Working as a staff member at KidSpirit requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but it is one of the most rewarding work experiences out there! Our staff are a team of lifelong learners who work collaboratively, build community and strive to make each day better and more jubilant than the last. If you’re ready to learn and grow in the role of a mentor to children, then you’ll make a great part of our team!

Some positions might be unavailable based on the time of year you apply. Contact us with any questions about positions. To learn more about these positions and apply (excluding the Vista Grant positions), go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/.

 

 

SCHOOL YEAR POSITIONS:

 

New! Vista Grant Opportunity: Program Capacity Builder for Pre-K KidSpirit 

KidSpirit seeks support from two VISTA positions over three years in order to create long-term capacity to serve hundreds of low-income children who have previously been unable to access the high quality programming offered through the OSU campus-based program.Increasingly there is concern that the disparity of access contributes to the growing divide between children of different backgrounds in our community. The proposed VISTA plan would enable OSU KidSpirit to remedy this with a coordinated effort between a VISTA member responsible for developing, implementing and assessing a Pre-Kindergarten program based on evidence-based anti-poverty curriculum and a VISTA position dedicated to developing a sustainable funding plan to ensure continued scholarships for low-income students and strengthened partnerships with other organizations combating poverty in years to come. Learn more on the Americorps website here.

 

Instructors: Recreational programs and special events

  • teach gymnastics, archery, cooking, sewing or swimming.
  • Engage with kids and supervise activities during ACES days (one-day camps), birthday parties and other special events.

 

Office Staff and Marketing/Multimedia

  • Office staff must be knowledgeable in all of the KidSpirit programs, policies and procedures in order to maintain current operations and give quality insight into improvements. Daily responsibilities include positive customer service, database entries, filing, answering phones, processing registrations, assisting children and creating a helpful and supportive office environment.
  • Marketing/Multimedia: Responsible for, but not limited to, photography, writing, graphics, videography, and social media platforms promoting KidSpirit. Marketing occasionally may be asked to assist or instruct class activities along with helping in the office. 

"The Office at KidSpirit is where all the magic happens and we have often been referred to as 'the heart of KidSpirit'. There's a lot of work to be done but it's so rewarding to keep all of our wonderful programs up and running!" - MoMo (2015)

 

Volunteers/Interns

Volunteer positions are available both during the school year and during KidSpirit's Summer Day Camp. Volunteers are responsible for, but not limited to, specific KidSpirit project areas. It is the student’s task to present a project area idea to KidSpirit administrators for completing practicum or internship opportunities. There may be circumstances that exist where projects are already predetermined and students will be given the opportunity to choose a project.

"Working with Teen Leaders was never something I would have seen myself loving, but I have truly never experienced something that I felt as passionate about as the Teen Leader program. Every day, whether easy or hard, is more rewarding than I ever thought a job could be. Teenagers are awesome!" - Smiles (2016)

 

 

 

SUMMER POSITIONS:

    All summer staff is required to complete 30 hours of training prior to the first day of camp. Summer staff can work any number of hours up to 40 per week.

     

    Education Program Assistant (Leadership team)

    A great summer opportunity for teachers, previous camp counselors, and anyone else who has experience working with youth and instructing classes! We are hiring 4 Education Program Assistants to work 20-40 hours per week during our summer day camp. You will be providing valuable support and mentorship to our college student staff. This is a chance to train the next generation of leaders!

    "Leadership at KidSpirit requires you to be outside of your comfort zone everyday, but everyday you have the reaffirmation that someone will always catch you no matter what" - Top Hat (2010)

     

    Head Instructor: summer camp

    A head instructor is responsible for creating lesson plans and instructing our classes in our summer day camp. These can be classroom classes across a wide range of subjects including art, science, and more, AND they can be outside sports or games.  We are always hoping to hire students with experience in archery, gymnastics, cooking, sewing, sports, and art, but we will train any person who is great with children to teach for us.

    Working as a head instructor cultivates skills in planning, teaching, and supervising, and is an excellent resume builder for almost any future profession.

    "Head Instructing taught me how to be more confident and comfortable working with kids. I even got more experience working with new age groups, which was really fun!" -Noodle (2021)

     

    Camp Counselor

    Camp counselors supervise and engage with children in an assigned group throughout the day. They walk children to each of their camp classes, and assist the head instructors to keep the campers engaged. This staff must understand and embody the KidSpirit mission and goals.

    “KidSpirit is a new experience each and every time. You will leap outside your comfort zone and learn what you are truly able to do." - Spirit (2016)

     

    Counselor In Training (CIT)- Unpaid

    This volunteer position includes training focused on assisting summer camp staff and developing professional skills including resume workshops and community service opportunities. Skills required to become a CIT include: ability to work independently, being task oriented, experience working with children, ability to take instruction, general interest in developing professionalism, and ability to give and receive feedback.