D2W SUMMER YOUTH SUMMIT 2026 JOB APPLICATION

ABOUT THE 2026 DESTINED 2 WOW SUMMER YOUTH SUMMIT:

1. Program Overview
Level Up! Destined 2 WOW Summer Youth Summit 2026 (D2WSYS) is a creative arts-focused summer program designed to empower youth through performance, self-expression, and personal development. Inspired by video games and the power of play, the 2026 theme is “Level Up! ”.  Campers will engage in Acting, Dance, and Poetry while building confidence, teamwork skills, and artistic discipline. The camp culminates in a professionally staged final showcase and a collaborative music video featuring campers and staff.

2. Summit Dates
D2WSYS will start on June 15, 2026 and conclude with a final show on July 24, 2026.  Sessions will occur Monday through Friday each with the exception of holidays Juneteenth (June 19) and the week of Independence Day (June 30th - July 3rd) recognized as off days. 

3. Location
Lenoir-Rhyne University Campus, Columbia, SC 

4. Hours of Operation
Standard Camp Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday–Friday)

5. Camper Capacity & Age Range
Maximum Campers: 30
Target Age Range: Middle & High School Students (Ages 11–15)

NOW HIRING FOR:

• POETRY/SPOKEN WORD INSTRUCTOR
• ASSISTANT POETRY/SPOKEN WORD INSTRUCTOR
• SUMMER INTERN - POETRY/SPOKEN WORD
• SUMMER INTERN - ACTING

Details on each position below

POETRY/SPOKEN WORD INSTRUCTOR

Position Overview
Are you a wordsmith with the power to inspire? The 2026 Destined 2 WOW Summer Youth Summit (D2WSYS) is seeking a visionary Poetry Instructor to lead our literary arts department. This isn't just about rhyming; it’s about helping young people find their voices through rhythm, flow, and performance. As the Lead Instructor, you will guide students from the first draft to the big stage, overseeing everything from creative writing workshops to music video production.

Core Goal 
To serve as the lead curriculum designer and performance coach for the Poetry discipline, empowering students to master the art of written and spoken expression.

Primary Responsibilities 
Curriculum Development: Design a dynamic 5-week lesson plan focusing on rhythmic structure, poetic devices, and the history of spoken word.
Creative Facilitation: Create engaging writing prompts and assignments for daily instruction blocks that challenge students to think critically and creatively.
Multimedia Direction: Direct poetry, spoken word and rap segments for an official program music video, ensuring students deliver high-impact performances on camera.
Showcase Leadership: Direct all poetry segments for the final "Level Up!" showcase, coaching students on projection, emotion, and stage presence.
Staff Supervision: Manage and mentor a dedicated Assistant Poetry Counselor and a Poetry Intern to maintain a high standard of instruction.

Qualifications & Key Skills 
Literary Mastery: Strong background in Poetry, Spoken Word, or Creative Writing (published work or performance experience a major plus).
Classroom Management: Proven ability to lead a classroom, foster a safe space for vulnerability, and keep students on task.
Performance Coaching: Experience in directing or coaching students for live performances or video shoots.
Youth Engagement: A passion for working with diverse youth and helping them translate their life experiences into art.

ASSISTANT POETRY/SPOKEN WORD INSTRUCTOR

Position Overview 
Do you believe in the power of the written and spoken word? The 2026 Destined 2 WOW Summer Youth Summit (D2WSYS) is looking for an encouraging and organized Assistant Poetry Instructor to support our literary arts department. In this role, you will be the "hands-on" guide for our students, helping them refine their verses, perfect their delivery, and find their unique voices. You will work closely with the lead Poetry Counselor to ensure every student is prepared to shine in our final showcase and music video segments.

Core Goal 
To facilitate small-group writing sessions and provide technical coaching to students, ensuring high-quality execution of poetic works.

Primary Responsibilities
Lead Breakout Sessions: Conduct small-group rehearsals where students practice their pieces, focusing on rhythm, memorization, and vocal projection.
One-on-One Coaching: Provide personalized attention to campers who are struggling with their writing or performance, offering patient guidance to help them overcome "writer's block."
Logistical Support: Manage the setup of the poetry workspace, ensuring all writing supplies, microphones, and equipment are ready before each instruction block.
Technical Facilitation: Assist students in preparing their scripts for the final showcase and help manage the flow of students during music video filming sessions.
Classroom Flow: Assist the Lead Poetry Counselor in maintaining a focused, creative, and respectful environment for all participants.

