Assistant Camp Counselor

The 14th Street Y is a vibrant Jewish community center located in Downtown Manhattan. Each year, tens of thousands of New Yorkers of all ages, races, and ethnicities come to 14Y as members, visitors, or partners to experience our high quality and varied programs centered around arts and culture, early childhood education, summer camps, fitness and aquatics, Jewish life, and older adult services.

PROGRAM-About New Town Day Camp (NTDC) at the 14Y

New Town Day Camp (NTDC) at the 14th Street Y, a vibrant Jewish community center in the East Village, provides a fun and safe environment where children can celebrate summer, make new friends, and enjoy enriching activities. Our campers explore and play in the 14Y’s excellent facilities, including a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, and well-equipped, air-conditioned classrooms. A highlight of each day is time spent on our beautifully designed rooftop playground, featuring sprinklers and shaded areas for outdoor fun. To foster social connections, campers are grouped by age. Children ages 3-5 participate in swim activities with the support of their counselors, while those under three enjoy daily sprinkler play on the roof.

JOB PURPOSE  

Be part of the team responsible for the well-being and safety of campers at NTDC. Foster a camp environment for the children that creates inquiry, exploration, and respect.  Facilitate communication with camper’s families and document camper’s experiences. Collaborate with the camp team to participate in projects that reflect the open-ended process-driven, child-led philosophy of the 14Y early childhood programs. 

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE  

• Participate in classroom daily activities for children ages 2-6
• Be fully engaged in all specials, from art to swimming: includes getting in the pool with the camp team 
• Collaborate with the teaching staff and administration in the overall philosophy and direction of the preschool

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES  

Planning, Preparation + Curriculum Development  

• Co-constructing curriculum with the head counselor, based on children’s interests  
• Attend weekly planning meetings with the camp team 

Classroom Environment 

• Participate in creating a classroom environment with inquiry, exploration, learning, and respect in mind  
• Create a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcome 
• Participate in organizing and keeping clean a physical space and selection of materials in a way that is inviting and accessible for children  

Interactions with Children 

• Speaking and listening to children with respect and mindfulness  
• Assist in classroom procedures, including transitions, routines, and small groups 
• Engage students in exploration and learning; curious about the children’s perspective 
• Coach children through understanding their feelings and create space to problem solve conflicts with peers 

 
Relationships with Families

Professional Responsibilities  

• Collaborate with staff and manage a professional relationship with colleagues    
• Be reflective, asks questions, willing to explore new options and own mistakes  
• Show professionalism, including integrity, ethical conduct, and decision making 

Camp Extras 

• Participate in all camp activities, including swimming 
• Attend all days of staff orientation 
• Commit to all seven weeks of camp 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Required Knowledge 

• Teaching experience in an early childhood setting/camp setting or child care experience 
• Strong oral and written communication with parents, children, and co-workers 
• Experience with working in an inclusive environment that supports children that need extra support 
• Pursuing and or holding an undergraduate or graduate degree is a plus  

Role Key Competencies 

• Building Trust
• Communication
• Energy/Positivity 
• Adaptability
• Stress Tolerance

EEO Info 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.