Overnight Camp Counselor

KESHET•, IL

1d•$14 - $17•Remote

About The Position

Are you looking for a meaningful and fun way to spend your summer? Join Keshet as a camp counselor and make a lasting impact by supporting campers with disabilities at one of our overnight camp programs. As a Keshet counselor, you'll work directly with one to three campers, helping them with their daily needs—both physical and emotional—and making sure they can fully participate in all that camp has to offer. This might include modifying activities, providing personal support, and encouraging social interaction within the group. Your job is not just to support the camper—but also to help build a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. You’ll play a key role in helping both campers and staff learn how to include and celebrate each camper’s strengths, making camp a fun and enriching place for all. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, grow your leadership skills, and make a real difference—all while having an unforgettable summer.

Requirements

Willingness to learn and implement best practices for supporting campers with disabilities in a recreational setting
Demonstrated understanding of or openness to learning about Jewish cultural practices, values, and traditions
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, campers, and families
Patience, empathy, and adaptability in working one-on-one with campers who may have behavioral, emotional, or physical support needs
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all campers
Ability to follow individualized plans and guidance provided by supervisors or behavioral specialists

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children, especially in educational, recreational, or therapeutic settings (preferred but not required)

Responsibilities

Act as a primary staff member for campers, supervising children’s health, safety and personal belongings. This may include assisting in the bathroom/shower and with food needs.
Participate alongside campers while supervising in camp activities. This requires being in the water every day, unless specific arrangements have been made prior to hiring.
Actively engage in camp activities with enthusiasm to create a positive, enjoyable environment for all campers.
Integration of camper(s) into camp activities and the group, and in the care of and planning for all campers.
Monitoring of use and care of equipment.
Advocating that every camper has what they need.
Providing support and clear communication for other staff members. This may include coaching, modeling, and assisting with camper needs.
Communication with your site director(s), assistant site director(s), and head counselors regarding camper behavior(s).
Inform the leadership team of any planned absences before the summer begins.
In the event of an emergency or unexpected circumstance during the summer, please notify your supervisor the evening before or at least within three hours prior to the start of the camp day.
Attend weekly staff meetings of the host site and/or Keshet.