Camp Counselor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp Newton, MA

Camp Counselor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

Newton, MA

Laughter. Fun. Being a role model and making a difference.

Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, draws creative campers interested in the arts, science and the outdoors. Camp Counselors and activity specialists guide campers in drama, art, science, sports, swimming and much more as they develop and build self‑confidence. The energy of the camp is lively, playful and warm, as both campers and staff develop lifelong friendships.

JCC Greater Boston offers free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Framingham, Sudbury, and Wayland during the season, making it possible for staff to receive transportation from their home communities if needed.

• Ensure the safety and well‑being of campers in structured and unstructured time
• Create a fun/joyful dynamic
• Work in partnership with peers and Camp Leadership to provide a happy, safe and memorable summer for the children
• Lead, co‑lead and/or facilitate and support activities with campers and co‑counselors, including arts, sports and swimming
• Participate in, and support camper during swim times (must be able to access the pool and swim with the campers)
• Mentor and guide counselors in training

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Enthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access, a supportive, vibrant in‑person work environment, and a competitive starting pay rate of $15 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

This 8‑week camp program is June 23 – August 15. While we prefer candidates who are available all summer, we recognize that candidates may have other obligations and are happy to work with your schedule.

Work with campers entering grades K – 3. They assist in specialist‑led activities and lead fun group games with their campers. They support and nurture campers throughout the day.

Work with campers entering grades 4 – 8. They lead or assist in a variety of activities, including theater, dance, video production, sports, boating, fencing, music, art, costuming and more.

• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to "think on your feet"
• Social/emotional knowledge
• Problem‑solving techniques
• Project management skills
• Leadership skills
• Collaboration experience
• Flexibility

Education and Experience

• Eligible for work permit
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, babysitting, coaching, other) experience working with children

Skills and Abilities

• Enjoy working with children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
• Safety awareness and ability to communicate any issues and concerns with supervisors
• Exhibits leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
• Demonstrates positive attitude at all times
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co‑workers, and camp leadership
• Self‑starter who takes the initiative
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships

Physical Requirements

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in…