Position: Camp J Counselor

Overview

Founded in 1890, the Trager Family Jewish Community Center is a non-profit community service agency committed to enhancing the quality of family life and promoting physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness. It provides health related activities, cultural and educational programs that serve the entire community, including populations at risk. Membership and services at the J are offered to the entire community. The J offers sports and wellness, youth and camping, Jewish culture and performing arts, early childhood and senior programs and a community center open to all.

Duties/Responsibilities/Functions/Tasks

Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within specialist activities and throughout other aspects of camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth
• Assures campers are properly supervised at all times
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines

Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes

• Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned
• Provide for a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities
• Assist in program areas such as pool, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff

• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Camp Leadership Team
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with Camp Leadership Team when appropriate
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Camp Leadership Team

Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship

Represent the camp when interacting with parents or community members

• Provide parents appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience
• Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp

Physical Requirements:

• Stand for up to 45 minutes at a time
• Stand/swim in up to 4 feet of water to supervise campers
• Supervise campers in a hot environment - up to 99 degree heat index

Other Job Duties:

• Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp during scheduled field trips off camp property
• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested

Other duties as assigned by Unit Head, Program Director, Assistant Camp Director(s) and Camp Director

Benefits

• Free summer membership to the new Trager Family JCC! Includes: outdoor pool, indoor pool, gym, track, tennis/pickleball/basketball courts, and fitness area.
• Free coffee & snacks in the staff lounge.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or minimal current high school
• Ability to interact with campers in grades K-8
• Understanding of the development needs of youth
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques