Madrichim (Camp Counselor)

Organization Summary: BBYO is the leading pluralistic, Jewish teen movement and has been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences for more than 90 years. We offer year-round activities in hundreds of local communities and inspiring world-wide travel experiences enabling teens to explore areas of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israel education and Jewish values. Learn more about BBYO’s summer and travel programs at bbyo.org/teens/experiences/summer

Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) is a 13-day program designed to develop and strengthen the leadership skills of BBYO chapter leaders. At CLTC, teens from across North America will form mock chapters and learn specific skills that help them lead their chapter at home. CLTC builds on a curriculum based on teens focusing on leadership development, program planning, and hands-on experience. CLTC is expected to reach 500 teens across 5 sessions throughout the summer.   

Perlman Summer is a 7-week program which includes International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) and Kallah. ILTC is designed to hone leadership skills for teens serving (or aspiring to serve) as regional BBYO position-holders in their home communities. ILTC participants often become the top leaders of the BBYO teen movement, gaining skills in recruitment, program planning and civic engagement. Kallah is a Jewish learning and spirituality institute that inspires teens to explore their Jewish identities and interests in a diverse, pluralistic setting encouraging questioning and experimentation. Kallah participants gain important Judaic skills and come away feeling a deeper connection to Jewish study, Israel, and community. Both programs are expected to reach 200 teens.

Camp BBYO is a 10-day summer camp program for BBYO members currently in 8th through 9th grade offering the best a BBYO summer at Commonpoint Retreat Center in the Poconos. Teens will join their BBYO friends for the most incredible outdoor experience with time at the lake, pool, sports, Maccabiah, arts and crafts and other amazing programming. Camp BBYO is expected to reach 75 teens.

Dates and Availability:

• Perlman Summer
• Location: Lake Como, Pennsylvania
• Work Commitment: ILTC/Kallah | June 13 – August 3, 2023
• CLTC
• Location: Poyntelle, Pennsylvania
• Work Commitment:
• Option One: CLTC 1, 2 & 3 | May 31 – July 16, 2023
• Option Two: CLTC 4/Camp BBYO & CLTC 5 | July 14 – August 14, 2023
• Option Three: CLTC 1 – 5 | May 31 – August 14, 2023

Key Position Responsibilities include (and are not limited to):

Camp Community

• Serve as a role model for participants as a young Jewish adult and an exemplary BBYO alum, translating past BBYO experiences into learning opportunities for participants. Display how the AZA and BBG movement meaningfully expands beyond high school years.
• Work independently to develop creative ways to develop, amplify, and maintain a strong camp life environment.
• Assist with daily logistical needs (bunk/dorm clean up and inspection, program set-up, supply organization, supply acquisition, supporting office tasks, supporting medical professionals, assisting with event preparation, camp clean up, catering to participants with unique dietary needs, etc.).
• Prepare camp for teen arrival in advance of each session.
• Participate in all programs including:
  • Informal education programming, tefillot, meals, and other aspects of communal life.
  • Camp activities and evening programs
  • Field Trips
• Provide nightly supervision as part of camp
• Manage and staff the BBYO Canteen.
• Assist in joining teen transportation to/from the airport to welcome and depart teens. (*CLTC & Camp BBYO)
• Translate past BBYO experiences into learning opportunities for participants.
• Follow and Enforce all COVID camp guidelines.

Staff Community

• Participate in training calls ahead of summer (approximately 4-6 hours)
• Participate in all full staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and team building activities.
• Work as a part of the broader Madrichim and staff teams

Specialty Areas

• Each Madrich will be assigned a specialty area they will focus on while at camp and supervising the teens. These areas will be discussed during the interview process and could include:
  • Lifeguard – oversee waterfront activities – BBYO will provide certification if necessary
  • Program – activities and special events
  • Photographer – taking high quality photos and uploading each day
  • Jewish Engagement – creating programs, supporting shabbat, tutoring for B’nai Mitzvah

Programming

• Support coordinators, designated teens, and staff with programming efforts
• Create, author, facilitate, and implement informal education programming (athletics, electives, skill builders, Shabbat)
• Assist with content research and prepping program materials.

1. Commonpoint:
   • Work with and support BBYO staff executing curriculum.
   • Assist with reflection activities to process the multiple aspects of the program and grow through personal development activities.
   • Develop and facilitate various elective programming blocks.
2. Perlman:
   • Work with and support BBYO leadership staff executing Blueprint and/or Judaic Education curriculum to co-facilitate content.
   • Facilitate curriculum and debrief programming with small groups.
   • Develop and facilitate multiple series of informal education programming (electives, Kfar)

Customer Service

• Keep the camp community healthy, happy, focused, and enthusiastic to deliver a memorable summer for participants.
• Execute role with the highest level of customer service and participant care.
• Provide comfort, support, and compassion for all participants during program duration.
• Maintain camp atmosphere (orderliness, organization, lost-and-found, oversee cabin cleanliness, etc.)

In addition to the job responsibilities listed above, our 2023 Summer Experience jobs may include additional responsibilities directly related to creating a safe and healthy environment at camp during COVID-19. Some additional job responsibilities may include:

• Help clean and disinfect cabins, activity areas, dining hall, and/or other communal spaces as needed.
• Be a role model for campers in following all COVID related health and safety procedures implemented at camp.
• Support campers in understanding why COVID health and safety protocols exist and ensure protocols are strictly followed.

BBYO is working to prepare the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID at camp and to keep our campers and staff healthy. We will continuously update our protocols based on the recommended guidelines issued by the CDC, federal and local state governments.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be a minimum of one full year out of high school for this role. This role is for current university/college age applicants.
• Ability to participate in conference call trainings ahead of summer (approximately 4-6 hours)
• Familiarity/experience with camp environments; attendance to BBYO Summer Programs a plus.

What skills will you gain during your time as Madrichim?

So many awesome skills to launch your career, such as:

All positions are seasonal.

• Please be sure to specify your availability when prompted. Include all sessions/dates you are available.
• For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 202-857-6549.

  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.