Full-Time Summer Camp Counselor (June – August 2026)

Position Description

Aspire Afterschool Learning is seeking Instructors for our Learning ROCKS Summer Camp to provide daily holistic and academic support to historically underserved upper elementary school students in South Arlington, VA. Our summer camp is a fun and interactive experience that also prevents summer learning loss, which year-over-year can make it more difficult for them to catch up with their peers. The ideal applicant will have a passion and skill for supporting students most impacted by the educational opportunity gap and helping them succeed in their learning.

Join our team and use your talents and skills to guide students as they explore a camp theme unique to this summer. Last year, students explored the theme of mythical realms. They learned about different types of mythologies from all over the world including ancient mythology, fairy realms, creatures of the sea, outer space, legendary beasts, and medieval lore. This year, our theme is the World Cup, and we’ll be exploring different ideas and cultures through that lens. 

This highly interactive and student-facing position will be responsible for implementing lesson plans and activities, providing daily direct academic and social-emotional instruction and support to students, and interacting professionally with program volunteers, community partners, and parents. You will be committed to ensuring Aspire students make gains in their learning while being part of an integral team commitment to students’ growth and organizational excellence. 

This position is great for someone interested in working with 3rd – 8th grade students, considering a career in education, giving back to their community, gaining professional experience, or earning money for school.

Who We Are:

Aspire Afterschool Learning (formerly Greenbrier Learning Center) is a non-profit organization based in South Arlington, VA. Aspire provides robust, comprehensive, and high-quality afterschool and summer academic enrichment and is committed to improving the academic standing of children by supporting them in developing the skills and confidence needed to reach their academic and personal goals. This will equip them to pursue opportunities that align with their aptitude and interests, thus providing them with a number of options for their future. Our programs support and connect students, families, schools, and communities while using evidence-based methods to achieve results for upper elementary school students so our students have access to resources vital to their growth and development. Over 90% of our students improve their reading levels each year with our support.

What You’ll Do:

The Summer Camp Learning ROCKS Instructor reports to the Program Manager & Coordinator. Working closely with our small Program Team, you will: 

• Co-lead lessons and activities while providing direct support to approximately 20 students each day, including appropriate supervision and assistance during classroom and recreational activities. 
• Provide meaningful guidance and support for volunteers. 
• Supplement existing lesson plans and implement lessons, activities, guest speakers, and field trips in collaboration with program staff.
• Interact and communicate with parents, volunteers, visitors, and community organizations in accordance with Aspire’s values. 
• Support program staff in collecting and maintaining program data. 
• Assist in the daily maintenance of the Aspire classrooms. 
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization. 

Who You Are:

• Passionate about investing in the growth and potential of Aspire students
• Committed to service 
• Looking to gain marketable, hands-on experience in the nonprofit, education, and/or childcare fields
• Self-motivated, independent, flexible, and resourceful
• Able to communicate and interact with children, parents, teachers, volunteers, and program staff in a way that is consistent with Aspire’s values
• Good at managing your time and projects
• Able to support students in the classroom and while at local parks and on field trips and supervise students outside during the summer
• Comfortable and proficient with computers and smart phone apps
• Experienced/knowledgeable with Google Suite or Microsoft Office, including basic Excel

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D
• Must be a U.S Citizen or a Permanent Legal resident

Desired Qualifications:

• Have 6 – 12+ months experience working with children in an educational or structured program setting 
• Coursework or experience in Education, Social Work, or similar field
• Bilingual (Spanish/Arabic/Amharic/other and English) skills, including reading, writing, and conversation
• Comfortable/able to swim in the water
• CPR/First Aid certified
• Knowledge of or experience with child development and primary education
• Experience in positive behavioral modification practices for students and groups of children
• Experience or interest in working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations

What Else You Should Know:

• The position is 40 hours/week. 
• The position begins June 24th, 2026, and ends August 7th, 2026.
• This position is in-person. 
• Hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, M-F.
• $1600 per pay period (2 pay periods per month).

Aspire Afterschool Learning is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply: 

Please send a resume to jobs@aspireafterschool.org. Cover letters are optional.