Chai Camp Counselor

Under the supervision of an Assistant Camp Director, Unit Heads are responsible for the overall management and leadership of a unit comprised of up to 8 tribes, each with up to 20 campers and 3-4 counselors. Unit Heads manage daily schedules including Chugim, field trip days and special day activities, manage the execution of unit activities, and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.

As key leaders within the camp, Unit Heads actively participate in and guide camp activities, serving as positive role models and mentors to both Counselors and Senior Counselors. They are responsible for providing regular feedback to counselors and conducting performance evaluations via a form. Effective communication is essential, as Unit Heads act as the primary liaison between the Camp Chai Director, counselors, and parents, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout the camp session. Additionally, they play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that aligns with Camp Chai's core values of community, respect, and personal growth.

Candidates who are available for the duration of the camp season will be given priority consideration. This position is classified as a Part-Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt 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.

· Plan, organize, and lead unit activities, including special days/events, field trips, late nights, family nights, and overnights.

· Actively participate in camp experiences as a positive role model, incorporating Jewish 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).

· Oversee the daily operations of the unit by coordinating with Specialists for unit activities, ensuring tribes follow schedules, and supporting counselors in planning and executing Tribe Time.

· Manage unit logistics, such as attendance, special day schedules, snack distribution, field trip preparation and lost and found re-distribution.

· Maintain a clean and organized unit space. Foster a sense of pride and respect for camp facilities, encouraging campers and staff to contribute to a tidy environment.

· Supervise Senior Counselors (or certified teachers in Lil Chai) and Counselors by providing daily check-ins, informal feedback, and support during difficult situations.

· Use positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to guide staff in embodying camp values. Complete detailed feedback forms for each staff member, making rehire recommendations to the Camp Chai Director.

· Plan and facilitate unit meetings, ongoing training, and staff development activities, focusing on reinforcing camp values, building community, and addressing age-specific challenges.

· Coordinate staff appreciation and recognition awards, including daily awards, Mensch of the Week, and Award Shirts.

· Celebrate and recognize staff contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation in line with the camp’s values.

· Coordinate with the Camp Chai Director to manage parent communications, including weekly newsletters, field trip preparations, special day updates, and supplemental late night/overnight information. Provide daily updates that reflect the camp’s dedication to the growth and well-being of each camper, inspired by the camp’s values.

· Ensure that all unit activities comply with ACA (American Camp Association) standards, adhering to the highest levels of safety and quality. Supervise free swim and swim lessons, ensure staff are in the pool and promote a safe environment.

· 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.

· Complete at least 3 impact stories (1 per session) and ensure that all tribes in their unit submit 1 impact story per session.

· Assist with camper arrival and departure, including carpool, ensuring a smooth and organized process. Maintain accurate documentation and communication of participant-related concerns.

· Follow the assigned work schedule (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, most days) and participate in camp leadership meetings with Camp Chai Director, weekly 1:1 meetings with the Assistant Camp Director, pre-camp preparations, post-camp clean up, and the end-of-camp debrief. Please see camp calendar for complete details, including late nights and overnights.

· Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor(s).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

· Completion of at least one year of college with a focus on education, child development, or a related field preferred.

· Minimum of one year of experience at Camp Chai or two years of comparable experience in a camp or youth development setting, demonstrating familiarity with camp operations, youth engagement, and program facilitation.

· Proven experience working with children, ages 4–14, with a passion for camp and an understanding of age-appropriate development, group dynamics, and experiential learning.

· Proven ability to plan and execute both daily and special programs for children, ensuring they align with camp values and provide engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences.

· Demonstrated ability to supervise campers, prioritize safety, and foster an impactful and positive camp experience. Ability to recognize and respond to potential safety concerns and manage group behavior effectively.

· Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience leading and supervising teams of counselors or peers. Capable of managing unit logistics, overseeing complex schedules, and coordinating multiple tasks while maintaining a supportive environment for campers and staff.

· Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Willingness to contribute to parent communications through weekly updates or newsletters.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with camp staff and camp leadership to ensure smooth unit operations and an integrated camp experience. Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to take initiative.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy in tracking attendance, organizing logistics, managing cleanliness, and completing impact stories.

· Experience working in fast-paced, outdoor settings, with the ability to handle the physical and emotional demands of working with children, including long hours, varying conditions, and high-energy environments.

· Willingness to adhere to the camp’s schedule, which includes extended hours, late nights, overnights, and additional responsibilities during pre-camp preparation and post-camp cleanup. Flexibility and dedication to meet camp needs.

· Demonstrates an energetic, positive attitude with a commitment to building a harmonious camp culture. Dependability in working with campers, parents, and staff, while maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment.

· Exhibits a professional appearance, demeanor, and tone in all interactions, serving as a role model to campers and staff.

· Ability to lift (30/50) lbs.

It is expected the Unit Head will be a team player as part of the JCC Camp Staff. He/she is expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement (listed on the top of the front page) 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.