What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp Chai Senior Counselor position at Jewish Community Center Of Dallas?
Senior Counselors supports Camp Chai’s mission by supervising, guiding, and fostering a positive experience for campers, aligning daily activities with Jewish values. Senior Counselors work under the guidance of Unit Heads and in partnership with Counselors. Candidates available for the camp season will be given priority consideration. This position is classified as a Part-Time, Seasonal, and is not benefits eligible. The Jewish Community Center is an EOE (equal opportunity employer).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Ensure the health and safety—social, emotional, and physical—of all campers during camp activities and field trips.
• Facilitate a welcoming environment that reflects the camp’s commitment to community and care.
• Actively monitor and support campers’ hydration, sun protection, and well-being.
• Facilitate and participate in all camp activities, including special events, field trips, late nights, family nights and overnights.
• Plan and facilitate engaging 30 – 45-minute Tribe Time activities 4 – 5 times per week in collaboration with Unit Head and fellow Counselors. Activities should be fun, safe, and thoughtfully planned to include a variety of options such as games, crafts, team-building exercises, sports, environmental education, songs, cheers, and dances.
• Actively and positively participate in camp experience and serve as a role model for campers, embodying Jewish values and incorporate values like Masa (journey) for new growth, B’tzelem Elohim (recognizing the divine spark in everyone), Brit (fostering loving-kindness), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
• Collaborate with the Unit Head to execute daily schedules, adjusting as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized tribe space. Foster a sense of pride and respect for camp facilities, encouraging campers and counselors to contribute to a tidy environment. Ensure unit spaces are clean and organized at the end of each day.
• Oversee snack and lunch times, ensuring all campers have lunch and working with the Unit Head if additional support is needed. Ensure that tribes participate in Blessings before snack and lunch. Blessing cards provided for Jewish and non-Jewish staff who are unfamiliar with blessings.
• Supervise free swim by getting into the pool, participate in games with campers and ensuring camper safety.
• Accurately record camper attendance and communicate absences to the Unit Head/Assistant Unit Head.
• Document at least 1 impact story per session, highlighting meaningful camper experiences.
• Work in partnership with tribe counselors to complete daily Fuzzy-Grams.
• Assist with camper arrival and departure, including carpool, ensuring a smooth and organized process. Maintain accurate documentation and communication of participant-related concerns.
• Support and integrate MESSH initiatives into the camp day, promoting holistic well-being and aligning with the camp’s Jewish values. Create an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging each tribe to contribute at least one impact story per session.
• Follow the assigned work schedule (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, most days) and participate in camp staff meetings, late nights and overnight. Please see camp calendar for complete details.
• Provide experiences that promote individual and group growth.
• Help campers to maintain personal belongings and help return lost and found items.
• Team-oriented and willing to mentor and provide guidance to Counselors.
• Remain with the assigned camp tribe, except during assigned break time(s).
• Know where assigned campers are located while at camp and on trips.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:
• High School diploma or 18 years of age and enthusiastic about supervising and working with children.
• Experience working with children and the ability to supervise campers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to cooperate with others.
• Ability to carry-out daily and special programs.
• Demonstrates an energetic and positive attitude, takes initiative and is willing to learn.
• Must be dependable and on-time to work.
• Professional in appearance, manner and tone.
• Possess an attitude that makes for harmonious cooperation with campers, parents, and other staff.
It is expected the Senior Counselor will be a team player as part of the JCC Camp Staff. They are expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement and work within the frameworks of that mission. Responsibilities of the job may be changed as the needs of the JCC and/or community change.