Inclusion/kochavim Counselor

**About the Bender JCC**:
The Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland is a premier community center at the heart of Jewish life in Montgomery County, operating a full scale health and fitness center, pre-school, day camp and variety of education and arts programs.

We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting the people of our Jewish community with each other, Israel, and the broader community. We inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their social, physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being through programs of excellence rooted in Jewish values.

**Why this role matters**:
This position works with campers 1:1 or 1:2 and is responsible for the supervision and safety of campers and activities at Lessans Camp JCC. You can choose to work as an Inclusion Counselor or a Kochavim Counselor. Inclusion Counselors work 1:1 or 1:2 with campers ages 4-12 who need extra support in order to fully participate in camp. Kochavim Counselors are responsible for teens and young adults ages 12-21 with disabilities.

**Core Responsibilities include**:

- Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers of all ages, interact appropriately with campers in a variety of situations, appropriately model behavior and use positive behavior-management techniques - enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, good sportsmanship, and self-control.
- Work with Leadership Team and co-counselors to plan activities that ensure the success of all campers.
- Creatively adapt and individualize activities to the specific needs of campers.
- Supervise in the pool with campers, assisting swim staff with their requests and needs, working hands-on with campers in the pool.
- Understand and implement the behavior plan specific to the campers as needed.
- Ensure that campers are brought to the health room daily for medications, and that appropriate medications are taken with group on any off-site activities.
- Provide daily written communication with camper’s parents concerning campers’ daily progress and other pertinent information.
- Effectively communicate with supervisor, staff and campers.
- Provide written evaluations to the Inclusion or Kochavim Director about your campers’ experiences at Lessans Camp JCC at the end of the summer.
- Comply with and participate in the County, State and American Camp Association requirements.
- Recognize, respond to and report to Inclusion or Kochavim Director any environmental and/or other hazards related to the activity or the program.
- Attend all required orientation meetings, staff meetings and trainings.

**Qualifications include**:

- Ability to change soiled clothes as needed.
- Ability to assist campers in the bathroom as needed.
- Ability to get on the floor to participate and supervise activities.
- Ability to spend your camp day outdoors and walk and travel long distances.
- Ability to move equipment and supplies as required.
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
- Prior experience working with school-aged children preferred.
- Knowledge or experience with children with disabilities is preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with campers, parents, and peers.
- Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards within the camp program.

Must be available the entire camp season starting on June 17 going through mid-August.

**To Apply