Junior Camp Counselor Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, OH 43209
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Camp Counselor (Senior or Junior)
Dept. No: 405/410/415
Department: Camp
DOL Status: Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Camp Director
Mission Statement:
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus is a human service agency offering a varied program that is Jewish in nature. It is committed to enhancing the quality of individual and family life through the promotion of physical, intellectual, and spiritual wellness. It provides educational and cultural programs that reflect the Jewish heritage, health related activities and many services to the community at large. Through its wide array of programs, the JCC pursues its mission of strengthening the individual, family, and community.
Vision Statement:
The JCC nurtures a passion for Jewish learning and living. Through programs and services, the JCC provides comfortable and inviting environments in which the community can thrive.
Agency Expectations:

• To ensure the highest quality of programs and services and possess a working knowledge of agency programs and services.
• To represent the agency and provide the highest quality of customer service to individuals and groups with whom you come into contact.
• To welcome, thank and engage JCC members and guests on a daily basis.
• To treat fellow staff with respect.
• To adhere to all policies and practices provided in the employee handbook.
• Wear a JCC Staff ID badge and attend appropriate staff meetings.

Position Summary: Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising campers and creating a safe, engaging, inclusive, and fun camp environment that reflects Jewish values. Camp Counselors support camper development through structured activities, positive relationships, and teamwork while ensuring the health and safety of all participants.
This position includes two levels - Junior Camp Counselor and Senior Camp Counselor - based on age, experience, and leadership responsibility.
Essential Functions:

• Ability to supervise groups of children for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate clearly with children, staff, and leadership
• Ability to actively participate in indoor and outdoor camp activities
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Ability to enforce safety regulations and behavior expectations
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid
• Physical stamina to maintain constant supervision of campers

Core Duties and Responsibilities (All Camp Counselors)

• Supervise campers and ensure their health, safety, and well-being
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful camp environment
• Model appropriate behavior and Jewish values
• Maintain constant awareness of camper safety
• Track camper attendance and ensure consistent supervision
• Support campers with varying abilities, needs, and backgrounds
• Participate in daily camp activities, special events, Shabbat programming, and camp-wide programs
• Assist with pool supervision and wear a swimsuit during daily swim activities
• Communicate effectively with fellow staff and camp leadership
• Maintain positive relationships with campers and families
• Attend and actively participate in required staff training and meetings
• Follow all JCC, ODJFS, and ACA policies and procedures
• Punch in/out daily using the Paycom app and approve timecards weekly

Additional Responsibilities - Junior Camp Counselor
Junior Camp Counselors work under the supervision of Senior Counselors and Camp Leadership.

• Assist Senior Counselors with supervising camper groups
• Support implementation of daily activity plans
• Help facilitate games, activities, and transitions
• Encourage camper participation and positive peer interactions
• Observe camper behavior and support established behavior management strategies
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of camp spaces
• Support inclusion efforts in collaboration with Inclusion Counselors
• Complete assigned administrative tasks and reports

Additional Responsibilities - Senior Camp Counselor
Senior Camp Counselors serve as lead counselors and assume leadership and supervisory responsibilities.

• Lead and supervise a camper group or unit independently
• Plan, implement, and evaluate daily and special programming
• Integrate Jewish values and curriculum intentionally into activities
• Monitor camper attendance, health needs, diets, medications, and accommodations
• Supervise and support Junior Camp Counselors
• Provide coaching, guidance, and feedback to staff
• Address staff performance or safety concerns and escalate issues to leadership
• Step in to lead a group if a counselor is absent or separated
• Communicate camper or staff concerns to the Camp Director
• Assist with end-of-season evaluations and recommendations

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
• Moderate to high noise levels
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• Active participation in physical activities

Compliance Statement
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may be reassigned, and additional duties may be assigned as needed. Employees must comply with all JCC policies and all applicable ODJFS and ACA regulations.
Minimum Qualifications (All Levels)

• Minimum age of 16 by first day of camp
• Experience working with children preferred
• Ability to accept supervision and work as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, patience, adaptability, and professionalism

Additional Qualifications - Senior Camp Counselor

• Prior camp or youth-program experience required
• Demonstrated leadership and supervision skills
• Ability to manage camper groups independently
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills