Camp Counselor

Shemesh Day Camp is the largest day camp in the state and the premiere Jewish Day Camp for kids in Kindergarten through 10th grade. Campers participate in a variety of specials and counselor-led activities, including gym games, art, drama, movement, STEM, Ninja Course, Gaga, field trips, and more over the course of 11 exciting weeks.

The Summer Camp Counselor, under the supervision of the Director & Assistant Director of Youth and Camp Services, serves as a member of the Valley of the Sun J’s professional staff with responsibilities that, at times, extend beyond the limits of their specialized functions. The individual works within the framework of the overall agency program and objectives while focusing primarily on the following:  

REQUIRED SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

· Positive and professional attitude at all times

· High energy and enthusiasm

· Love of working with kids and excitement about helping them grow

· High sense of responsibility, integrity, ethical standards, empathy, patience, and compassion

· Ability to adapt to changes in routine while keeping calm and organized

· Excellent communication and teamwork skills

· Safety-conscious and comfortable maintaining calm during emergencies and handling sensitive and/or confidential information

· Comfort with silliness, including participation in camp chants and dress-up days

· Ability and comfort with integrating Jewish values into daily activities to promote growth, respect, and caring

DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES 

· Attend all required pre-camp and ongoing training sessions

· Supervise groups of 16-20 children, depending on age and grade (Kindergarten through 10th grade)

· Implement pre-planned activities and plan activities when called upon. 

· Manage transitions between activities 

· Follow the daily schedule to ensure campers are where they need to be, at all times 

· Follow the daily attendance and check out process in accordance with outlined protocol and safety measures 

· Watch campers in all spaces, checking for and promoting safety 

· Communicate effectively with children, peers, supervisors, fellow facility staff, and families 

· Respect supplies and spaces by keeping all spaces organized and clean

· Utilize radio appropriately (i.e. frequent communication, always having radio on person, keeping radio away from children, returning it to the charging station before leaving) 

· Additional duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / DEMANDS

· Standing, walking, repetitive motions, bending, stretching, going up and down stairs, swimming, lifting up to 20 pounds 

· Ability to walk, stand, and perform essential job duties in excessive heat

EDUCATION / SPECIALIZED TRAINING

· Must be at least 16 years old and actively enrolled in high school, college, and/or have a high school diploma/GED/equivalent 

· Background check (for those 18 and older) 

· Acquisition of an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance card, CPR certification and First Aid certification 

· Fingerprint clearance card approved 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

· Previous childcare, teaching, youth coaching, and/or camp counselor experience preferred 

· Flexibility, time management skills, and a positive attitude required