SML Good Neighbors Summer Enrichment Day Camps
Summer Teaching Staff Intern Job Description
Introduction: The Good Neighbors Summer Enrichment Day Camp (GNSDC) is a values-based program which seeks to develop good neighbor skills and values in children through programs that nourish, educate and support them through a united community effort. Partnership with area schools and local organizations support this program. The program frequently partners with schools to integrate summer school into the camp program. The camp is built around the Good Neighbors Curriculum and includes the following goals:
- To provide nutritious food for children during the summer months.
- To provide assistance with communication skills – reading, writing, speaking as well as other academic enrichments.
- To teach and model life skills for living peacefully with self and others.
- To provide children with global education.
- To help children recognize their capacity to make a difference in this world and to see their connection to a larger world.
- To provide leadership development internships for college students.
There are two camps, one in Franklin County and one in Bedford County. Each camp is typically four weeks in length. The camp operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday (interns have most Fridays off). Summer teaching staff interns are expected to stay at the Good Neighbors headquarters Monday – Friday and to work collaboratively as necessary to be prepared each day. Interns will need to arrive a week before camp begins to participate in training and orientation (Exact dates will be updated in January once established with the school facilities – Estimated dates of the internship are May 24, 2026 through July 24, 2026 but could be pushed back by one week).
Note: Interns arrive in late May to begin In-Service Training Program before camp begins. (Exact dates will be updated ASAP)
Intern responsibilities:
- Complete a week of in-service training
- Lesson planning
- Facilitate the Good Neighbors Curriculum
- Work cooperatively with volunteers
- Classroom management
- Select, coordinate and lead music, dance, recreation, academic, arts and crafts activities (getting approval from site director for media to be shown/listened to)
- Keep necessary records for each child
- Work as a team in planning daily lessons and activities consistent with the Good Neighbors curriculum (lesson planning)
- Report on time daily (at camp and ready to work at 7:45 a.m.) and stay until the children have left the building, staff has debriefed and the classrooms are in order for the next day (typically by 4:00 p.m.).
- Conduct themselves in a responsible way at all times
- Be an enthusiastic and energetic example of Good Neighbors for our campers and community
- Responsible for their own transportation to the Smith Mountain Lake community (travel grants may be requested for students traveling more than 300 miles).
- Report all problems to the Program Coordinator, Lead Intern, School Administrator or the Executive Director.
- Share a home with the other interns and maintain a clean and organized environment and comply with all policies (this will include chore assignments such as cleaning, assisting with grocery shopping, cooking, carpooling and any activities necessary to promote a happy and healthy living space within the intern community).
- Work collaboratively with certified teachers and school staff when partnering with summer school programs.
Intern Support:
- Support and supervision by the Lead Intern, Program Coordinator, board members, volunteers, support staff and Executive Director.
- Training about the Good Neighbors curriculum, classroom management, lesson planning, orientation and supervision of volunteers, developmental learning stages of children, learning styles, child protection policies and procedures.
- Regular discussions on integrating Good Neighbors values into the daily activities.
- Mentoring by experienced teachers as needed.
- Community hospitality, fellowship and support through families, churches and civic organizations.
- Peer learning, support and encouragement.
- Housing is provided.
- Gasoline for local travel to and from camps and limited groceries are provided via a gift card managed by the lead intern.
- Stipend (first year interns receive $2,750, returning interns receive $3,200 and lead intern receives $3,500)
- Travel grants up to $250 may be requested for those traveling over 300 miles to the SML Good Neighbors facility for the internship.
Application period opens November 1, 2025
Apply online through our website at www.smlgoodneighbors.org/programs