This role is responsible for planning and delivering engaging Jewish and Israeli programming woven into the daily camp experience for campers ages 4–12. The specialist will create meaningful activities, such as art projects, games, cooking experiences, storytelling, and hands-on programs that bring Jewish values, traditions, and Israeli culture to life. This person will collaborate with staff to integrate these experiences seamlessly into the camp curriculum, helping campers connect with community and culture in fun and age-appropriate ways.
We’re the secret sauce of summer for over 3,500 children throughout the Chicago area. Every summer, the Apachi Day Camps – each with its own special blend of camp – become the place where kids learn to spread their wings, test the waters, push their envelope and find their bliss. JCC Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers career opportunities, internships, and volunteer roles for all.
Important Dates:
All staff orientation week: June 8-12, 2026
Session 1: June 15-July 10, 2026 (no camp July 3rd)
Session 2: July 13-August 7, 2026
Post camp: August 10-14, 2026 (optional, additional week of pay)
Monday – Friday 8:45AM-3:30PM
Compensation range:
$4,774 – $5,774 stipend, depending on education and experience
Physical Requirements:
· Move around with children at their pace and be actively involved with children rather than just watching them.
· Supervise children, always keeping them in sight and sound.
· Be in a swimming pool up to one hour, observing and supervising children while in the water.
· Ability to assist in getting children on and off the bus and or cars.
· Able to ride on bus for a field trip and or bus route.
· Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant
supervision of children ages 3 – 12 years old.
· Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
· Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of the campers at camp.
· Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
· Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Prevent, circumvent, and deal with problem behaviors appropriately and effectively.
· Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.
· Ability to run up to 100 yards (in the case of an emergency).
· Able to lift/move children up to 45 lbs.
· Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
· Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
· Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
Educational Requirements:
· Staff must be 16 year of age or older.
· Some high school experience required.