Head Camp Counselor

Division: Department:  Summer Day Camp at the 14Y NTDC

Job Classification: Seasonal

Educational Alliance, a 128-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation.    

EdAlliance “Perks” 

• Free Gym Membership 
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance 

JOB PURPOSE  

Be responsible for the well-being and safety of campers at NTDC. Create a camp environment for the children that fosters inquiry, exploration, and respect. Inspire camper’s innate curiosity and facilitate a positive environment. Facilitate communication with camper’s families and document camper’s experiences. Collaborate with the camp team to create plans and projects that reflect the open-ended process-driven, child-led philosophy of the 14Y early childhood programs.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Lead campers through daily activities and plan classroom choice time.
• Communicate with families about the classroom happenings.   
• Be fully engaged in all specials from art to swimming: this includes getting in the pool with the camp team. 
• Collaborate with staff and administration to create a meaningful camp experience.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Planning, Preparation, and Safety

• Assume the responsibility for the health, safety, and well-being of campers. (Including a record of incident/illness and concerns.)
• Document camp activities and share daily with camper’s families.
• Plan weekly brief morning chats with your camp team to discuss concerns and plans.

Camp Environment

• Plan a camp environment with inquiry, exploration, and respect in mind. 
• Create a warm, inclusive camp where children and families feel welcome. 
• Organize physical camp with materials in a way that is inviting and accessible for children

Interactions with Children

• Speak and listen to children with respect and mindfulness. 
• Manage the whole group while giving individual attention. 
• Manage transitions, routines, and support camp activities, led by experts in swim, soccer, art, music, and more. 
• Engage students in exploration in encouraging process, not product. 
• Coach children through understanding their feeling and creating space to problem solve conflicts with their peers. 

Relationships with Families

• Build respectful and reciprocal relationships with families. 
• Communicate consistently with families with pictures and updates.  

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff and manage professional relationships with colleagues. 
• Mentor Associate and Assistant counselors
• Be reflective, asks questions, willingness to explore new options, and make mistakes 
• Show professionalism, including integrity, ethical conduct, and decision making 

Camp Extras

• Participate in all camp activities, including swimming in the pool 
• Attend all days of staff orientation 
• Commit to all seven weeks of camp 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge 

• Pursuing or holding a MA in education or related  field and/or five years plus experience working full-time Preschool/School environment  
• Minimum 3 years of professional teaching experience in an early childhood setting 
• Strong oral and written communication with families, children, and co-workers 

Role Key Competencies

Building Trust 

Communication 

Energy/Positivity  

Adaptability 

Stress Tolerance 

EEO Info

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.