Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselor; Seasonal

Location: Tampa, FL

Job :2535

# of Openings:2

Shape Young Minds & Create Magical Summer Memories as one of our Kindergarten Summer Camp Counselors!

Are you passionate about working with young children and sparking their curiosity about wildlife and the world around them?
Zoo Tampa is looking for dedicated Kindergarten Camp Counselors to lead our Summer Camp programs for children entering Kindergarten
! This is the perfect opportunity to make learning fun
, nurture young explorers, and create lasting memories in a one-of-a-kind setting.

• Inspire & Educate – Help introduce young minds to the wonders of nature through hands‑on activities and exciting animal encounters.
• A Unique & Rewarding Experience – Spend your summer teaching, playing, and exploring in an immersive zoo environment.
• Build Valuable Early Childhood Experience – Ideal for aspiring teachers, educators, and childcare professionals looking to enhance their skills.

Position runs from May 4th – August 7th, 2026

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

If you have the energy, creativity, and passion to make a difference in a child’s first summer camp experience
, we want to hear from you!
Apply today and make this summer truly unforgettable!

This position reports to Education Programs Leadership and assists with the facilitation of Zoo Tampa’s summer camp programs for children entering Kindergarten.

Candidates must have experience working with young children, be organized, creative, flexible, and have high energy and a positive attitude. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills and work well in a team environment.

Candidates must be able to attend New Hire Orientation the week of May 4 th, and be available every week from May 18 th
-August 7 th , 2026, to be eligible for hire.

• Supervises and leads groups of up to 12 Kindergarten campers and Zoo Teens throughout the Zoo.
• Provides a fun and safe learning environment for campers at all times.
• Implements and teaches thematic lesson plans, activities, and crafts designed by Zoo Tampa.
• Uses appropriate classroom management techniques and manages camp groups while still giving individual attention as needed.
• Operates the classroom in compliance with all child care licensing standards and those of our accrediting agency.
• Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques and implements different coaching strategies to minimize camper challenges and conflicts.
• Assists in before and after care for campers of various ages, Kindergarten through 8 th Grade.
• Provides excellent guest service to all campers, parents, and other Zoo guests.
• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Assists with older camp groups and performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to manage workload, as well as flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of children under your supervision.
• Ability to work well with all ages but primarily working with children entering Kindergarten.
• Ability to work well with other counselors, but primarily working with Kindergarten co‑counselor for the duration of the summer.
• Ability to provide a high level of service to Zoo staff, visitors, and program participants.
• Ability to speak in front of groups of various sizes and ages.
• Ability to employ effective educational techniques.
• Ability to work independently, with general direction from leadership.
• Ability to establish positive and productive relationships with co‑workers, children and families.
• Ability to communicate openly and to utilize excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to physically and mentally maintain control during emergencies that may arise.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to play actively with children on their level, bend over, stand for extensive periods of time, and move quickly when necessary.
• Must be able to work and move outside in the typical Florida climate, at times temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
• Must be able to successfully complete a Level II background screening.
• At least 1 year of…