Camp Shalom at the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join us and commit to giving our campers their best summer ever!

If you love working with kids and have experience doing so, we want to talk to you about being an Activity Specialist this summer! To learn more about what you'd do, we hope you'll continue reading and submit an application.

JOB SUMMARY: This position’s primary role is to design, organize, and facilitate specific program activities for campers each day. You bring expertise in a particular area, such as arts and crafts, sports, science, or any specialized field, contributing to a well-rounded and engaging camp experience for participants. Your responsibilities involve planning and executing activities, fostering skill development, and creating a positive and inclusive environment. The Activity Specialist will work with the Camp Director to create lesson plans prior to each specialty session and ensure that all classes are age-appropriate and engaging. Work is generally June – August, Monday – Friday as directed by the summer camp schedule each year. Look below for some specific responsibilities and expectations of this position:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate and skill-level-appropriate activities in your designated specialty area.
• Modify activities as necessary to accommodate different age groups, skill levels, and diverse needs.
• Provide instruction and guidance to campers to enhance their skills and knowledge in the specific activity area.
• Create a supportive environment that encourages campers to explore, learn, and improve in the designated activity.
• Ensure the safety of campers during activity sessions by enforcing safety guidelines and protocols.
• Foster an inclusive and positive atmosphere where all campers feel welcome and valued.
• Engage campers and staff in the activity, encouraging participation and enthusiasm.
• Coordinate with other activity specialists and camp staff to integrate activities into the overall camp program.
• Keep accurate records of attendance, camper participation, and any incidents related to the designated activity.
• Attends camp orientation, open house, staff meetings, field trips, late nights, and overnights as required.
• Assist in organizing and executing special events or themed days within the camp schedule.
• Work collaboratively with other specialists, unit leaders, counselors, and camp staff to ensure a cohesive and positive camp atmosphere.
• Address and resolve conflicts or issues, promoting a positive and inclusive camp culture.
• Be prepared to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations, following camp protocols and procedures.
• Maintains adherence to all company policies and procedures, including agency safety requirements. Request safety-assistance devices, including requesting additional assistance before moving or lifting any excessively heavy and/or awkward objects.
• Must work the days and hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Performs additional duties as agreed upon by the supervisor and by camp needs.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

The position requires occasional internal interaction with employees, parents, supervisors, officers, board members, and other agency personnel and community members. You would be responsible for maintaining positive, courteous, and professional relationships with families and children enrolled in the youth and camp programs, all JCC staff, professional staff from other related agencies, and the greater community.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• A LOVE for working with children and having fun!
• Some college experience is required.
• Formal or informal childcare experience is preferred, but not required.
• Previous youth group or camp experience is a plus.
• Ability to speak fluent English, understand it as well as read and write.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 75 lbs.), bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, and sitting.
• Must possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to keep track of multiple campers and to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
• Effective and clear communication is essential between campers and staff.
• Ability to complete written paperwork such as notes home, incident reports, etc.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Frequent exposure to outside elements, such as sun exposure, heat, humidity, and rain.

BESIDES GETTING A PAYCHECK AND HAVING FUN, WHAT ELSE DO YOU GET WHEN YOU WORK AT CAMP?

WORKING IN THE CAMP ENVIRONMENT CULTIVATES MANY NEW SKILLS...

• ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS You will be required to communicate effectively with people at every level of the organization — campers, fellow staff, camp directors, and parents.
• CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING You will be challenged to think on your feet — from resolving child health and safety issues to facilitating a group of campers in creating and putting on a skit.
• INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS You will model professionalism and compassion by managing a group of campers while contributing to the growth and development of each participant.
• COLLABORATIVE SKILLS You will receive on-the-ground, practical, real-life training in how to work with a team and help build the culture of your camp community.
• CREATIVITY You will develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience of two to 200.

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK AT OUR JCC CAMP?

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is committed to a passionate, member and community-centric culture where team members are encouraged to contribute and collaborate leading to a highly engaged JCC family.

Recognizing and investing in our greatest asset, our staff. In addition to providing an engaged work environment, we take pride in the many offerings to our JCC Camp Staff as shown below:

§ Competitive Pay

§ Staff Discount on our Programs

§ Professional Development

OUR JCC IS A PLACE FOR ALL PEOPLE

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches does not discriminate against employees or clients based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal and State law. A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Personnel Manual. The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.