Basketball Specialist

Step up to the court this summer as our Basketball Specialist and turn your passion for the game into an impactful coaching experience for young athletes. Leading sessions across our dedicated basketball complex, you will teach fundamental ball-handling, shooting mechanics, and teamwork to campers ages 3 through 15 on age-appropriate, adjustable courts. You will collaborate with enthusiastic group counselors to deliver high-energy drills, lead-up games, and supportive scrimmages that build confidence in every player, from beginner Little Willows to Senior Camp sports league participants. This role is more than just a summer job; it is a masterclass in group leadership, active communication, and youth mentorship that sets your resume apart. Join the Willow Lake staff family and make your summer count by championing sportsmanship and helping campers discover their strengths.

- Plan and lead engaging basketball activities, fun lead-up drills, and skill-building games for campers ages 3 to 15 across age appropriate courts and using age appropriate equipment- Teach foundational basketball mechanics including dribbling, passing, shooting form, defensive footwork, and court awareness in a fun, non-intimidating setting- Adapt coaching techniques and court equipment across varying age divisions, utilizing adjustable hoops for younger groups and running organized gameplay for older campers- Facilitate Senior Camp elective basketball periods and officiate spirited, supportive sports league games- Foster a culture of good sportsmanship rooted in fair play, encouragement, active participation, and the Willow Lake Dream Big philosophy- Partner actively with bunk counselors to ensure camper engagement, smooth group rotations, and individualized attention- Oversee daily basketball court safety, maintain equipment inventory, and manage court setup and breakdown- Collaborate with our year-round Athletic Director to continuously enhance the camp-wide sports curriculum- Maintain 5 courts

- Experience playing, coaching, or officiating basketball at the high school, intramural, collegiate, or recreational level- Prior experience working with children in youth sports, camp counseling, coaching clinics, or classroom environments- Proven ability to explain athletic fundamentals clearly and enthusiastically to diverse age groups and skill levels- Background in organizing small-group activities, games, or skill stations

- High energy, positive attitude, and genuine enthusiasm for mentoring kids through sports- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate both confident athletes and hesitant beginners- Reliable team player with strong time management, problem-solving skills, and situational awareness- Commitment to fostering good sportsmanship, self-confidence, and teamwork over winning and losing- Must be available to work Monday through Friday for the full 8-week camp season

- Entering senior year of college or older, with preferred coursework or degrees in Physical Education, Sports Management, Education, Exercise Science, Coaching, or Recreation- Adults and professionals currently working in education, youth sports, coaching, or related athletic fields are strongly preferred- High school diploma or equivalent required

- Ability to actively demonstrate basketball drills, shooting, passing, and footwork throughout the camp day- Stamina to work outdoors in summer weather conditions across an expansive 35-acre camp campus- Capability to run, jog, pivot, bend, retrieve balls, and move sports equipment weighing up to 30 pounds- Ability to project voice clearly across outdoor courts and maintain high energy across multiple activity periods

- Competitive seasonal compensation- Complimentary daily hot and cold lunch- Pre-camp staff orientation and training- Hands-on youth coaching and sports management experience that builds standout skills for careers in education, coaching, business, and recreation- Nights and weekends free to enjoy your summer- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition- A vibrant, supportive staff culture with lifelong friendships and professional networking opportunities

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier, family-owned day camp situated on 35 scenic, shaded acres in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. For over 40 years, our Dream Big philosophy has inspired campers ages 3 through 15 to discover their potential through exceptional sports, arts, adventure, and aquatics programs. We provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment where both campers and staff build lifelong friendships and develop lasting leadership skills.

Our vibrant 35-acre campus is located on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey, surrounded by shaded woodlands and private lakefront views. The facility features comprehensive sports complexes, four heated pools, indoor creative studios, and extensive adventure courses designed for dynamic outdoor programming.