Advocate Camp Counselor for children w/disabilities, JCC Sports Camp, Summer

JCC Greater Boston•Newton, MA

43d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

Be a role model. Make camp possible for every child. Do you believe every child deserves to be fully included at camp? JCC Greater Boston is looking for caring, patient, and enthusiastic Advocate Camp Counselors to join our Inclusion Team this summer. Advocate Counselors are part of our camp’s Inclusion Team, working directly with campers with disabilities and individualized needs. Guided by ICPs (Individual Camper Plans) and supported by our Inclusion Team, Advocate Counselors partner with co-counselors to ensure that every camper is safe, supported, and fully included in their bunk and camp activities. JCC Greater Boston offers free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton and Wellesley during the summer season. What you will do each day: Each morning, you’ll connect with your camper, making sure they feel welcomed and ready for the day. You’ll support them in joining their bunk for activities – whether that means going over the schedule with them, cheering them on during sports, modeling skills and providing hands-on support in arts & crafts, or being in the water with them at swim. Throughout the day, you’ll model patience, empathy, and creativity as you help campers navigate challenges and celebrate successes. You’ll work closely with co-counselors and our Inclusion Team to adapt supports as needed. At the end of the day, you’ll leave knowing you made camp possible for a child who might not otherwise be able to fully participate. Why work with us? At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the kids. Our staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests. Staff describe camp as fun, dynamic, and inviting. Here, you’ll gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences – for campers and yourself. JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish. This is what our Camp Counselors say are the best parts of working at JCC Camps: Bonding with the campers The activities Free swim Leadership opportunities Making close friends with co-counselors

Requirements

Eligible for work permit
1+ season (summer camp, semester, babysitting, coaching, other) experience working with children
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.
Enjoy working with children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
Safety awareness and ability to communicate any issues and concerns with supervisors
Exhibits leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
Demonstrates positive attitude at all times
Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership
Self-starter who takes the initiative
Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.
Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

Responsibilities

Partner with co-counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic and implement accommodations from camper ICPs
Advocate for camper strengths, needs, and abilities while encouraging independence and participation
Support campers in fully engaging with bunk life and activities (arts, sports, swimming, special events)
Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during structured and unstructured times
Participate in and support campers during swim times (must be able to access the pool and swim with campers)
Communicate regularly with co-counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support
Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers
Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
Actively participate as an essential team member
Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
Enthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievement
Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

JCC Health & Fitness center access
a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment
Seasonal access to the JCC Fitness Center includes: Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman JCC during active seasonal employment
Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.
Supportive colleagues
Team camaraderie
How their managers treat them
Individual autonomy
Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
Pride in working for the JCC
Program and service quality
Holding ourselves accountable