Summer Camp Counselor - June 2025 to August 2025

Supervisor: Division Supervisor

 New Country Day Camp is an open-tent community that celebrates and sustains joyful, outdoor summer experiences where all can thrive. We maintain a proud legacy as a Jewish camp, comprised of a multicultural community, representing and celebrating the heartbeat of NYC. We build meaningful connections with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us through innovative programming that is rooted in Jewish tradition and guided by universal values.  

New Country Day Camp is a 7-week, outdoor summer camp for campers in kindergarten-8th grade. NCDC operates M-F, 8am-5pm and provides transportation for staff and campers to and from our campgrounds on Staten Island via multiple locations throughout Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. NCDC is a neurodiverse camp community, and all staff members are responsible for supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical campers and staff to have successful summers. 

JOB PURPOSE

Counselors are enthusiastic, highly motivated, and responsible role models who are directly responsible for the well-being of campers at New Country Day Camp from June 27th to August 8th with the option to work an additional week of camp from August 11th to August 14th. Required to attend staff orientation on weekday evenings and two weekend days in June.

Campers receive their Division assignment based on their age. Each Division is comprised of small groups of 12-16 campers. Counselors are primarily responsible for guiding their assigned group of campers through the day’s activities, encouraging engagement in activities, and providing social and emotional support as needed. 

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Direct client group: Campers ages 4-13
• Directly supervised by Division Supervisors
• Will collaborate with Co-Counselors, Support Specialists, and CITs, as assigned 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Attend all days of staff orientation before camp (weeknights some weekend days in June)
• Attend all days of camp and after-camp staff meetings during the summer
• Communicate regularly and effectively with supervisor
• Work harmoniously with assigned co-counselor(s)
• Work harmoniously with Support Specialists 
• Maintain standards of camp conduct, behavior management protocols, and inclusion
• When working with campers and fellow staff, uphold and implement NCDC camp values (Personal Growth, Empathy, Respect, and Passion)

Camp Activities

• Assume responsibility for the physical and mental health and safety of campers
• Keep a record of camper attendance, activity, behavior, and injuries/accidents
• Actively participate in and encourage camper participation in all camp activities including getting into the pool and assisting lifeguards during instructional swim
• Provide quality supervision at all times (e.g. on the bus, in locker rooms during changing periods, during lunch, throughout swim periods and all transitional periods)
• Ensure campers receive snacks and lunches while considering any dietary restrictions or food allergies
• Assist bus supervisors with camper needs on the bus ride to and from camp 
• Encourage all campers to participate & be their on-site daily support system 
• Focus on social dynamics & friendship building of assigned camper group
• Act as a mentor to campers as they progress through their individual social-emotional learning journeys
• Work collaboratively with fellow counselors, Support Specialists, and Supervisors to create an optimal environment for neurodivergent campers 
• Provide daily and weekly camper progress updates to Division Supervisor, when necessary

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge and Ability

• Availability to attend all days of camp from June 27^th to August 8^th or 14^th and all staff orientation dates throughout June
• Currently pursuing a college degree, a high school diploma (minimum), or have related professional experience working with children or in education
• Willingness to learn about and participate in Jewish culture and traditions
• Enjoys working in a fully outdoor camp setting
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, flexible, ability to work in a fast-paced environment 
• Previous experience working with children from diverse cultural and social backgrounds
• Ability to learn and implement NCDC’s restorative approach to behavior management 
• Experience working with neurodivergent children and/or children with disabilities is a plus 

Role Key Competencies

• Approachable   
• Communicative   
• Team Player   
• Takes Initiative 
• Inclusive   
• Committed to NCDC Mission and Values  

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.