Outdoor Adventure Specialist, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Outdoor Adventure Specialist, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp. Share your love of team-building and the great outdoors by leading summer challenge course and outdoor adventure activities for children entering grades K - 8. Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, draws creative campers interested in the arts, science and the outdoors. Camp Counselors and activity specialists guide campers in drama, art, science, sports, swimming and much more as they develop and build self-confidence. The energy of the camp is lively, playful and warm, as both campers and staff develop lifelong friendships. 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. At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the campers. 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 inclusive. 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 staff 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 and camp staff.

Requirements

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration or equivalent experience planning and leading team-building and outdoor adventure games for children
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience working with a variety of equipment and facilities (low-ropes course, woods exploration, obstacle courses) and ensuring safety of all involved
• Customer service experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.
• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities
• Excellent group management skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staff
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities
• Creativity, flexibility and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needs
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Passion and expertise in sewing and costume design and production

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead age-appropriate activities in your specialty area
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during activities
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill-building and exploration
• Work in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experience
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campers
• Support camp-wide special events and large-group programming as assigned
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)
• 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

• Free bus service for staff
• JCC Health & Fitness center access
• Supportive, vibrant in-person work environment
• Competitive starting pay rate
• Access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton
• Seasonal access to the JCC Fitness Center during active seasonal employment
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED