Position Overview: The Head of Israel Education and Jewish Life (HIE) is a full-time, resident summer leadership position at Camp Zeke. This role is primarily focused (approximately 60%) on developing and implementing innovative Israel education programming for campers of all ages, while also supporting broader Jewish life and cultural experiences throughout camp (35%). The HIE works under the supervision of the Assistant Director and Associate Director (CFO), and collaborates closely with the program team and a designated assistant staff member.
This position is supported by a grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp and includes pre-camp preparation, participation in professional development, and post-camp reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
Israel Education (60%)
- Curriculum Development: Design and implement a camp-wide Israel education curriculum that brings Israel to life through culture, history, geography, technology, and current events.
- Experiential Programming: Plan interactive, hands-on activities incorporating Israeli art, culinary experiences, music, dance, storytelling, and sports.
- Age-Specific Learning: Develop differentiated programming for younger and older campers to build connection, curiosity, and deeper understanding.
- Integration: Collaborate with specialty staff to infuse Israeli content into daily electives and camp programs.
- Staff Engagement: Partner with 10+ Israeli staff members to provide authentic perspectives and enrich camper learning.
- Evaluation: Gather camper and staff feedback to assess impact, continuously improving the program based on input.
Jewish Life Programming (35%)
- Shabbat Facilitation: Facilitate Shabbat services and program content that is meaningful, participatory, and age-appropriate for campers and staff.
- Integration with Israel Education: Where appropriate, incorporate Israel-related themes into Shabbat and Jewish programming to deepen campers’ cultural and historical connections.
- Support and participate in Jewish cultural life at camp, including rituals, informal education, and celebrations throughout the week.
- Contribute to the camp's joyful, inclusive Jewish environment and help weave Jewish values into everyday camp experiences.
Staff Training & Support
- Pre-Camp Planning: Create a calendar of Israel-related programs and activities in advance of camp, integrating with the camp Program Calendar managed by the Assistant Director.
- Staff Development Week: Plan and support an Israel-focused training session, potentially with an outside educator. Lead follow-up discussions and provide ongoing guidance throughout the summer.
- Leadership Team Participation: Serve as a member of the summer leadership team, contributing to decision-making and supporting overall camp culture.
Administrative Duties
- Supervise a counselor assistant on the program team assigned to supporting Israel education.
- Maintain documentation of all Israel education programming, including materials, procedures, inventory, and expenses.
- Track and manage budgeted expenses, in accordance with grant requirements.
- Submit a post-summer report as requested by Foundation for Jewish Camp detailing program outcomes and impact.
Support Program Efforts as Requested (5%)
- Provide additional support to the program team by assisting with camp-wide activities, evening programs, or other projects as needed.
- Remain flexible and responsive to evolving camp needs throughout the summer.
Grant-Related Commitments
- Participate in approximately 15 hours of professional development (March–May), as required by the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
- Fulfill all grant documentation and evaluation responsibilities before, during, and after summer 2026.
Other Jewish Campus Life Commitments
- In coordination with the assistant director, supervise Cornerstone fellowship, sponsored by FJC, which requires to be in-person at Capital Camps on 17 - 20 May 2026.
- Work with our Moving Traditions curriculum for our Counselor in Training program.
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: Assistant Director and Associate Director (CFO)
- Supervises: One counselor assistant dedicated to the Israel education program
Collaborations The Head of Israel Education and Jewish Life will collaborate closely with the following individuals and teams:
- Camp clergy (Rabbi and Cantor)
- Head of Dining Services
- Dance and Music Specialists
- Program Specialists
- Israeli staff
- Junior Counselor and CIT Supervisors
- Broader program team