Camp Shai is the JCC in Denver’s premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6^th 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 engineering, our campers are building their skills, bolstering their confidence, and creating magical summer camp memories. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), courage (ometz lev), and good attitude (ruach).

This is a seasonal position: Expected Start Date 5/17/2026 – Tentative End Date 8/14/2026.

Camp is the perfect environment for campers to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence – and yours too! Your work will make a difference in supporting campers to improve their ability to make and maintain friendships, increase their confidence to try new activities, and create a safe space for everyone to be themselves, campers and staff alike. Being a staff member at camp helps you to gain the skills you want from an internship in a concrete, hands-on, and fun way!    

We are seeking individuals for the Nature & Science Camp Instructor role that are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone can be a performer. The Nature & Science Camp Instructor will work directly with campers each day to facilitate hands-on activities promoting a positive relationship with the natural world, 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 eager to share your knowledge of the natural world using a variety of experiential concepts and methods.
• You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination.
• You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth.
• You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer, whether you are dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during downtime.
• You want to grow your skillset, and you are ready to both give and receive feedback.
• You are a team player that relishes opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues.
• You exercise patience and empathy when dealing with others and exude positivity.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and add to Camp Shai’s activity curriculum with engaging instruction that correlates with the summer’s themes
• Organize and facilitate group activities that are engaging, age appropriate, and fun
• Ensure that inclusive practices are being implemented to make camp accessible for all campers as prescribed by Camp Shai’s inclusion team
• Support counselors to provide direct camper care and supervision while fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration
• Contribute to and facilitate activities at camp including, but not limited to, camp-wide community rituals, traditions, and programs
• Mitigate camper behaviors using classroom management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Participate in weekly staff meetings either before or after camp hours as determined by Camp Director
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Camp Leadership Team

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Physical Demands: This job requires personnel to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employees must also be able to walk upwards of two (2) miles each day, including use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employees 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 accommodation 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.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must hold at least 1 year (460 hours) of verifiable experience working with children.
• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before the start date of camp. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Orientation. 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, three professional references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS (Colorado Department of Human Services) law

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in either a school or camp environment
• Completion of some relevant college coursework, high school diploma, or GED
• Previous outdoor and/or science education instruction a plus

Additional Notes

Advantages of Working at Camp Shai

• Specialized Training in Program Instruction Before Camp (May 17^th, 2026)   
• Comprehensive One-Week Orientation Before Camp (June 1^st – June 5^th, 2026)
• Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team
• Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback
• Fitness & Aquatics Membership During Time of Employment
• Involvement in a Fun-Loving Community of Camp Professionals

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.