Swim Instructor, Summer Enrichment Program: Horizons at SCH Academy

6-week summer program: June 22, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday – Friday)

Horizons at SCH: Organization Background

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is an independent pre-K-12 school in Northwest Philadelphia serving over 1,100 students from over 100 zip codes. Horizons at SCH, established in 2021, is an affiliate of Horizons National, established in 1967. Horizons seeks to advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning. Horizons at SCH partners with the Henry Houston School and Eleanor C. Emlen, offering a summer program to address both schools' achievement and opportunity gaps.

At the core of the Horizons program is an exemplary six-week summer academic program that supports a cohort of students in reading, writing, math, and science, paired with field trips, sports, and enrichment activities in the performing and visual arts. Swimming lessons are essential to the Horizons program and will also be offered. After summer, the Horizons at SCH program also includes a year-round component featuring family events, enrichment activities, and regular visits to and communication with students' schools and teachers.

Horizons at SCH will launch its sixth season of programming in the summer of 2026 with one class of 15 new Kindergarten students and four classes of rising 1st and 5th-grade students. A new class will continue to be added each summer until the program includes K-8th grades. The student/teacher ratio at Horizons SCH will be approximately 10:1. For more information about Horizons at SCH, please visit https://www.sch.org/horizons.

Position Purpose:

Horizons at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy seeks part-time, seasonal camp lifeguards/swim instructors. Under the direction of the Horizons Director, swim instructors are responsible for guiding children in swim lessons, assisting them with activities, and ensuring their safety and well-being.

Essential Functions:

• Implements pool supervision as a lifeguard.
• Demonstrates the ability to complete saves during weekly safety drills and, if needed, during shifts at the pool.
• Teaches group swim lessons and water safety to children of all ages and skill levels.
• Develops and implements lesson plans and activities tailored to meet the individual needs of each swimmer.
• Utilizes positive reinforcement techniques to motivate and encourage students to reach their goals.
• Supervises a group of students with attention to behavior and group management, health, safety, security, and personal and skill development.
• Informs the Horizons Director of any concerns regarding the health and safety of the students or other staff members.
• Implements camp program activities, including outdoor and indoor activities.
• Uses effective management and supervision skills to lead the group assigned daily.
• Works effectively with fellow summer staff members and collaborates on daily responsibilities.
• Completes skills tracking paperwork.
• Serves as a positive role model to children on campus.
• Interacts professionally with students, their families, peers, the leadership team, and the larger campus/school community.

Qualifications

• Available for a 6-week summer program from June 22 to July 31, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Monday - Friday).
• Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is preferred before the start of camp.
• Previous experience working with children is preferred.
• All Horizons at SCH staff must complete state and federal clearances.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-moving environment where unexpected student issues and varying challenges compete for one's attention.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to move around all school environments.
• Push/pull, lift, and carry a minimum of thirty pounds.
• Regularly use close and distance vision.
• Frequently stand and talk, hear, walk, and sit.
• Turn, bend, reach, and occasionally climb.

Application Procedures

To be considered, candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three professional references through our online platform.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The School is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and in employment as required by law.