Counselor

THE JOYCE D & ANDREW J MANDELL GREATER HARTFORD JEWISH COMMU•West Hartford, CT

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Camp Counselors play a key role in creating a safe, fun, and enriching summer camp experience. This dynamic individual is responsible for leading activities, engaging campers, and fostering a positive environment that supports personal growth, teamwork, and Jewish values. Counselors will specialize in one area (theater, arts and crafts, or sports) while also participating in general camp activities, supervision, and group management. Counselors will be responsible for upholding the policies and philosophy of camp, exuding spirit and maintain a positive attitude.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age. Individuals with equivalent work experience and appropriate training may be considered.
1 to 3 years’ previous experience working with children, particularly in a camp, educational, or recreational setting is preferred.
CPR/First Aid for Children; Epi Pen training
Strong skills in one specialty area: theater, arts and crafts, or sports.
Enthusiasm, patience, creativity, and a positive attitude.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Willingness to participate fully in camp life, including outdoor activities.
Enthusiastic and creative
Ability to consistently deliver customer service
Must be able to handle emergency situations in a calm manner
Must be able to enforce all facility rules and policies in a gentle but firm manner to people of all ages.
Must be reliable to cover shifts and responsibilities without constant supervision
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time
Ability to work outdoors in a camp environment for extended periods.
Active participation in physical activities, including walking, running, and leading games.
Availability to work full camp hours, which may include evenings or weekends for special events.

Responsibilities

Camper Supervision and Engagement: Supervise and guide a group of campers throughout the camp day, ensuring their safety, well-being, and inclusion.
Actively engage with campers in activities, meals, transitions, and downtime.
Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating leadership, enthusiasm, and respect for others.
Program Delivery: Plan, prepare, and lead activities within your specialty (theater, arts and crafts, or sports) tailored to various age groups.
Foster creativity, skill development, teamwork, and fun in your area of focus.
Adapt activities to meet the needs of individuals and the group as a whole.
Behavior Management and Safety: Ensure camper safety by following camp policies and emergency protocols.
Use positive behavior management techniques to maintain a safe, respectful environment.
Report incidents or concerns to senior staff promptly.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with other counselors and camp leadership to deliver camp programs.
Assist with camp-wide events, games, and activities as needed.
Communicate regularly with supervisors to provide feedback or share successes and challenges.
Jewish Values and Community Building: Help create a warm, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the camp’s Jewsih values, including respect, kindness, and community spirit.
Help create a warm, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the camp’s Jewish values, including respect, kindness, and community spirit.
Participate in and encourage camper involvement in Jewish traditions, Shabbat celebrations, and cultural activities.
Administration Report all concerning behavior by children/staff to supervisor in a timely manner.
Report all broken equipment to supervisor in a timely manner.
Attend department and team meetings as required.
Be familiar with programs and activities throughout the Center
Willingness to perform other job duties, functions, responsibilities as needed, required, or assigned.
Customer Service Strong customer focus, both internally and externally.
Provide excellent customer service, both internally and externally.
Resolve customer problems and conflicts.
Respond promptly to customer needs.
Solicit customer feedback to improve service.