Summer Day Camp Counselor

Summer Enrichment Coordinator

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.

Required Qualifications:

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 8th -Monday August 17th, 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.)

Compensation and Term:

Dates of service: Monday, June 8th, 2026 - Monday, August 17th, 2026. 30-40 hours per week, 300 total service hours. Time off: Three 3-day weekends through the term, plus 3 personal days off available $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods) These are PRE-TAX amounts. Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,565.08 (pre-tax).

Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award.

AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps) Student loan deferment (forbearance) Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance. Reimbursement for mileage for DREAM travel outside of your commute. As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Work environment:

This position operates in multiple spaces. The spaces included are primarily an indoor/outdoor environment with active children, within the housing communities we serve, in public/field trip spaces in the local area, and occasionally in a workplace environment for planning and meetings. You may also be visiting our rustic Camp DREAM. The role also utilizes equipment characteristic of an outdoor and indoor youth day camp (pop-up shade canopies/tents, hand tools, activity supplies, food preparation equipment, storage spaces and sports equipment/toys). This role routinely uses computers, as well as phones and printers for communications and activity planning. During the summer, conditions will be warm and activities will often be held outdoors.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather. This position is very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.

The employee/member may occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel: Travel includes local travel during the work hours described. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected. AAP/EEO Statement: The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will AmeriCorps Membership: Your term of AmeriCorps with The DREAM Program, Inc. is at will. This means your membership, although for a defined period of time, is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program, Inc., with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time. Nothing in this policy or any other policy of The DREAM Program, Inc. shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way, the at-will status of The DREAM Program, Inc. AmeriCorps members.

The at-will employment status of a member of The DREAM Program, Inc. may be modified only in a written employment agreement with that employee which is signed by the CEO, or the Chairman of the Board of Directors, of The DREAM Program, Inc.

Location Portland, Maine Department Programs Employment Type AmeriCorps Minimum Experience Entry-level

Compensation:

$750/biweekly