Softball Specialist

Step onto the field this summer as our Softball Specialist and turn our three manicured ball diamonds into a hub of skill-building, teamwork, and confidence. You will lead dynamic, engaging softball and T-ball sessions for campers ages 3 through 15, breaking down fundamentals like batting, throwing, catching, and base running into fun lead-up games. Working outdoors alongside active group counselors, you will create an encouraging environment where beginners discover joy in the sport and older campers develop sound mechanics and sportsmanship. This hands-on coaching role serves as an exceptional leadership experience, building valuable communication, coaching, and group management skills that elevate any future career. Join our spirited staff family to make your summer count while inspiring the next generation of ballplayers across 35 scenic acres.

- Design and instruct age-appropriate softball activity periods on age appropriate fields and with age appropriate equipment.- Lead T-ball clinics, drills, and recreational scrimmages for campers ranging from Pre-K through 10th grade.- Teach fundamental mechanics including batting stance, contact hitting, throwing accuracy, fielding grounders and pop flies, and base running in an accessible, supportive manner.- Partner with group counselors on the field to ensure high energy, smooth team rotations, active camper engagement, and positive reinforcement.- Manage and maintain bats, gloves, softballs, safety gear, and instructional equipment daily.- Foster sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence across all skill levels, aligning with camp's Dream Big values and inclusive athletic philosophy.- Collaborate with the Athletic Director to coordinate fun lead-up games, skill challenges, and Senior Camp recreational league play.

- Experience playing or coaching softball, baseball, or youth recreational sports in a school, league, camp, or community setting.- Prior experience working with children or young athletes, such as coaching, tutoring, youth mentoring, or camp counseling.- Demonstrated ability to explain fundamental athletic concepts and athletic rules in an enthusiastic, easy-to-understand way.

- Strong passion for youth athletics, mentorship, and fostering teamwork among kids of varying athletic abilities.- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to energize both campers and fellow staff members.- Positive, patient, and encouraging demeanor that helps every child feel valued and confident on the field.- Ability to commit to the full 8-week summer camp season from June 21 through August 13, 2027, Monday through Friday.

- High school diploma or equivalent; currently enrolled in or completed a college or university degree program preferred.- Educational coursework or career interest in education, physical education, sports management, coaching, recreation, or child psychology is a plus.

- Ability to work actively outdoors on grass and dirt ballfields in varying summer weather conditions throughout the camp day.- Physical agility and stamina to demonstrate batting, throwing, catching, and running mechanics, as well as toss batting practice and retrieve equipment.- Ability to stand, jog, bend, kneel, and lift sports equipment bags.

- Build standout coaching, leadership, public speaking, and team management credentials for your resume.- Daily complimentary hot and cold lunch provided in our open-air dining pavilion.- Competitive seasonal compensation with no nights or weekend work hours required.- Rewarding outdoor work environment on a 35-acre shaded lakeside campus surrounded by a welcoming, collaborative team culture.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- Professional mentorship and guidance from experienced educators and camp leadership directors.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp located on 35 scenic acres along the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. For over 40 years, our dedicated team has provided campers ages 3 through 15 with transformative summers filled with sports, arts, outdoor adventure, and waterfront activities. Guided by our Dream Big philosophy, we cultivate a safe, warm, and spirited community where campers and staff build lasting friendships, discover their potential, and thrive.

Our 35-acre campus in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, features three manicured ball diamonds, heated swimming pools, private lakefront facilities, and expansive outdoor playing fields. Specialists spend their summer coaching and leading activities in a clean, modern, and picturesque park-like setting.