Unit Head / Division Head, Camp Kaleidoscope, JCC Summer Day Camp

About the role

JCC Greater Boston is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic Unit Heads to join their Leadership Team this summer. Unit Heads are the heart of camp leadership, ensuring the camp day runs smoothly to maximize fun while keeping everyone safe.

Responsibilities

• Mentor counselors, support positive group dynamics, and step in to problem-solve when needed.
• Model patience, professionalism, and camp spirit while helping create a safe, inclusive, and joyful experience for every camper.
• 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.
• Auxiliary in camp-wide special events and large-group programming as assigned.
• Auxiliary in overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.).

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of approximately 20 Counselors and seasonal camp staff as assigned.
• Work with Camp Director to streamline communications and manage priorities.
• Coordinate, supervise and evaluate staff.
• Train staff during staff training week.
• Schedule and lead staff meetings during the summer.
• Provide ongoing coaching and oversight for staff.

Qualifications

• High school degree required.
• College degree, concentration or equivalent experience in Education or similar field of study and/or comparable experience preferred.
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) experience teaching or program planning for children in a variety of settings.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Educational equivalency 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.
• Able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships.
• Able 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 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

• Seasonal Access to the JCC Fitness Center during active seasonal employment.
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.