What are the responsibilities and job description for the Day Camp @ The JCC - Counselor position at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan?
Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (MMJCCM) creates opportunities for people to connect, grow, and learn within an ever-changing Jewish landscape. The MMJCCM imagines Jewish life that is diverse and engages meaningfully with its values, culture, and ideas in everyday lives.
The MMJCCM is looking for compassionate, responsible Day Camp Counselors to join our Day Camp @ The JCC staff! Day Camp @ The JCC is a joyful, Jewish summer camp for children ages 3-10 on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Our staff come from diverse backgrounds and all share the same enthusiasm and motivation for working with children. Counselors are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experience, and serve as positive role models and team players for campers and staff. This position requires enthusiasm, patience, positivity, and a genuine love of and interest in working with children.
The Day Camp @ The JCC is in session for the following dates:
All Staff Orientation: June 9th, 2026 to June 15th, 2026 on a varying schedule.
Camp: June 16th, 2026 to August 14th, 2026 during the hours of 8:00am to 4:15pm, Monday-Friday.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure the safety and well-being of campers in your care.
- Support campers through daily activities, specialty classes, transitions, lunch/snack times, and restroom breaks.
- Follow and adhere to all JCC and Day Camp policies.
- Serve as a role model for campers and staff.
- Support a positive group environment.
- Assist with and participate in all daily camp activities.
- Encourage camper participation, creativity, and cooperation.
- Help generate ideas for bunk activities.
- Assist in prepping and completing in bunk activities.
- Model positive behaviors, including respect for one another and full participation.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with children by actively getting to know them.
- Support an inclusive environment where all campers and staff feel welcome, seen, and a part of our community.
- Help to mediate interactions between campers whether that means stepping in to support or asking a Leadership Team Member for advice or help.
- Work collaboratively with co-counselors, the Leadership Team, and specialists to ensure smooth daily operations and routines
- Participate in orientation, twice weekly staff group meetings, and camp-wide events or trainings
- Communicate effectively and openly with supervisors regarding both camper and personal concerns
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 16 years old by June 1st, 2026. Anyone under 18 is required to obtain working papers.
- Prior experience working with children (babysitting, teaching, tutoring, watching younger cousins or siblings, etc)
WHAT WE OFFER
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
- Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
- Investment in professional development and leadership skills
- Free fitness membership for the pool and health club
COMPENSATION
This position offers a compensation of $2,500-$3,400 commensurate with experience.
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Salary : $2,500 - $3,400