Senior Camp Counselor

Job summary

The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for planning and delivering engaging, safe, and inclusive programming for children aged 5-9 while upholding Jewish values. They also provide daily guidance to Junior Counselors and maintain professional communication with families.

Job details

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.

What you’ll do

The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for planning and delivering engaging, safe, and inclusive programming for children aged 5-9 while upholding Jewish values. They also provide daily guidance to Junior Counselors and maintain professional communication with families.

Requirements

Candidates must have prior experience working with children in a camp, school, or youth program setting. A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is required, along with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Childcare
• Program Planning
• Leadership
• Behavior Management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Conflict Resolution
• Safety Supervision
• Mentoring
• Administrative Tasks
• Interpersonal Skills
• Professionalism
• Inclusive Programming
• Crisis Management
• Disinfecting
• Positive Reinforcement
• Energetic
• Administrative Functions
• Planning
• Working With Children
• Management
• Problem Solving
• Operations
• Collaboration
• Program Flow

Job areas

• Education
• Social Services
• Sports & Recreation
• Administrative
• Camp Counselor
• Recreation / Activities Worker
• Fitness and Recreation Instructors and Programme Leaders
• Recreation Workers