Advocate Camp Counselor for Children with Special Needs, Camp Kaleidoscope

Laughter. Fun. Making a difference every day. Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, draws creative campers interested in the arts, science, and the outdoors. Each summer, we serve a population of campers with special needs and are committed to fully including them in activities with their peers. Advocate Camp Counselors partner with their co-counselors to create an inclusive group dynamic while facilitating accommodations based on ICPs (Individual Camper Plans) to fully include campers with special needs in their peer groups and activities throughout the camp day. Activities include drama, art, science, sports, swimming, and more as campers develop self-confidence. The energy of the camp is lively, playful, and warm as campers and staff develop lifelong friendships.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of campers in structured and unstructured time
• Creating a fun/joyful dynamic
• Working in partnership with co-counselors to create an inclusive group dynamic and facilitate accommodations to include campers with special needs with their peers fully
• Working in partnership with peers and Camp Leadership to provide a happy, safe, and memorable summer for the children
• Leading or co-leading activities
• Mentoring counselors in training

Lower and Middle Camp Counselors work with campers entering grades K - 3. They assist in specialist-led activities and lead fun group games with their campers. They support and nurture campers throughout the day.

Upper Camp Counselors work with campers entering grades 4 - 8. They lead or assist in various activities, including theater, dance, video production, sports, boating, fencing, music, art, costuming, and more.

Skills you gain while being a summer camp counselor:

• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Build your resume with hands-on experience working with children with special needs
• Ability to "think on your feet"
• Social/emotional knowledge
• Problem-solving techniques
• Project management skills
• Leadership skills
• Collaboration experience
• And much more

Schedule

The full camp season is June 17 - August 16, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays. While a full summer commitment is preferred for this summer role, there is some flexibility.

Requirements

Must have completed 10th grade (or equivalent). Concentration in or experience supporting Special Needs, Special Education, or similar field of study and/or comparable experience preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience working with children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
• Leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Organization Information

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connection, learning and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey staff gave a rating of close to 90% positive for their experiences of direct management and organizational alignment. If you are interested in upgrading your working experience and/or having a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC 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 core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding position where you care for a community, the JCC Greater Boston provides competitive benefits, including:

• A competitive salary
• A fun, active work culture and community
• Complimentary summer access to the JCC Greater Boston facility in Newton – offering indoor swimming and workout facilities
• Parents working full time may have their child attend camp for free for the weeks they are working
• Outstanding working environment including convenient, free parking
• Camp Kaleidoscope offers free camp bus service from Cambridge, Brookline, Framingham, Sudbury, and Wayland.

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization.