Traditional Program Lead

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The JCC Ranch Camp is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Traditional Program Leads for the summer season. This role involves creating and facilitating a variety of engaging programs for campers of all ages, focusing on areas such as arts and crafts, music, theatre, dance, tie dye, farm and garden, and STEM. The position requires a commitment to providing a safe, fun, and memorable experience for campers, while also contributing to a positive and inclusive camp community. Staff members are expected to be actively involved in camp life, acting as role models and mentors to campers.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age or 17 and graduated from high school.
One year experience in a child care setting or a vested interest in working in a professional child care setting.
One year experience teaching or leading arts activities in a child care or school setting.
Satisfactorily fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including: background screening, three references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS law.
Must be high-energy, enthusiastic, creative, and open-minded!
Must be able to attend staff orientations.
Must be available to live at camp for the summer season.
Must be able to work at least 5 – 6 weeks of the summer season.

Nice To Haves

One year experience in a camp environment.
Current CPR and First Aid certification.
Completed some college coursework or hold high school diploma (GED) or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Create and run multiple programs each day for campers of all ages in the traditional program (arts and crafts, music, theatre, dance, tie dye, farm and garden, and STEM) that are safe, fun, and memorable.
Document the programming you create for other staff members to use in the future.
Work with the program team to create and run engaging staff and all-camp programming.
Facilitate everything that happens in our traditional camp programs from the organization of materials to creating camper art galleries and performances to teaching kids about gardening and ecology to running camp crafts like tie dye.
Specialize in one branch of Traditional programming and hold additional responsibility for the quality, facilitation, and upkeep of that area: Arts and Crafts, Theatre, and Dance: Responsible for daily set up, clean up, and inventory of the art room, theatre space, and tie dye area. Also responsible for assisting in tie dye washing and drying.
Specialize in one branch of Traditional programming and hold additional responsibility for the quality, facilitation, and upkeep of that area: Music and Song Leading: Responsible for assisting in leading daily morning circles, campfires, Shabbat services, and other musical camp moments.
Specialize in one branch of Traditional programming and hold additional responsibility for the quality, facilitation, and upkeep of that area: Farming and Gardening: Responsible for animal care including feeding, watering, monitoring for illnesses, cleaning spaces, and ensuring animals are put away in the evenings and brought out in the mornings. Also responsible for ensuring the garden is appropriately watered and plants are being cared for.
Specialize in one branch of Traditional programming and hold additional responsibility for the quality, facilitation, and upkeep of that area: Israeli Culture: create programs to engage campers through activities, food, and games, while guiding campers to make meaningful connections to Israel and work with other program staff to infuse Israeli culture into other program areas.
Help develop programming for staff, such as Onegs, staff appreciation, or other events.
Help develop all-camp programming, such as evening programs or special days.
Work with the SIT (Staff in Training) program as a mentor.
Take care of campers by prioritizing their physical, social, emotional health, safety, and well-being.
Work as a team with co-staff to ensure daily operations run smoothly and complete daily camper notes.
Create an inclusive community for both staff and campers.
Participate actively in camp life, including activities like horseback riding, swimming, camping, games, singing, and roasting s'mores.
Maintain constant awareness of camper locations and activities.
Manage camper behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, enforcing safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules.
Be flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing camp environments.
Live in a bunk with co-staff and campers.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, such as creating special programs or participating in evening activities.