Kids’ Camp Director

The National Havurah Committee is hiring a Kids’ Camp Director to coordinate our week-long Childrens’ Program (Kids Camp) during our annual Summer Institute from July 29 - August 4, 2024 at the Pearlstone Retreat Center in Reisterstown, MD. We are looking for someone who can collaboratively create and oversee a week of creativity, learning, laughter, and friendship!

The National Havurah Committee (NHC) is a network of diverse individuals and communities dedicated to Jewish living and learning, and community building. The NHC’s flagship program, the week-long Summer Institute is a unique opportunity for engaging study, moving prayer, spirited conversation, late-night jam sessions, singing, dancing, swimming, meditation, and hiking – all in the company of more than 300 people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages.

 Kids Camp is a daily program from Tuesday-Friday (plus potential orientation and Shabbat programs) for approximately 30 children ages 6 months to 12 years. It embodies the values of the NHC community and creates a community within a community for the NHC’s members.

Job Responsibilities

Before Institute (work can mostly be done asynchronously, with the exception of a few meetings.)

• Creating, developing and supervising the daytime children’s program
• Coordinating logistics of the Kids Camp
•  Working with the larger planning team to integrate the Kids Camp into the Institute as a whole
•  Hiring qualified counselors for the Kids Camp
•  Assigning placements to children and counselors in the Kids Camp
•  Working with staff and volunteers to develop curriculum/programming that reflects NHC values and  connects to the Institute theme.
• Managing camp registration and communicating with parents/guardians in advance of the Institute and throughout the week while Kids Camp is in session.
• Identifying necessary materials (including craft supplies and snacks) and other resources required to  accommodate the various needs of enrolled children

During Institute

• Setting up the Kids’ Camp rooms before Institute and cleaning up afterwards
• Running orientation sessions for both counselors and families
•  Supervising the Kids’ Camp while it is in session, including exercising judgment and making decisions about the safety of the participants and staff
• Supervising drop-off and pick-up
• Leading daily staff meetings, checking in with counselors regularly
• Leading or supervising daily camp circle (or equivalent activity) for the whole group.

Qualifications

• Background in children’s education and experience in a leadership or supervisory role or with developing programming.
• Experience designing and developing curriculum for children’s programs.
• Experience with informal education programs, informal Jewish education a plus.
• Experience leading and supervising teachers/counselors/staff of various ages.
• Experience being responsible for the health and safety of children participating in a structured program.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Characteristics

• Caring, creative, able to connect with people of all ages.
• Flexibility, ability to “think on your feet.”
• Sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Passion for creative Jewish education. 
• Knowledge of and respect for NHC and/or similar volunteer-driven communities.

Compensation

This is a paid position. The Kids’ Camp Director also receives free room and board at Institute.

To apply

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to [email protected] with Kids’ Camp as the subject line.