Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition (Castle Hill YMCA)

Salary: $25.00 Hourly Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support childrens learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience. The Castle Hill YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist. The Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate Fitness & Nutrition instruction for grades K-5 in the Y Afterschool program. Key Responsibilities * Create structured, detailed, and engaging daily or weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and the HealthyNYC initiative. Each plan should include: * Clear, Measurable Objectives: Define specifically what participants should know or be able to do by the end of the session. * Detailed Procedures: Outline a step-by-step instructional sequence that includes introductions ("hooks" to grab attention), main activities, and closures/wrap-ups. * Time Management: Estimate the time required for each activity to ensure effective use of time and a smooth flow. * Required Materials/Equipment: List all necessary resources and supplies for the lesson. * Safety Considerations: Plan for any necessary safety precautions during physical activities or cooking sessions. * Differentiation/Modifications: Include alternative approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds within the group. * Assessment Methods: Incorporate formal and informal checks for understanding throughout the lesson (e.g., observations, quick questions, discussions, or simple quizzes). * Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their accomplishments. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for presentation, and assist with the organization and setup of the event. * Lead Diverse Physical Activities: Plan, organize, and supervise a variety of physical activities based on your lesson plans. These may include, but are not limited to: * Gym/physical education sessions. * Organized sports/sports practice. * Dance and martial arts instruction. * Fun fitness games. * Other structured and supervised recreational physical exercises. * Educational activities, such as cooking demonstrations or workshops, that are designed to teach participants the fundamentals of healthy eating and living. * Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants. * Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences. * Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times. * Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff. * Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations. * Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate). * Serve as a positive role model for participants. * Understand and communicate the YMCAs core values and the goals of the Y Afterschoo