What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teen Travel Camp Counselor position at Jewish Community Center Of Dallas?
The Teen Travel Camp (TTC) Counselor will work collaboratively with the Youth & Teen Services Director to create an engaging and exciting six-week program for 7th-9th grade teenagers. The program includes both local field trips and out-of-town travel. When camp is in town, counselors will spend five days a week chaperoning, mentoring, and guiding teens on field trips and helping facilitate volunteer projects throughout the metroplex. As a TTC Counselor, you'll supervise, engage, and ensure the safety of campers while exploring new places and creating lifelong memories. Candidates who are available for the entire camp season will be given priority. This position is classified as Part-Time, seasonal, non-exempt and is not benefits eligible. The Jewish Community Center of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
This summer, counselors will travel with campers to:
- California (June 16–20)
- Chicago & Wisconsin (July 7–11)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Supervise, actively engage with, and participate alongside campers (ages 11-14) during daily off-site field trips and structured on-site activities, including games and team-building exercises.
- Provide 24/7 supervision and engagement during overnight trips, ensuring campers' safety, well-being, and participation in all activities.
- Collaborate with staff and leadership to plan, develop, and implement special programs, including on-campus activities and field trip logistics.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive camp environment where campers feel safe, encouraged, and excited to try new experiences while serving as a trusted and approachable mentor.
- Ensure the social, emotional, and physical health and safety of all campers.
- Create a welcoming environment that reflects the camp's commitment to community and care.
- Work collaboratively with the TTC behavior specialist to address and mitigate teenage challenges.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm in actions, language, and behavior.
- Follow JCC safety guidelines at all times—never leaving a camper or group unattended—to ensure camper safety and accountability.
- Assist with planning and organizing travel logistics, including transportation, lodging, meals, and activity coordination.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with campers, staff, and camp leadership, providing timely updates and addressing concerns.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, adaptability, and enthusiasm in all aspects of camp life.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Director to support an outstanding camp experience.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position operates in both indoor and outdoor settings. Staff will experience varying weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, noise levels, and other environmental factors while supervising campers during on-site activities, local field trips, and overnight travel.
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available for the entire camp season from June 4th – July 18th, 2025
- Minimum age of 18 years with at least one year of completed college education
- Previous experience working with teenagers as a camp counselor or in other youth development settings
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model and maintain composure when interacting with teens
- Strong teamwork skills and collaborative mindset
- Comfort with travel via airplane and bus for overnight trips
- Proactive problem-solving abilities and willingness to seek assistance when appropriate
- Capability to manage emergency and crisis situations calmly and effectively
- Physical ability to stand, bend, squat, and lift up to 35 pounds as required for camp activities
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice as the needs of the JCC and/or community change.
It is expected that the Teen Travel Camp Counselor will be a team player as part of the JCC Professional Staff. He/she is expected to be aware of the JCC Mission Statement and work within the frameworks of that mission.
