Camp Shalom Counselor

Our Mission

Serving people of all backgrounds and at every age and stage of life, the Mandell Jewish Community Center is a gathering place and resource for the Hartford region. The JCC provides recreational, cultural, educational, and social programs designed to promote physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of its members and others who participate. As a center where all are welcome, our mission is rooted in a fundamental commitment to inclusivity and in universal Jewish values. We work to build community, cultural identity, and bridges of understanding by celebrating diversity and fostering appreciation for Jewish culture and heritage.

FUNCTION:

The Junior Counselor is responsible for assisting the Counselors in teaching and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.  Junior Counselors will be responsible for upholding the policies and philosophy of camp, exuding spirit and maintaining a positive attitude.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Member Services

• Create a warm, welcoming environment for all
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for campers, abiding by all camp rules/policies. Being able to assist campers in an emergency

Programming

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camp group, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines
• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes
• Responsible for assisting with the teaching of activities
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned
• Assist in the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities
• Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff
• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp nurse and/or camp director
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to unit head and/or camp director
• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship
• Represent the camp when interacting with parents or community members
• Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp

Other Job Duties:

• Attend all mandatory staff orientation trainings and meetings prior to and throughout the camp season.
• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, and other all-camp activities and camp functions
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers served – help foster self confidence in campers

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service, both internally and externally
• Work with Counselor to resolve customer problems and conflicts
• Responds promptly to customer needs

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:              High School.  Individuals with equivalent work experience and appropriate training may be considered.

Experience:            Minimum age requirement of 16 years old

Licensure:              Preferred:  CPR/First Aid for children, Epi Pen and Medication Management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage/ supervise a group of children or one on one as assigned.
• Ability to take initiative and direction
• Knowledge and passion to work with children
• Ability to communicate with staff, supervisor and campers
• Be enthusiastic and creative
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers
• Ability to consistently deliver quality customer service

SPECIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Be patient and tolerant with children and adults
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, hike or walk for extended periods of time

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to weather conditions; outdoor activities