Junior Counselor

Camp Shai at the JCC is Denvers premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and families are welcome. At Camp Shai, we offer a little something for everyone with a variety of engaging and fun activities. From sports to theater to STEM, our campers are building their skillsets while enjoying the traditional summer camp experience.

We believe that summer camp is the perfect environment for children to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence. Studies by the American Camping Association report that day camp campers display an improved ability to make and maintain friendships, increased confidence to try new activities, and greater skill development to hone the skills they are working so hard at. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), and good sportsmanship & attitude (ruach).

We are seeking individuals for the Junior Counselor role that are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone is welcome. Our counselors work directly with campers each day to guide them through their summer activities, provide mentorship and support as campers develop their skills, and create a fun and supportive environment where kids want to come back again and again!

Our Ideal Candidate

• You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth.

• You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination.

• You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer, whether youre dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during down time.

• You want to grow your skillset, and you are ready to both give and receive feedback.

• You are a team player that relishes in opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues.

• You exercise patience and empathy when dealing with others and exude positivity.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide direct camper care and supervision; prioritizing the physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being of each individual camper

• Contribute to and participate in all activities at camp including, but not limited to, swimming, specialist activities, camp-wide community rituals, traditions, and programs

• Ensure that inclusive practices are being implemented to make camp accessible for all campers as prescribed by Camp Shais inclusion team

• Manage camper behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules

• Complete documentation of camper notes as requested

• Organize and facilitate age-appropriate activities for camper groups

• Responsible for ensuring that health guidelines and expectations around cleaning, mask wearing, social distancing, and risk mitigation (as outlined by current JCC and Camp Shai policies) are followed

• Participate in weekly staff meetings either before or after camp hours as determined by Camp Director

• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Directors and Unit Heads

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Physical Demands: This job requires personnel to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employee must also be able to walk upwards of two miles each day, including the use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employee may also stand, sit in chairs or on the ground, run, and swim. Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, effectively cope with stress, adapt to and stay alert in a professional environment, as well as an ability to problem solve and de-escalate crisis situations and challenging behaviors. Reasonable accommodations may be granted for qualified applicants.

• Work Environment: Working conditions may include being in indoor, open classroom spaces and spending extended time outdoors under the sun.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age

• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before start date. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Training. Certifications must be conducted by a Division of Early Care and Learning approved training vendor

• Must be able to fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including: background screening, two references, documentation, minor work release, and compliance with CDHS law

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of verifiable experience working with children

• Completion of high school diploma in progress or GED

• Previous experience in either a school or camp environment a plus

Additional Notes

Advantages of Working at Camp Shai

• Comprehensive 1-Week Training Before Camp (May 31st - June 3rd)

• Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team

• Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback

• Optional Gym Membership During Time of Employment

• The Camp Shai Magic!

Benefits Overview

This is a seasonal job and is ineligible for benefits.

Note: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive statement of every duty and responsibility which will ever be required of an employee in this position; however, the employee will be held responsible for all duties assigned.

The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.