Summer Camp Counselor

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

New Country Day Camp, a program of the 14th Street Y and Educational Alliance, is a joyful and inclusive community where campers, families, and staff build meaningful connections with each other and the natural world around them, and experience personal growth through high-quality programs that are rooted in the outdoors and guided by Jewish values. Transportation on air-conditioned buses from Manhattan and Brooklyn is provided to the 75-acre Henry Kafumann Campgrounds in the forest of the Staten Island Greenbelt, where swimming pools, hiking trails, and open meadows set the scene for a summer of adventure and enrichment for campers entering Kindergarten through 8th grades.

Summer Camp Counselors are enthusiastic, highly motivated, creative, and responsible role models who are directly responsible for the well-being of campers at New Country Day Camp from June 29th to August 7th 2026, with the option to work an additional days of camp from August 10th-13th.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Summer Camp Administration

• Attend all days of staff orientation before camp (weeknights and some weekend days in June)
• Attend all days of camp and after camp staff meetings during the summer
• Communicate regularly with their supervisor
• Work harmoniously with an assigned co-counselor
• Maintain standards of camp conduct and punctuality

Camp Activities

• Provide daily and weekly camper progress updates to Division Supervisor, when necessary•    Assume responsibility for the physical and mental health and safety of campers.
• Keep record of camper attendance, activity, behavior and injuries/accidents
• Actively participate in and encourage participation in all camp activities including assisting lifeguards in the pool during instructional swim.
• Provide quality supervision at all times with special attention paid to the locker rooms during changing periods, lunch, swim and transitional periods
• Assist bus supervisors with campers on the bus ride to and from camp
• Encourage all campers to do their best & be their on-site daily support system
• Focus on social dynamics & friendship building of assigned camper group
• Work collaboratively with fellow counselors, Support Specialists and Supervisors to create an optimal environment for neurodivergent campers

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Availability to attend all days of camp from June 27th to August 17th or 23rd and staff orientation in June required
• Currently pursuing a high school diploma (minimum), a college degree, or have related professional experience working with children or in education is required
• Willingness to learn about and participate in Jewish culture and traditions
• Friendly, warm, active and genuinely enjoy working in an outdoor camp setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Collaborative, flexible, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and sometimes in stressful environments
• Previous experience working with children from diverse cultural and social backgrounds
• Experience working in a JCC or community center setting a plus
• Experience working with children who require additional support a plus

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org [https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fedalliance.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Crsills%40edalliance.org%7C4d60980d3aba42fb211008dd0e286fbe%7Ca93568d8f07d48e9bf4bedd954f514af%7C0%7C0%7C638682289033082290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0ITYBX9HPrihY5bI5Jk9UQOxDmuHPLpri9YbKuAxyJI%3D&reserved=0]