Qualifications & Key Skills 
Adaptability: The ability to adjust coaching styles based on a student’s individual needs and creative pace.
Patience: A calm, supportive demeanor when helping students navigate the vulnerability of performing their own work.
Poetry Foundation: A solid understanding of basic poetic structures (rhyme, meter, free verse) and an interest in spoken word performance.
Reliability: A commitment to being present and engaged throughout the entire six-week program.

SUMMER INTERN - POETRY/SPOKEN WORD

Position Overview
Are you a young writer or performer looking to gain professional experience in the arts? The Destined 2 WOW Summer Youth Summit (D2WSYS) is seeking a high-energy Poetry & Spoken Word Intern to be a vital part of our creative team. This role is designed for a motivated individual who loves language and wants to support campers in finding their voices. As an intern, you will bridge the gap between instructors and students, modeling "best practices" in writing and performance while ensuring the day-to-day logistics run smoothly.

Core Goal
To provide vibrant classroom energy and peer-level support, assisting the Poetry Counselor in fostering a creative and organized environment.

Primary Responsibilities
Performance Modeling: Demonstrate spoken word techniques, including vocal projection, rhythmic pacing, and stage presence, to provide a "best practices" example for campers.
Transition Leadership: Manage and supervise student groups during transitions between activity blocks, such as bathroom breaks, lunch, and moving to the recording or performance areas.
Resource Management: Handle the copying and distribution of writing prompts, scripts, and lyrics to all students in the poetry track.
Food Service: Organize and serve daily meals provided to students during scheduled meal times.
Student Wellness: Oversee the distribution of snacks and water to poetry students, ensuring everyone remains refreshed and ready to create.
Department Organization: Keep track of "Lost and Found" items and ensure the writing and rehearsal spaces are tidy and organized.

Additional Duties
Writing Support: Sit with small groups during "free-write" sessions to offer encouragement and help campers brainstorm ideas.
Music Video Support: Assist the Poetry Counselor during the filming of the program music video by helping students with line cues and prop management.
Showcase Prep: Assist with backstage organization during the final showcase, ensuring students are in their correct performance order.
Feedback Loop: Act as a relatable mentor for campers, providing positive reinforcement and a "can-do" attitude to help them overcome performance anxiety.
Qualifications & Key Skills
Enthusiasm: A positive, "can-do" attitude that keeps students motivated throughout the day.
Creative Interest: A basic understanding of poetry, rap, or spoken word and a comfort level performing in front of a group.
Responsibility: Punctual, reliable, and able to follow instructions from senior staff.
Communication: Ability to connect with youth and explain creative concepts in a relatable way.

SUMMER INTERN - ACTING

Position Overview
Are you an aspiring actor or a high-energy leader looking to gain experience in the performing arts? The Destined 2 WOW Summer Youth Summit is seeking a vibrant Acting Intern to be the heartbeat of our theater department. This is a foundational role designed for someone who loves the stage and wants to inspire campers by modeling "best practices" in acting, character work, and professional rehearsal etiquette.

Core Goal
To provide high-level classroom energy, peer support, and logistical assistance to ensure a seamless experience for every student actor.

Primary Responsibilities
Performance Modeling: Demonstrate stage movements, projection, and emotional range during lessons; read aloud during script table-reads to model characterization for campers.
Script & Resource Management: Handle the printing, organization, and distribution of scripts, character bios, and rehearsal schedules.
Transition Leadership: Lead students safely between activity blocks, including bathroom breaks, lunch transitions, and movement to the stage area.
Food Service: Organize and serve daily meals provided to students during scheduled meal times.
Student Wellness: Oversee the distribution of snacks and water to acting students, ensuring everyone stays hydrated and energized for rehearsals.
Department Organization: Maintain the "Acting Lost & Found" and ensure the rehearsal space is tidy and free of trip hazards.
Showcase Assistance: Assist the Acting Counselor with backstage cues, prop organization, and student lineup during the final showcase and music video filming.

Additional Duties
Peer Mentorship: Act as a "big brother/sister" figure to campers, helping them stay focused and positive during long rehearsal days.
Social Media Support: Capture "behind-the-scenes" photos or videos of acting rehearsals for the program’s daily updates.
Emergency Support: Assist senior staff in the event of minor injuries or behavioral distractions to keep the group on track.

Qualifications & Key Skills 
Unstoppable Enthusiasm: A "can-do" attitude and a high level of energy that motivates students even on long summer days.
Basic Acting Knowledge: Familiarity with theater terms (stage left/right, blocking, etc.) and a comfort level performing in front of others.
Reliability: Punctuality and the ability to follow a strict daily schedule.
Patience: A genuine interest in working with children and helping them navigate the challenges of performing.