Summer Substitute Program Instructor

Location: Snapology of Lancaster Discovery Center, field trip locations, partner locations, and occasional community program sites
Type: Part-time, as needed
Schedule: Flexible summer availability, primarily Monday–Friday; shifts vary based on program needs and staff coverage
Pay: $16–$19 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Benefits

• Flexible, as-needed summer schedule
• Employee discount on Snapology programs
• Resume-building experience leading children’s programs
• Opportunities to build teaching, classroom management, and leadership skills
• Fun, creative, and supportive work environment
• Comprehensive training on Snapology equipment, materials, curriculum, safety expectations, and program procedures
• Lesson plans, activities, materials, and equipment provided
• For candidates who are not already certified, Snapology can provide partial reimbursement up to $50 toward Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification

Job Description

Are you an experienced children’s program leader looking for a flexible summer opportunity? Snapology is hiring a Summer Substitute Program Instructor to support our summer programs on an as-needed basis.

This is a flexible, as-needed summer position for an experienced children’s program leader who can step in when a scheduled instructor is unavailable or when additional coverage is needed.

The Summer Substitute Program Instructor serves as an as-needed instructor for Snapology summer camps, field trips, Discovery Center programs, and occasional partner-location programs. This person fills in when scheduled staff call off, request time off, or when additional coverage is needed.

Programs may take place at our Snapology of Lancaster Discovery Center, local field trip sites, mobile program locations, and occasional partner/community locations such as Derry Township Community Center. Most substitute needs are during weekday summer program hours, but the exact schedule will vary depending on coverage needs.

Snapology provides the lesson plans, activities, materials, equipment, and comprehensive training — you do not need to create lessons yourself. We train instructors on our equipment, program procedures, classroom expectations, safety expectations, and how to lead Snapology activities successfully.

Substitute instructors are responsible for leading prepared hands-on activities using LEGO® Bricks, robotics kits, technology, and other creative building materials while keeping children engaged, safe, and on task.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with children, has experience leading groups, and wants a flexible summer position without committing to a full-time schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Step in as needed to cover summer programs, field trips, Discovery Center activities, or partner-location programs.
• Lead structured, hands-on Snapology activities using provided lesson plans, materials, and equipment.
• Manage groups of children in a safe, positive, and engaging way.
• Follow program guides and keep activities moving according to the schedule.
• Encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and participation.
• Communicate professionally with students, parents, Snapology staff, and partner-site contacts.
• Set up and clean up program materials before and after activities.
• Maintain a fun, organized, and respectful learning environment.
• Represent Snapology in a professional and positive manner at all locations.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have experience leading structured activities with groups of 10 or more children. This experience may come from classrooms, camps, Sunday school, after-school programs, art classes, dance classes, ceramics classes, coaching, childcare programs, or similar children’s programming.

A teaching certificate is not required, though classroom teachers are encouraged to apply.

Additional qualifications:

• Experience leading children’s programs as the lead instructor, teacher, coach, counselor, or activity leader.
• Comfortable managing groups of children in a structured environment.
• Friendly, energetic, dependable, and confident leading activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow provided lesson plans and adapt when needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification is required before working programs. Candidates who are not currently certified may still apply; if hired, Snapology can help coordinate certification and provide partial reimbursement up to $50 toward the certification cost.
• Clear criminal and child abuse history clearances required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

Why Join Us?

At Snapology, we make learning fun through hands-on play, creativity, and STEM exploration. Our programs give children the chance to build, design, experiment, collaborate, and problem-solve in a playful learning environment.

As a Summer Substitute Program Instructor, you’ll help keep programs running smoothly when extra support is needed. You’ll step into meaningful, active teaching opportunities without the responsibility of creating lesson plans or grading papers.

This position is ideal for teachers, substitute teachers, camp counselors, childcare professionals, youth program leaders, coaches, art instructors, dance instructors, Sunday school teachers, or anyone with strong experience leading groups of children.

If you’re looking for a flexible summer role where you can make a difference, build your teaching experience, and bring hands-on learning to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join Snapology as a Summer Substitute Program Instructor!