Advocate Camp Counselor for children w​/disabilities, JCC Sports Camp, Summer

Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, JCC Sports Camp, Summer

JCC Greater Boston is looking for caring, patient, and enthusiastic Advocate Camp Counselors to join our Inclusion Team this summer. Advocate Counselors work directly with campers with disabilities and individualized needs, guided by Individual Camper Plans (ICPs) and supported by the Inclusion Team.

Each morning you'll connect with your camper, welcoming them and preparing them for the day. You'll help them join their bunk for activities—signposting the schedule, cheering them on during sports, modeling skills, providing hands‑on support in arts & crafts, or swimming with them. Throughout the day you’ll model patience, empathy, and creativity as you help campers navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

You’ll work closely with co‑counselors and the Inclusion Team to adapt supports as needed, ensuring every camper feels safe, supported, and fully included.

Staff describe the camp as fun, dynamic, and inviting. You’ll gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and help create unforgettable experiences for campers and yourself.

• Partner with co‑counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic and implement accommodations from camper ICPs
• Advocate for camper strengths, needs, and abilities while encouraging independence and participation
• Support campers in engaging fully with bunk life and activities (arts, sports, swimming, special events)
• Ensure safety and well‑being of campers during structured and unstructured times
• Participate in and support campers during swim times (must be able to access and swim with campers)
• Communicate regularly with co‑counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support
• Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers

• Create a welcoming dynamic 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 through role modeling
• Represent the organization enthusiastically, modeling excellence and achievement
• Attend meetings and trainings as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

• 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

Position:
Hourly, seasonal (8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday). Pay:
Starting at $15 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and internal equity. Perks include free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton, and Wellesley, access to JCC Fitness Center, and more.

Program duration: 8 weeks, June 22 – August 21, including staff training. Flexible scheduling available.

Since 1983, JCC Greater Boston has created an inclusive, diverse community through early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes. The organization values belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation and is committed to celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability.

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

• Enjoy working with children and desire to make a difference daily
• Safety awareness and ability to communicate issues and concerns
• Leadership skills—including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
• Positive attitude at all times
• Commitment to building strong relationships with campers, co‑workers, and camp leadership
• Self‑starter who…