summer camp

Camp Staff Information

Being part of the JCC Summer Day Camp staff is a unique and rewarding experience. Teachers, college students and high school students all have a place on our staff. We also offer a Councelor-in-Training (CIT) program for students entering the 9th and 10th grades.

Contact: Camp Director - Uptown, Ari Marks, at 897.0143 or ari@nojcc.org, or Camp Director - Metairie, Jessica Klein, at 887.5158 or jessicak@nojcc.org , or Camp CIT / Teen Director- Uptown, Jake Lipsman, at 897.0143 or jake@nojcc.org

JCC 2012 Summer Day Camp Job Descriptions

If you would like to be considered for a position as a counselor, specialist or CIT, please complete either the 2012 Counselor Application or the 2012 CIT Application and provide no less than two Reference Forms.

Drama Specialist

• Must be a high school graduate to apply.
• At least 2 years experience in drama instruction with children ages 3 – 11.
• Able to provide a written curriculum
• Able to prepare performances to be held every other week.
• Ability to instruct and engage with a group of children in a classroom setting with a wide variety of experience.
• Significant experience in creative lesson planning for 45-minute blocks of time.
• Must commit to the full 8 week camp season.

Visual Arts Specialist

• Must be a high school graduate to apply.
• At least 2 years experience in art instruction with children ages 3 – 11.
• Ability to instruct a group of children in a classroom setting with a wide variety of experience.
• Significant experience in creative lesson planning for 45-minute blocks of time.
• Must commit to the full 8 week camp season.

Music Specialist

• Must be a high school graduate to apply.
• At least 2 years experience in music instruction with children ages 3 – 11.
• Guitar proficiency is a must, singing skills preferred.
• Must be comfortable leading an auditorium full of children in song.
• Must be comfortable leading Jewish songs. Position includes leading weekly Shabbat sing-along.

Sports Specialist

• Must be a high school graduate to apply.
• Responsible for planning age-appropriate sports activities for children ages 3 – 11.
• Knowledge of traditional team/individual sports as well as “camp” sports required.
• Creative lesson planning for 45-minute blocks.
• Emphasis on safe play, teamwork development and self-esteem.
• Most instruction takes place in our indoor gym, with occasional outdoor sessions.

Head Teacher

• College graduates with at least 2 years experience with children OR applicants with 4 or more years of camping experience.
• Main responsibilities include: developing classroom activities, serving as the primary responder to all behavioral issues, mediating conflicts, and working with Camp Director to initiate communication with parents. Also responsible for knowing each camper’s special needs (physical, emotional, family and psychological issues, medications, allergies, dynamics between campers, etc.)
• Engage in specialist activities (drama, arts and crafts, sports, etc.), actively participate in free swim sessions, and aid lifeguards to ensure pool safety.
• Must be comfortable directing and supervising support staff, working with children in a classroom setting, and managing conflicts.
• Skills required: organization, creativity, the ability to ensure the safety of your campers at all times, delegation of daily responsibilities, maintenance of accurate attendance logs, etc.
• Must set a positive example for his/her peers and younger staff members.
• Reports directly to the Camp Director
• Salary is based on experience.

Senior Counselor

• Must be at least 18 years of age with at least 2 years experience working with young children
• Primary responsibilities include: assisting the Head Teacher with daily activities and conflict management, paying close attention to camper dynamics, adding to camp morale and spirit, reporting all incidents and important observations to the Head Teacher.
• Engage in specialist activities, actively participate in free swim sessions, and aid lifeguards to ensure pool safety.
• Maintains “Boo boo reports” (minor injury reports and action taken).
• Act as mentor to Junior Counselors and Counselors-in-Training; sets a positive & proactive example.
• Reports directly to Head Teacher
• Salary is based on experience.

Junior Counselor

• Must be entering the 11th or 12th grade
• At least one year experience working with children is preferred.
• Helps maintain order and organization within camp unit.
• High-energy, enthusiastic, creative, open-minded, ready for anything!
• Brainstorms ideas for rainy day activities for classroom and helps to implement them.
• Set positive example of work ethic and interacting positively with young children
• Engage in specialist activities, actively participate in free swim sessions, and aid lifeguards to ensure pool safety.
• Responsible for coordination of lunchtime: distributes camper lunches, tends to children as needed, makes sure all campers are seated with their group and escorts campers to the restroom as needed.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

The counselor-in-training (CIT) program encourages responsible young teens to work with a variety of age groups with a strong focus on developing leadership capabilities, communication skills, patience and program planning. Supplemented by specialized training sessions and teambuilding exercises, CITs leave with a heightened sense of self-worth and confidence in their own abilities in both social and educational environments. CITs must commit to a minimum of four consecutive weeks. A personal interview and pre-camp training sessions are required. Counselors-in-Training will receive a stipend for their hard work and dedication upon the successful completion of the program. This program is a member-only opportunity.

CIT REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be entering the 9th or 10th grade and JCC members
• Serves as the support for your unit in all daily activities
• CITs are vital in bridging the gap between camper and counselor. CITs are the closest in age to campers, so naturally a camper will mirror the actions and words of the CIT and look to you most often for guidance.
• Although not a full staff member, CITs are expected to participate in all staff training sessions, attend all mandatory events, and conduct themselves accordingly.
• Specific responsibilities include: bringing daily attendance sheets to and from the camp office and to arrival and dismissal
• Engage in specialist activities, actively participate in free swim sessions, and aid lifeguards to ensure pool safety
• Skills required: an open-minded attitude, desire to learn, responsible, creative, etc.

To be considered for a position as a CIT, please complete the 2012 CIT Application and no less than two Reference Forms.

Contact: Camp CIT / Teen Director- Uptown, Jake Lipsman, at 897.0143 or jake@nojcc.org or Camp Director - Metairie, Jessica Klein, at 887.5158 or jessicak@nojcc.org