Camp Simchah is hiring!
- Please allow yourself 10–15 minutes to complete the application.
- We recommend using a computer for the best experience.
- Please have your resume (if you have one) ready to input them at the end of the application.
Specialty Camp Director positions available:
- Performing Arts (Theater/Dance)
- Art
- Tennis/Pickleball
- Sports (Multi-Sport)
- Basketball
Activity Lead Counselor positions available:
- Music
- Athletics
- Nature
- Arts & Crafts
If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Heller, Camp Simchah Director, at jheller@jccns.com.
Specialty Camp Directors
Seasonal Staff Position
Reports To: Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director
Supervises: Specialty Camp Participants; assigned Leaders-in-Training (LITs)
Work Environment: Outdoor, active, structured summer day camp program
Schedule: One-week specialty program delivered during a designated half-day portion of the camp schedule. May include additional specialty programming blocks for regular Simchah campers outside of specialty hours.
Position Summary:
The Specialty Camp Director is responsible for planning and leading a one-week immersive specialty program while providing direct supervision of participants. Specialty Camp Directors serve as leaders and role models and may support the broader camp program by offering additional specialty blocks outside of specialty camp hours.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Design and implement a structured, age-appropriate one-week specialty curriculum.
- Lead daily specialty programming during the designated specialty portion of the camp day.
- Provide direct supervision of specialty camp participants during all assigned program times.
- Prepare materials, equipment, and activity plans in advance.
- Manage specialty supplies and materials, including organization and communication with camp leadership regarding inventory needs.
- Supervise and provide guidance to assigned LITs, modeling professional expectations.
- Use camp-approved, age-appropriate behavior management strategies.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.
- Collaborate with counselors and leadership to support smooth transitions and camper engagement.
- Complete required documentation and incident reports as needed.
- Escalate behavioral, medical, or safety concerns to camp leadership as appropriate.
- Model professionalism, enthusiasm, and positive camp spirit.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Demonstrated experience and proficiency in the specific specialty area.
- Experience working with children in a leadership or instructional capacity.
- Strong communication and group management skills.
- Successful completion of required background checks and child safety training.
- Exceptional candidates under the age of 21 with significant leadership and specialty experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- College graduate or currently enrolled in a degree program related to the specialty area.
- Previous experience leading youth programs, clinics, or camps.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to stand, move, and actively engage for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Specialty-Specific Responsibilities:
Performing Arts (Theater / Dance)
- Lead acting, movement, improvisation, and performance workshops.
- Teach stage presence, collaboration, and confidence-building skills.
- Direct rehearsals and coordinate a culminating showcase or performance.
- Manage props, music, and production materials.
Art
- Lead skill-building workshops in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, or other visual arts.
- Teach technique while encouraging creativity and individual expression.
- Plan extended projects appropriate for a week-long immersive format.
- Maintain organized and safe creative spaces.
Tennis / Pickleball
- Teach fundamental and intermediate skills, rules, and strategy.
- Organize drills, skill stations, and structured match play.
- Emphasize sportsmanship and safe play.
- Monitor and maintain equipment and court safety.
Sports (Multi-Sport)
- Lead structured skill development across multiple sports.
- Teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and game strategy.
- Organize age-appropriate competitions and skill challenges.
- Adapt programming to varying ability levels.
Basketball
- Lead skill development in shooting, passing, ball handling, and defensive fundamentals.
- Teach team concepts and structured gameplay.
- Organize scrimmages and mini-tournaments.
- Emphasize sportsmanship and safe play.
Activity Lead Counselors
Seasonal Staff Position
Department: Camp Simchah
Reports To: Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director
Supervises: Campers; assigned Leaders-in-Training (LITs)
Work Environment: Outdoor, active, structured summer day camp program
Schedule: Seasonal position with variable hours based on Camp Simchah programming needs
Position Summary:
Specialists serve as leaders and role models and, when assigned an LIT, support leadership development through modeling, guidance, and feedback.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities :
- Plan and lead daily specialty programming appropriate for a range of ages.
- Provide direct supervision of campers during all assigned program times.
- Prepare materials, equipment, and activity plans in advance.
- Manage specialty supplies and materials, including organization, appropriate use, and communication with camp leadership regarding inventory needs.
- Supervise and provide guidance to assigned LITs, modeling professional expectations.
- Use camp-approved, age-appropriate behavior management strategies.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.
- Collaborate with counselors to support smooth transitions and camper engagement.
