Basketball Coach / Instructor, JCC Sports Camp, Summer Day Camp

About the role

JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Sports Specialists to design and lead engaging athletic activities for children in grades K–8 at our summer day camp in Newton, MA. Specialists are role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, play, and build confidence through physical activity. Age groups include grades K–1, 2–3, 4–6, and 7–8. 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.

What you will do each day

You’ll spend your day teaching sports skills and leading games. You’ll plan age-appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.

Example sports & games activities

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Floor Hockey
• Kickball
• Dodgeball
• Wiffle Ball
• Flag Football
• Ultimate Frisbee
• And more

Why work with us

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

Primary 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.)

Standard staff expectations

• 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 represent the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Job details

This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. The 8‑week camp program runs June 21 – August 20, including staff training. While we prefer candidates who are available all summer, we recognize that candidates may have other obligations and are happy to work with your schedule. Competitive starting pay rate of $18 per hour (the pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity). Great perks include JCC Health & Fitness center access and a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, 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 connections, 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 rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive.

Requirements

Education and experience

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
• Customer service experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria

Skills and abilities

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area (arts, sports, music, cooking, science, etc.)
• 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

Physical requirements

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time (rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors) to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30–40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

Benefits

JCCGB Perks! Each seasonal employee is eligible for access to JCC Greater Boston's top‑class fitness, recreation, and wellness facility in Newton.

• Seasonal access to the JCC Fitness Center includes use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal‑Sidman JCC during active seasonal employment
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability

A great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them