Senior Camp Counselor

Our Mission

The JCC Camp Shalom is dedicated to creating a summer of adventure, excitement, and learning in a positive and safe environment. We combine a Jewish-conscious program with multiculturalism and diversity to foster a feeling of community. We believe in providing the childhood experience that enriches creative potential through action and positive reinforcement.

Position Summary:
The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for leading and delivering camp programming for children ages 5-9, ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment rooted in Jewish values. You will oversee the well-being of assigned campers both at the JCC and on outings.

Position Date: September 25, 2026 - June 1, 2027

Pay Rate: $18.25 - $26.50

Reports to: Camp Shalom Director & Camp Assistant Director

General Responsibilities

• Plan and support age-appropriate programming that reflects the goals and values of the Jewish Community Centre and Camp Shalom, with a focus on Jewish culture, values and fun.
  

• Create a positive, welcoming, and safe environment for campers, staff, and families.
  

• Work in alignment with the mission of the JCC Children’s & Youth Department and Camp Shalom.
  

• Provide guidance and direction to Junior Counselors.
  

• Be flexible and support camp operations as needed.
  

• Support required camper-to-staff ratios and basic administrative tasks, including organizing medical forms.
  

• Attend mandatory staff training.
  

• Complete other duties as assigned by the Camp Director.
  

Responsibilities with Staff

• Support the planning and delivery of daily camp programming.
  

• Oversee activities of Junior Counselors on a day-to-day basis and help them learn.
  

• Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with all staff.
  

• Help promote a positive, energetic, and supportive staff team environment.
  

Responsibilities with Children

• Actively participate in all areas of camp, including daily routines, activities, field trips, camping trips, mifkad (morning circle), rad hayom (end-of-day circle), and pick-up.
  

• Ensure campers are safe, supported, and meaningfully engaged in programming.
  

• Guide children using positive behaviour strategies and age-appropriate problem-solving.
  

• Encourage children to express themselves through respectful and supportive communication.
  

• Support behaviour management and act as a positive authority figure when needed.
  

• Plan and lead at least one activity per week with your group.
  

Responsibilities with Parents and Families

• Communicate with families in a respectful, professional, and confidential manner.
  

• Share daily program information and highlights.
  

• Follow family routines where possible within the group setting.
  

• Inform families of any concerns, incidents, disciplinary matters, or medical issues, and respond to questions as needed.
  

• Support ongoing communication between families and the camp team.
  

End of Program Responsibilities

• Assist with camp clean-up and inventory.
  

• Clean and disinfect camp spaces, equipment, and supplies.
  

• Help return and properly store all camp materials.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a camp, school, childcare, or youth program setting.
  

• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate activities and programming.
  

• Demonstrated ability to provide day-to-day guidance and oversight to Junior Counselors.
  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, families, and colleagues.
  

• Ability to model positive leadership, professionalism, and teamwork.
  

• Experience using positive behaviour guidance strategies.
  

• Ability to manage group routines, transitions, and daily program flow.
  

• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
  

• Ability to attend mandatory staff training and commit to the full camp period.

• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check required.