
- Manage Kiddie Camp half-day dismissals, ensuring smooth, safe, and well-coordinated pick-up procedures.
- Support activity instructors in implementing age-appropriate activities, providing guidance and hands-on assistance to ensure engagement, safety, and developmental appropriateness for campers ages 3–5.
- Lead and support staff training in collaboration with the Leadership Team
- Oversee daily operations, including schedules, rosters, group assignments, and program flow, proactively addressing operational challenges
- Serve as the first line of leadership response for camper, parent/guardian, and staff concerns, communicating with empathy, clarity, and follow-through
- Attend pre-season and in-season Leadership Team meetings/gatherings
- Maintain open and ongoing communication with the Administrative Team, promptly referring any significant issues as they arise
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrative Team, in support of daily operations and service to campers, parents/guardians, or staff
Essential Functions
- Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with campers, staff, and families
- Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, implement appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities
- Physical stamina to maintain active supervision throughout the camp day
Job Requirements:
- Available 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Monday – Friday
- First Aid and CPR certification, strongly encouraged
- Some high-level activity which may include running, dancing, swimming and jumping
- Occasional lifting, bending, and climbing stairs
- Frequent talking, listening, walking, sitting, and standing
- Submit all required paperwork on time.
- Attend all pre-camp trainings and orientation
Professional Growth Opportunities
This role offers meaningful leadership development, including:
- Real-time team management and coaching experience
- Parent communication and conflict resolution practice
- Staff evaluation and mentorship skills
- Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
- Collaboration with senior leadership on program execution and strategy
Unit Leaders gain hands-on leadership experience that translates directly to careers in education, youth development, administration, and organizational leadership.
Dates of Employment:
Pre- and post-camp: Dates TBD
Staff Training: June 15 – 18 and June 20, 2026
Summer Camp: June 22 – August 14, 2026
Camp Clean-up: August 15, 2026
Salary Range: $6,000 – $8,000, based on experience
Concord Academy