Garden Education Intern (Rainbow Day Camp)

The Albert and Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp is an inclusive summer camp, guided by Jewish values, for children and teens that fosters personal development, friendship and community. Led by experienced and nurturing staff on over 100 picturesque acres, campers safely play and learn through a variety of enriching activities and innovative programs.

We are looking for a motivated person passionate about gardening, food, and education to be involved in all aspects of our camp garden. Our camp gardening program consists of outdoor gardens, three-seasons hoophouse, year-round greenhouse, indoor hydroponics, and an adult vocational program (Bonim Farms).

Camp Dates:

Staff Orientation: June 8-12, 2026

Camp Dates: June 15 – August 14, 2026 *additional nights and weekends may be added as summer approaches

NOTE: This position could start as early as May and continue through September

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Garden Specific)

• Working independently
• Assist in planting, successional planting, seed starting
• Garden Maintenance: weeding, pest control, watering, bed preparation, mulching, proper tool storage and care, maintaining hydroponics (nutrients, pH, water levels)
• Harvesting: timely picking, washing, packaging, labeling, weighing, and recording produce
• Garden Programing: instruct and engage grade school-aged youth in organic gardening and healthy eating. Program topics include, but are not limited to plant parts, compost, vermicompost, photosynthesis, water cycle, plant life cycle and structure, awareness of food and farms, nutrition, and garden to table
• Maintain garden supplies and equipment inventory

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Camp Specific)

• Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Communicate with camp director about participant’s experiences (positive and negative).
• Ability to contribute to the Rainbow Day Camp team through spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Develop an appropriate counselor/camper relationship with every camper.
• Be a quality role model for children.
• Be able to encourage, support, and set limits for children.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Participation in activities such as spirit days, camp programs, and songs.
• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements (KSAs)

• Must be at least 18-years old
• Upon hire, completion of provided First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to have fun and encourage community at camp.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field is preferred.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

What do we offer?

Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC offers a challenging, dynamic, multicultural work environment with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• JCC Membership: Every active staff member receives full JCC membership at no cost, which includes member access to our state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics facility in Whitefish Bay.
• JCC Program Discounts: Employees receive significant discounts on virtually all programs offered at the JCC and are actively encouraged to participate in our early education, wellness, camping, cultural, and enrichment programs.

The JCC is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call (414) 964-4444 or contact us at hr at jccmilwaukee dot org