Youth Athletics Substitute

Position Summary

We are seeking an energetic and reliable Athletic Substitute to support our Summer Camp athletic programming at either our West Loop or Homewood location. This role is ideal for an individual with strong experience leading volleyball activities and a passion for youth sports development. The Athletic Substitute will lead volleyball sessions and assist with track, tennis, and soccer programming under the guidance of a Senior Athletic Leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily volleyball activities, drills, and games for campers of various age groups.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment that promotes sportsmanship and skill development.
• Assist the Senior Athletic Leader with track, tennis, and soccer instruction and activities.
• Ensure camper safety by following all camp policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Set up, maintain, and store athletic equipment before and after activities.
• Encourage participation and help campers build confidence, teamwork, and athletic skills.
• Communicate effectively with camp leadership regarding participant engagement, behavior concerns, and program needs.
• Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff.

Qualifications

• Previous experience coaching, teaching, or leading volleyball programs for youth.
• Comfortable assisting with track, tennis, and soccer activities.
• Ability to engage and manage groups of children in an active outdoor and indoor environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, enthusiastic, and team-oriented.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Must be able to stand, walk, run, and participate in athletic activities throughout the day.

Preferred Experience

• Summer camp, recreation, coaching, or physical education experience.
• Experience working with children in grades K–8.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate athletic instruction and safety practices.

Schedule

• Seasonal summer position.
• Hours may vary based on camp programming needs.
• Assignment will be at either the West Loop or Homewood location.

This position offers an opportunity to positively impact young athletes while helping create a fun, active, and memorable summer camp experience.

If the role is primarily leading volleyball while supporting other sports, these titles may attract stronger candidates than "Athletic Substitute":

Best Options

1. Summer Camp Athletics Instructor – Professional and broad enough to cover multiple sports.
2. Volleyball & Athletics Coach – Clearly highlights the primary skill needed.
3. Athletics Program Assistant – Good if the position works under a Senior Leader.
4. Summer Sports Coach – Simple and appealing for camp staff.
5. Assistant Athletics Coach – Emphasizes the support role while still sounding skilled.

More Dynamic Titles

• Lead Volleyball Instructor & Athletics Assistant
• Youth Sports Coach (Volleyball Focus)
• Multi-Sport Athletics Coach
• Athletics Specialist – Volleyball
• Camp Athletics Leader (Volleyball Focus)

For recruiting purposes, I would recommend:

Summer Camp Athletics Instructor (Volleyball Focus)

It communicates:

• Summer camp environment
• Athletic leadership responsibilities
• Volleyball expertise as the primary qualification
• Involvement in multiple sports without sounding like a substitute or fill-in role.

If you want candidates to immediately understand it's an as-needed or fill-in summer role, I'd keep "Substitute" in the title but make it sound more professional:

• Athletics Substitute (Volleyball Focus) ← my top choice
• Summer Camp Athletics Substitute
• Athletics Program Substitute
• Substitute Athletics Coach
• Substitute Sports Instructor (Volleyball Focus)
• Athletics Substitute Coach
• Lead Volleyball & Athletics Substitute
• Athletics Support Substitute
• Summer Camp Sports Substitute
• Youth Athletics Substitute

For hiring, I think these strike the best balance between clarity and appeal:

1. Athletics Substitute (Volleyball Focus)
2. Summer Camp Athletics Substitute
3. Substitute Athletics Coach (Volleyball Focus)

The third option tends to attract stronger coaching candidates because "Coach" signals leadership experience while still making it clear the position is a substitute role.