Summer Quest 2026 Group Leader

DescriptionAre you... A curious and creative mentor excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination during summer day camp programming? A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students? An enthusiastic community member eager to collaborate and build relationships? A mentor who loves empowering students through integrity, compassion, and responsibility? Yes? Then read on! Ideal candidates possess a background in working with pre-kindergarten and elementary children, previous experience working with diverse learners, and share the belief that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to preparing responsible and active global citizens. We seek someone who enjoys partnering with staff, and is passionate and committed to meeting the needs of students in an afterschool setting. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to advancing our belief that the challenges of our world require culturally competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are empowered to inquire, investigate, innovate, and impact their communities. We also seek candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the belief that a learning environment that is inclusive and more diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change. Who we are: We are an independent PreK-5 school located in Wallingford's Good Shepherd Center. Meridian inspires children to approach learning with passion and curiosity. Classes are small and our curriculum is challenging. We encourage students to be reflective, and to explore a diversity of thoughts and perspectives. We ask a lot of our students. We ask them to try, to make mistakes, to rebound, to apologize, to move forward with integrity. We ask them to take intellectual risks, and to be thoughtful caring community members. As citizens of the world, we encourage them to make connections between themselves, their local community and the larger global society. We strive for Meridian students to develop into curious, compassionate, responsible young adolescents who begin to understand the power that resides in their hearts and their minds. We believe the challenges of our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals prepared to be responsible and active global citizens. This is our work as educators in partnership with students and their families. We offer an academic education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children. We believe a school community that is inclusive and diverse promotes a child's sense of belonging. Meridian students learn to understand varying points of view, which over time will fuel innovation, creativity, and positive change for communities near and far. About Meridian's Summer Quest Program: Our program is designed to offer opportunities for youth to create, learn, play, explore, have fun, and make new friends. These memorable seven weeks are full of summer adventure, fun, and learning. Summer Quest Day Camp groups (ages 4.5-12) will engage in activities that are appropriate and enjoyable for the group members' age and developmental level. Campers participate in arts and crafts projects, sports, games, drama, community projects and events, multicultural events, and more. These activities revolve around a weekly theme. All groups have three off-campus and two on-campus days each week. Job Summary: Both within a team environment and under minimal supervision Group Leaders, create a safe and engaging space for campers in the Summer Quest program. They use their unique expertise and experiences to connect with students through positive social interaction, age-appropriate field trips, projects and crafts, and play. Summer Quest 2026 operates from June 22 until August 7, with staff orientation taking place June 16-18. RequirementsSpecific Responsibilities: Oversees the health and safety of Meridian Summer Quest campers during operational hours Operates a 14-passenger minibus (CDL not required) Engages with campers in games, crafts, and sports Monitors campers' behavior and redirects negative behavior Creates detailed weekly group schedules that include age-appropriate field trips and activities Communicates to parents and Summer Quest staff important student information through phone, email, and in-person conversation Coordinates with parents and Summer Quest staff concerning special medical needs of students Provides injury and illness treatment and reporting Is familiar with and complies with all sign-in/sign-out policies Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school's constituencies Actively participates in the full life of the school Vigorously engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing their skills, and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school's documents Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities Performs other duties as assigned Required Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED required, bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred At least 21 years of age 2+ years of experience working with school-aged children and their families, including management of child health and safety preferred A valid driver's license Current certification in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid Experience working in an independent school preferred Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Warm and friendly demeanor Detail-oriented and organized Calm under pressure or difficult situations Comfortable asking questions and seeking help Ability to think critically and learn new systems Ability to work both individually and in groups Disciplined and reliable Comfortable dealing with bodily fluids, including blood and vomit Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with both children and adults Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity Ability to stand for up to 4 hours per day Ability to talk on the phone Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, crouch Ability to work outside in all types of weather If this sounds like you, please click on Apply for Job, complete our online employment application, and upload your resume and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and in The Meridian School. Don't meet every single requirement? At Meridian we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins, please. The Meridian School is an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a trained service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment. Visit our website at

Created: 2026-03-10