Day Camp @ The JCC - Group Leader (Summer 2027)

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan is looking for compassionate, responsible Group Leaders to join our Day Camp @ The JCC staff! Day Camp @ The JCC is a joyful, Jewish summer camp for children ages 3-8 on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Our staff come from diverse backgrounds and all share the same enthusiasm and motivation for working with children. Counselors are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experience, and serve as positive role models and team players for campers and staff. This position requires enthusiasm, patience, positivity, and a genuine love of and interest in working with children.

Group Leaders are responsible, enthusiastic, and highly motivated individuals with a knowledge of and passion for early childhood development and learning. They work in a leadership role, as they manage both the daily activities and well-being of their campers and lead their co-counselors in planning and running their camp group. Group Leaders collaborate with their co-counselors and the Leadership Team to create a warm and safe environment for young campers who are beginning their camp experience.

Day Camp @ The JCC is in session from June 15th, 2027 through August 12th, 2027. The schedule for Day Camp @ The JCC is 8:00am-4:30pm.

Day Camp @ The JCC Staff Orientation is June 7th, 2027 through June 14th, 2027, with times to be determined.

Day Camp @ The JCC Pack Up Day is August 13th, 2027.

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan

Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings-spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting-edge health and wellness, thought-provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well-being, and find a deep sense of belonging.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead their group of 15-18 children and 3-4 co-counselors through their daily schedule of camp activities
• Serve as a role model for campers and staff (especially the staff in their bunk) by participating in all activities, using positive, strengths-based language, and implementing classroom management strategies
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers by effectively demonstrating and upholding the camp's hands-on and child-centered approach to working with children
• Maintain meaningful and frequent communication with families through email, phone calls, and meetings to share information about group activities, communicate about a camper's progress, and share successes and challenges (if they arise)
• Work in partnership with the Care + Inclusion Team, specialists, and directors to support the unique strengths and challenges of their campers
• Discuss camper involvement and concerns with directors
• Participate in weekly all-staff meetings

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.

Requirements

• Currently works in the field(s) of Education, Special Education, Child Care, Psychology, or Social Work
• Has at least 1-2 years of experience working with young children in a school, camp, or child care setting
• Holds or is working toward a graduate degree in one of the fields listed above (preferred)
• Has experience communicating and partnering with families
• Is organized and has strong time management skills
• Is comfortable communicating their thoughts, ideas, and plans with a team
• Possess exceptional engagement and relationship-building skills, with comfort communicating with children
• Previous experience working at a camp or similar setting (preferred)

What We Offer

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
• Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
• Investment in professional development and leadership skills
• Free fitness membership for the pool and health club

Work Location

• Our Community Center is located on the Upper West Side.

Compensation

• This position offers a salary of $5,800-$6,500 for the Summer Camp season, commensurate with experience.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.