Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, School Break Camps

JCC Greater Boston•Newton, MA

63d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

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 School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). 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. 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

10th grade (or equivalent) and eligible for work permit
1+ season (summer camp, semester, babysitting, coaching, other) experience working with children
Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
Strong safety awareness and communication skills
Leadership qualities including patience, flexibility, teamwork, and creativity
Positive attitude and ability to build meaningful relationships with campers and peers
Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
Self-starter who takes the initiative
Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership
Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
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)

Nice To Haves

Concentration in Special Needs, Special Education, or similar field of study and/or comparable experience preferred
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.

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