Camp Lil Chai Certified Teacher

Under the supervision of Unit Heads and/or Assistant Unit Heads, the Lil Chai Certified Teacher plays a vital role in fostering a positive and developmentally appropriate experience for our youngest campers. Replacing the traditional Senior Counselor role, this position is designed for an experienced educator with strong classroom and behavior management skills suited to the unique needs of 5-year-olds. The Lil Chai Certified Teacher ensures a nurturing, engaging, and structured environment aligned with Jewish values and early childhood best practices.

Candidates available for the camp season will be given priority consideration. This position is classified as a temporary and seasonal role. The Jewish Community Center is an EOE (equal opportunity employer).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being—social, emotional, and physical—of all Lil Chai campers during daily activities and field trips.
• Create a welcoming, structured, and supportive environment that encourages learning through play and exploration.
• Utilize strong behavior management techniques to foster positive interactions and social-emotional growth among campers.
• Monitor and support campers’ hydration, sun protection, and general well-being throughout the day.
• Facilitate and participate in all camp activities, including special events, field trips, family nights, and overnights (if applicable).
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate 30–45-minute activities 4–5 times per week, in collaboration with the Unit Head and fellow staff. Activities should be fun, safe, and thoughtfully planned to include a variety of learning modalities, including sensory play, cooperative games, hands-on crafts, movement, and storytelling.
• Serve as a role model for campers, incorporating Jewish values such as Masa (journey), B’tzelem Elohim (recognizing the divine spark in each person), Brit (fostering loving-kindness), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
• Adapt activities to meet diverse learning needs and developmental levels of 5-year-olds.
• Collaborate with the Unit Head to execute and adjust daily schedules to maintain a well-paced and engaging camp day.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom space that promotes a sense of safety and comfort for campers.
• Oversee snack and lunch times, ensuring all campers eat properly, and lead Blessings before meals. Blessing cards provided for Jewish and non-Jewish staff who are unfamiliar with blessings.
• Supervise free swim by actively engaging with campers in the pool and ensuring water safety.
• Maintain accurate camper attendance records and communicate absences or concerns to the Unit Head/Assistant Unit Head.
• Document meaningful camper experiences and progress throughout each session.
• Assist in daily communication with parents when necessary, providing insight into camper experiences and achievements.
• Participate in all assigned work hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, most days) and attend staff meetings and required camp events.
• Support and integrate MESSH (Mental, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Health) initiatives into the camp day, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Encourage personal responsibility among campers by helping them maintain their belongings and supporting lost and found efforts.
• Work collaboratively with Counselors, mentoring and providing guidance when needed.
• Ensure campers remain within assigned spaces and maintain appropriate supervision at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified Teacher (Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education preferred) with experience in classroom management and child development.
• Experience working with young children (ages 5–6) in a structured educational or camp setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff and caregivers.
• Enthusiastic, engaging, and committed to creating a positive and enriching camp experience.
• Dependable and punctual, demonstrating professionalism in appearance, manner, and tone.
• Ability to adjust programming and activities to meet the needs of young learners while fostering a joyful and inclusive camp environment.
• Passion for fostering early childhood development through play-based learning and structured activities.
• Commitment to upholding the values and mission of Camp Chai and the Jewish Community Center.

It is expected the Senior Counselor will be a team player as part of the JCC Camp Staff. They are expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement and work within the frameworks of that mission. Responsibilities of the job may be changed as the needs of the JCC and/or community change.