- Complete required documentation and incident reports as needed.
- Escalate behavioral, medical, or safety concerns to camp leadership as appropriate.
- Model professionalism, enthusiasm, and positive camp spirit.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Experience working with children in a group setting.
- Strong communication and group management skills.
- Successful completion of required background checks and child safety training.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous camp or youth program experience.
- Relevant specialty training or certifications.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to stand, move, and actively engage for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Specialty-Specific Responsibilities:
Music Lead Counselor
- Lead group singing, rhythm activities, and music-based games.
- Introduce campers to basic musical concepts through interactive activities.
- Support camp-wide songs, celebrations, and special events as assigned.
- Manage, care for, and safely store musical instruments and equipment.
Athletics Lead Counselor
- Plan and lead age-appropriate sports, games, and movement activities.
- Teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and safe play.
- Adapt athletic activities to meet varying skill levels and abilities.
- Monitor, maintain, and safely store athletic equipment.
Nature Lead Counselor
- Lead outdoor exploration and nature-based learning activities.
- Teach basic environmental awareness, observation skills, and stewardship.
- Supervise campers in outdoor and natural settings, reinforcing boundaries.
- Adapt programming to weather conditions and outdoor environments.
Arts and Crafts Lead Counselor
- Plan and lead creative projects using a variety of art materials and techniques.
- Teach basic artistic skills while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
- Manage art supplies and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
- Adapt projects for different ages, abilities, and timeframes.
Senior Counselor
Seasonal Staff Position
Department: Camp Simchah
Reports To: Assistant Camp Director and/or Camp Director
Supervises: Junior Camp Counselors; LITs; Campers
Work Environment: Outdoor, active, structured summer day camp program
Schedule: Seasonal position with variable hours based on Camp Simchah programming needs
Position Summary:
Senior Camp Counselors are responsible for the direct supervision, safety, and engagement of campers while serving as leaders and role models within Camp Simchah.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Provide primary supervision of campers throughout the camp day, including arrival, transitions, activities, and dismissal.
- Build positive, inclusive relationships with campers and actively engage them in all activities.
- Lead and support daily activities, adapting programming as needed to meet camper needs.
- Assist and collaborate with Specialists during specialty programming to support engagement, behavior management, and safety.
- Use camp-approved, age-appropriate behavior management strategies and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Supervise, mentor, and support Junior Camp Counselors and LITs during daily operations.
- Take and maintain accurate daily attendance and headcounts.
- Support camper health and wellness by encouraging hydration, sunscreen application, rest breaks, and awareness of heat or fatigue.
- Monitor campers for signs of illness, injury, or emotional distress and report concerns promptly.
- Communicate professionally with families as directed, in partnership with camp leadership.
- Participate enthusiastically in camp-wide events, theme days, and special programming, modeling camp spirit.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management.
- Complete required documentation and incident reports as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Experience working with children in a group setting.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous camp or youth program experience.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Junior Counselor
Seasonal Youth Staff Position
Department: Camp Simchah
Reports To: Senior Camp Counselor; Assistant Camp Director and/or Camp Director
Supervises: Campers
Work Environment: Outdoor, active, structured summer day camp program
Schedule: Seasonal position with variable hours based on Camp Simchah programming needs
Position Summary:
Junior Camp Counselors support daily camp operations by supervising campers and assisting with activities under the guidance of Senior Camp Counselors.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities :
- Supervise campers during activities, transitions, and routines under the guidance of Senior Camp Counselors.
- Actively engage campers by participating in activities and modeling positive behavior and enthusiasm.
- Assist Specialists during specialty programming to support camper engagement, safety, and smooth transitions.
- Support daily routines, including attendance, headcounts, setup, and cleanup.
- Encourage camper health and wellness by reminding campers to drink water, apply sunscreen as permitted, and take rest breaks.
- Follow camp rules, safety procedures, and behavior management guidelines at all times.
- Monitor campers for concerns and report incidents or issues promptly to Senior Camp Counselors.
- Participate enthusiastically in camp-wide events, theme days, and special programming, modeling camp spirit and teamwork.
- Support Senior Camp Counselors and LITs during daily operations.
Required Qualifications :
- Must be between 15 and 17 years of age.
- Interest in working with children.
- Ability to follow instructions and take direction.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a camper or CIT.
- Interest in leadership development.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to participate in active outdoor programming and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Heller, Camp Simchah Director, at jheller@jccns.com.