Chai Camp Counselor

Counselors play a vital role in creating a fun, inclusive, and values-driven environment for campers. Under the supervision of Unit Heads and in collaboration with Senior Counselors, you will lead engaging activities, ensure camper safety, and foster an experience aligned with Camp Chai's mission and core Jewish values. Training and support will be provided to help counselors thrive in their roles. Candidates available for the camp season will be given priority consideration. This position is classified as a Part-Time, Seasonal, and is not benefits eligible. The Jewish Community Center is an EOE (equal opportunity employer).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the health and safety—social, emotional, and physical—of all campers during camp activities and field trips.
• Facilitate a welcoming environment that reflects the camp’s commitment to community and care.
• Actively monitor and support campers’ hydration, sun protection, and well-being.
• Facilitate and participate in all camp activities, including special events, field trips, late nights, family nights and overnights.
• Help develop, plan and facilitate engaging 30 – 45-minute Tribe Time activities 4 – 5 times per week in collaboration with Senior Counselors. Activities should be fun, safe, and thoughtfully planned to include a variety of options such as games, crafts, team-building exercises, sports, environmental education, songs, cheers, and dances.
• Actively and positively participate in camp experience and serve as a role model for campers, incorporating Jewish values into the camp day.
• Maintain a clean and organized tribe space. Foster a sense of pride and respect for camp facilities, encouraging campers and counselors to contribute to a tidy environment. Ensure unit spaces are clean and organized at the end of each day.
• Ensure all campers have lunch/hot lunch and notify the Senior Counselors if a camper is without lunch. Ensure that tribes participate in Blessings before snack and lunch. (training and resources provided).
• Assist with supervision during free swim by getting into the pool, participate in games with campers and ensuring camper safety.
• Work with the Senior Counselor to accurately record camper attendance and communicate absences.
• Document at least 1 impact story per session, highlighting meaningful camper experiences.
• Work in partnership with tribe counselors to complete daily Fuzzy-Grams.
• Assist with camper arrival and departure, and carpool to ensure a smooth process.
• Promote holistic camper well-being and create an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Follow the assigned work schedule (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, most days) and participate in camp staff meetings, late nights and overnight. Please see camp calendar for complete details.
• Provide experiences that promote individual and group growth.
• Help campers to maintain personal belongings and help return lost and found items.
• Remain with the assigned camp tribe, except during assigned break time(s).
• Know where assigned campers are located while at camp and on trips.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be at least 15 years old and enthusiastic about working with children. Experience in leadership, volunteering, or child supervision is preferred, but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to cooperate with others.
• Experience working with children and the ability to supervise campers.
• Ability to carry-out daily and special programs.
• Demonstrates an energetic and positive attitude and takes initiative.
• Must be dependable and on-time to work.
• Professional in appearance, manner and tone.
• Possess an attitude that makes for harmonious cooperation with campers, parents, and other staff.

It is expected the Counselor will be a team player as part of the JCC Camp Staff. They are expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement and work within the frameworks of that mission. Responsibilities of the job may be changed as the needs of the JCC and/or community change.