JCAmp Counselor

Summary

The ideal JCAmp counselor enjoys working with kids, collaborating and serving as a positive role model for campers and a partner to administrative staff. Counselors embody the core values and mission of the JCAmp programs, fostering teamwork, instilling self-confidence in our campers and staff, inspiring themselves and others to make a difference in the world and both displaying and cultivating empathy.

Camp is in session is for 8 weeks (39 days), Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, with extended day options from 7:30 am – 9:00 am and 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm, serving campers from age 5 – 15 with a variety of program choices both indoor and outdoor. Counselors are required to attend staff orientations and may be asked to assist with the set up and break down of the program. Some pre-camp planning will also be required.

Essential Functions

Counselors will:

1. Ensure the well-being of each child in the program by providing the adequate supervision and support necessary for their safety and educational and emotional development.
2. Participate as part of a team in a cooperative manner with all co-workers; know their immediate supervisor and respond to their direction in a willing manner.
3. Communicate professionally and effectively with all stakeholders.
4. Be punctual and dependable.
5. Attend all required staff meetings and staff orientation relating to summer camp.
6. Plan and execute age-appropriate group activities and/or assist in any specialty areas as assigned.
7. Meet all applicable requirements and certifications as required by the JCA’s offer letter and checklists.
8. Meet all applicable requirements by the American Camp Association (ACA) and/or Florida Department of Children and Families and other agencies and authorities.
9. Provide an environment in which Jewish awareness and appreciation of Jewish culture is fostered.
10. Help enforce the JCAmp policies such as sick policies, transportation procedures (if applicable), kosher policy, etc.
11. Display a positive and professional attitude towards our program when engaging in conversation with parents and members outside of our department, expressing concerns directly to their immediate supervisor.
12. Learn and apply an understanding of the developmental levels of the age group with whom they are working.
13. Abide by, demonstrate, and implement all expectations of JCAmp staff as set forth in the JCAmp Staff Manual.
14. Keep the areas in which they work safe, orderly, clean, and aesthetically pleasing.
15. Dress appropriately for summer camp activities; keep a professional appearance.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum academic experience is a rising junior in high school. Prior experience working with children and/or knowledge of sports, STEM, visual arts, and/or theatre are not a requirement but strongly preferred for some JCAmp programs.

Language Skills

Ability to speak grammatically correct and clear English language and comprehensively understand English language when spoken to at a normal speed.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to read, write and comprehend the concept of time.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to use good judgment, i.e., when to report a sick child; when to set limits; when to sek support for a behavior issue, etc.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to follow directions; must be able to relay information to others; must be able to read memos, notes, and orientation materials; must be able to write using proper language, sentence structure; must be able to successfully complete CPR, first aid and other in-service requirements as needed. Must have the ability to swim and pass a basic swim test.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be physically fit enough to move, stand, lift, bend, push, or pull children or inanimate objects up to 50 pounds if necessary. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to run. These physical demands are for a period of up to 8 hours per day.

Work Environment

The working conditions are located on two levels with steps, and air-conditioned bus for offsite field trips where applicable. The employee must be able to tolerate heat for outdoor portions of the day while on the playground and at the pool or water play areas. The noise level is usually noisy.

The JCA strengthens Jewish life, serves as a common meeting ground, and enhances the quality of life of the entire community. Our vision is to provide the place in the tradition of our heritage where all people come together throughout their lives, to enhance body, mind, and spirit, in an environment of fun, harmony and friendship.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.