Primary Responsibilities:
Camp JCA Shalom, an overnight summer camp located in the Los Angeles area, is seeking a dynamic and passionate Head of Israel Education (HIE) to enhance our campers' connection to Israel during the summer of 2025. This role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive and engaging Israel education program for campers of all ages (ages 7-17). The HIE will infuse Israeli culture and values into daily camp life, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. This position requires a creative and experienced educator with strong leadership skills, a deep knowledge of Israel, and the ability to inspire both campers and staff. Prior camp experience is preferred.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Development: Create a comprehensive and age-appropriate Israel education curriculum that aligns with the camp's overall mission and goals.
- Program Implementation:
- Curate engaging programs about Israeli life and culture for all age groups.
- Incorporate immersive activities that bring Israel to life at camp, such as Israeli cooking, dance, games, and art projects.
- Oversee and work with our Israeli staff delegation to plan and execute an Israel day celebration each session, showcasing the richness and diversity of Israeli culture.
- Staff Training & Supervision: Train other staff members on integrating Israel education into their activities, providing them with resources and support.
- Mishlachat Oversight: Oversee our mishlachat (Israeli staff delegation), providing guidance, support, and ensuring their effective integration into camp life.
- Environmental Education: Develop educational signage in Hebrew throughout the camp, creating an immersive language environment.
- Resource & Support: Serve as a knowledgeable resource for campers and staff on Israel-related questions and topics.
- Training & Reporting:
- Participate in approximately 15 hours of virtual training and individualized coaching sessions provided by FJC (Foundation for Jewish Camp), based on a schedule to be provided in mid-March 2025.
- Submit write-ups of one or more outstanding Israel education programs at the end of the summer 2025 for FJC's Israel Education Resource Bank as part of the final report.
- Actively participate in the summer site visit from FJC staff and/or the "Teaching Israel at Camp" coach.
Salary:
$6000-$8000 (based on experience)
Includes room and board
Dates:
June 2-August 3, 2025 (2 training weeks and 7 program weeks)
About Camp JCA Shalom:
For more than 70 years, Camp JCA Shalom has been the “Camp for All Seasons,” providing thousands of campers and counselors with adventures, friendships and memories that last a lifetime. From our youngest campers to our counselors-in-training, Camp JCA Shalom promises a transformative experience that keeps campers and staff returning each year. At Camp JCA Shalom, our mission is to provide a positive, safe, and fun Jewish camping experience that fosters personal and social growth, skills development, and an appreciation for nature. We are committed to promoting strong Jewish values of community, tradition, and service. Most importantly, we strive to create an environment that is not only fun for our campers and staff, but also full of spirit and life.
We are blessed to have staff and campers with a variety of backgrounds and differences. When people enter through camp’s gates and join our “safe space,” or shalom bayit, we value each individual for who they are. Our camp community is made up of campers and staff who have different backgrounds, different strengths and abilities, different religious backgrounds and practices, and different life experiences. Being part of this diverse community allows campers and staff to become more well-rounded, develop a greater sense of empathy, and be more compassionate.
This position is partially funded by a grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp's "Teaching Israel at Camp" initiative.