Outdoor Adventure Specialist, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

About the role

Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, draws creative campers interested in the arts, science and the outdoors. Camp Counselors and activity specialists guide campers in drama, art, science, sports, swimming and much more as they develop and build self-confidence.

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
• Auxiliary duties as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)

Requirements

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration or equivalent experience planning and leading team-building and outdoor adventure games for children
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience working with a variety of equipment and facilities (low-ropes course, woods exploration, obstacle courses) and ensuring safety of all involved
• Customer service experience preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in sewing and costume design and production
• 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.
• Able to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of 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.

Benefits

In addition to offering rewarding work and great career opportunities within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers employees the generous benefits listed below.

• JCC Fitness Center access
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as 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
• Individual autonomy
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable