Sid Jacobson JCC (SJJCC) is the only full-service JCC on Long Island's North Shore in Nassau County. SJJCC provides cutting-edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural arts, and social services programs. SJJCC is a national leader in providing care for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and other degenerative illnesses. In addition, SJJCC offers year-round social, recreational, fitness, and vocational programs for children, teens, and adults with special needs. SJJCC is Long Island's hub that addresses social justice, uses social action to better our society, and provides volunteers with the opportunity to give back.
Camp Kehilla, a Sid Jacobson JCC summer experience, is designed to make the typical camp experience accessible to those with various special needs. Our approach allows for a customized summer for children ages 5-21 years with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions. By combining typical camp activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, and sports with evidence-based social facilitation techniques, campers have an opportunity to forge friendships and develop social skills in an environment that closely resembles that of a neurotypical setting. The flexible structure of camp promotes the ability for each camper’s individual strengths to flourish, which helps craft a personalized experience for everyone who attends.
Each Counselor team member of the Camp Kehilla will create a safe and enjoyable environment for our campers and staff while maintaining the high quality of programming associated with Camp Kehilla. The counselor is responsible for promoting inclusion of campers who need additional support in a fun, safe, and enriching camp experience. The counselor will also need to orient, monitor, and encourage the campers through day-to-day activities. The counselor will need to foster positive relationship skills between them and their campers, as well as between their campers and their campers’ peers.
Essential Responsibilities for Counselors:
· Meet the individual needs of each assigned camper
· Must oversee and support assigned campers in all aspects of the camp day
· Adapt activities and provide additional assistance as needed to help campers engage in camp programming
· Active participation and engagement in activities with campers at all times and assist specialists as needed
· Support campers socially by serving as role models and by helping to foster friendships
· Provide appropriate feedback to their group leader in order to monitor the goals and outcomes of the children during the program sessions
· Communicate with supervisory staff about issues in regards to campers or other staff
· Follow all employment policies and procedures of the Sid Jacobson JCC, including but not limited to those detailed in the JCC Employee Handbook and Camp Kehilla Staff Handbook
· Attendance at all staff meetings, group meetings/trainings, and camp orientation is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Must be at least 17 years old and entering their senior year in High School
· Previous camp experience and previous experience working with children
· Must possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Preferred Skills:
· Passion for working with children who have developmental disabilities
· Exhibit kindness, patience, and compassion
· Ability to take skills learned during trainings and apply them to the daily aspects of camp
· Excellent organizational skills
· Flexibility and ability to multi task and make decisions in a fast paced environment
· Demonstration of positive attitude and willingness to participate with children in all activities
· Good interpersonal skills to work collaboratively in a team environment
· Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift to 35 pound
Sid Jacobson JCC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.