Program Specialist Intern - Summer Day Camp

Overview

The Salvation Army is a faith-based organization and the largest non-profit provider of social services in the United States. The Salvation Army Brooklyn Brownsville Corps provides church services, food pantry, day care, and after school programming.

Under the direct supervision of the Middle School Program Director and the Corps Officers, the Program Specialist will run daily activities in the middle school-aged programming including but not limited to: homework help, serving meals and snacks, sports, music and arts, arts and crafts, creative arts, off-site field trips, and general day to day supervision of the children.  

In addition, the Program Specialist will perform administrative duties, including but not limited to: record keeping, statistics, enrollment paperwork, food service documentation, grant funding paperwork, and other responsibilities as assigned.

The Program Specialist will be required to provide support to the Program Director.  The Program Specialist should be experienced and qualified to assume greater leadership responsibility, in absence of the Program Director, when necessary.

For the seven weeks of summer break, the position will transition to a full day to accommodate summer day camp, for a total of 35 hours per week. 

This position is in-person with required regional travel for field trips with children. 

*This position is SEASONAL from June 15th, 2026 – August 21st, 2026*

Responsibilities

• Involvement in the total program with willingness to help in all areas as needed, including the classroom, dining room, outdoor/indoor activities, daily assembly.
• Promote observance of the moral and ethical code affecting children and staff.
• Completing Orientation Sessions and attending all parent meetings.
• Attend and contribute to Program Leadership Meetings.
• Help plan and conduct General Staff Meetings.
• Sharing with the Program Director and/or Corps Officers all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the Middle School Program.
• Complete a Debrief at the end of the summer camp session to include areas of concern for the following program year.
• Assist with Corps programming as directed by Program Director and Corps Officers.
• Assist and support other activities as needed or instructed by the Corps Officers, such Seasonal Programs (Back- to-school supply drive, toy drive, coat drive, etc.) as required.
• Assists Program Director in advancing the mission of The Salvation Army by identifying children and families in need of additional services and connecting them to the Corps Officers.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for the organization and administration of assigned activity for children ages 10 -13.
• Must be prepared to assume leadership of program in the absence of Program Directors, if necessary.
• Serve as the leader of all program activities, under the direction of the Program Director.
• Responsible for the leadership and guidance of assigned children and the supervision of assigned staff.
• Assume responsibility for the health, cleanliness, good habits, welfare and happiness of all children and staff, but especially those under your direct supervision.
• Maintain a high level of interaction with children and staff;
• Be a constructive member of the Corps community center contributing in every possible way to the health, harmony and happiness of the Brownsville Corps.
• Coordinate daily assembly, as assigned by the Program Director.
• Develop and Implement lesson plans and activities for students that achieve participant development objectives. Display creativity and innovation in programming.
• Identify and respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, as needed. Must be able to assist participants and staff in emergencies.
• Assume responsibility for all physical areas utilized, proper use of supplies, maintenance of inventory, requesting additional supplies as needed.
• Coordinate program(s) with other program activities and plans. Help and support as needed.
• Write, facilitate and submit lesson plans to the Program Director for assigned classes.
• Privately communicates with the Program Director, as soon as possible for any actions of staff members that put the health and safety of participants at risk. Report all incidents minor or major.
• Organize, direct and instruct assigned activity program geared to all ages, interest and abilities of the participants.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Associates Degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in Youth or Camp Programming and the ability to teach and enthuse others preferred.
• Willingness and comfortability leading students and families in devotions from the Bible preferred but not required.
• High energy, enthusiasm and a love of working with children.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills are required.
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and follow through.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills, displaying good judgement and ability to complete work independently.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work with others in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups of various ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to program participants and/or staff.
• Comfort working with children with behavioral challenges, and learning differences, etc
• Leadership experience with peers and experience in leadership of organized/specialized programming
• Current CPR & First Aid Certifications, or willingness to become certified.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately and quickly to situations requiring first aid.
• Available to work part-time hours on School Days and full-time hours on Non-School Days (School Holidays & Summer)
• Driver’s license preferable
• *This position is SEASONAL from June 15th, 2026 – August 21st, 2026*