Recreation Day Camp Leader (Summer Season) at City of La Mesa

Position Summary

The City of La Mesa has several openings for energetic and enthusiastic Day Camp Leaders for the Summer Day Camp Program beginning June 1 through August 7, 2026. Our Summer Day Camp Program is operated through La Mesa Community Services. Camp La Mesa offers children ages 6 to 13 years a fun-filled summer. Activities include field trips, crafts, cooking, singing, organized games, swimming, and more. Day Camp meets Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

This is a part-time, temporary position working up to 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Hours will vary pending the shift. Examples of shifts are 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shifts over 6 hours include a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To assist in teaching classes or to lead a variety of recreational program activities involved in the implementation of recreational programs for the City including sports, special events, day camps, arts and crafts and other recreational programs and activities; to provide on-site supervision for program implementation; to set up and issue equipment for recreational activities; and to maintain records and reports.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Supervise 10 to 20 campers per week, ages 6 - 13 years.
• Plan and lead varied activities each week.
• Observe necessary precautions to ensure the safety of program participants and their activities.
• Interface daily with parents, general public and other city colleagues.
• Supervise aide(s) and teen volunteers.
• Assist campers in pool on a daily basis.
  
  

IF WORKING AS AN INCLUSION LEADER: La Mesa Day Camp occasionally has campers with special needs and/or difficulty adjusting to the camp setting. In these instances an Inclusion Leader would be assigned to work one-on-one with the camper to assure a positive camp experience to the fullest extend possible. In the event a one-on-one assignment is not needed, the Inclusion Leader would work in the capacity as a traditional Leader as described in the job posting.

Inclusion Leader Responsibilities

• Along with Camp Coordinator, will meet with the camper and parent prior to the week of attendance to discuss the special needs, helpful information, and ways to communicate the events of the day.
• Will be responsible for assisting the camper's participation in various activities throughout the day. This may mean offering alternative behaviors and better understanding among
• Will work with Camp Coordinator and camp staff to share ideas and suggestions.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. College-level coursework in recreation, physical education or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Experience

At least one year of responsible experience working in a recreation program.

If Hired As An Inclusion Leader

Some experience as an Inclusion Leader or training/classes in the area of special needs children between the ages of 6 - 13 years old.

License Or Certificate

• Possession of a Standard First Aid Certificate required by May 23, 2026.
• Possession of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (Infant, Child & Adult) required by May 23, 2026.
• Possession of AED Certificate required by May 23, 2026.
• California ID/Drivers License, or sufficient proof of identification required for fingerprinting purposes.
  
  

Other:

• Ability to professionally plan, organize, and implement activities in a day camp program.
• Ability to effectively handle and diffuse disruptive behavior among program participants.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully and effectively with program participants and the public.
• Ability to get in front of campers and perform in a large group setting.
• Ability to maintain a high level of enthusiasm and represent a positive role model to the children at camp.
• Ability to attend orientation/training on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Successful completion of physical exam is required (physical demands and working conditions will be provided upon request)
  
  

Examination Process

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. by the application deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026. All required certificates and/ or licenses must be submitted by date of hire. Only those candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the interview process.

Interviews are tentatively schedule for the week of March 16, 2025. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the testing process.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluations, and background investigation.