Substitute Camp Counselor Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Camp Shai is the JCC in Denver's premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and families are welcome. At Camp Shai, we offer a little something for everyone with a variety of engaging and fun activities. From sports to theater to engineering, our campers are building their skills, bolstering their confidence, and creating magical summer camp memories. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), courage (ometz lev), and good attitude (ruach).
This is a seasonal position: Tentative Start Date 6/1/2026 - Tentative End Date 8/14/2026.
Camp is the perfect environment for campers to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence - and yours too! Your work will make a difference by supporting campers in improving their ability to make and maintain friendships, increasing their confidence to try new activities, and creating a safe space for everyone to be themselves, campers and staff alike. Being a staff member at camp helps you to gain the skills you want from an internship in a concrete, hands-on, and fun way!
We are seeking individuals for the Substitute Camp Staff role who are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone is welcome. Substitute Camp Staff step into a variety of roles throughout the day, working directly with campers to guide them through activities including arts & crafts, games, and specialty programming. They provide mentorship and support as campers develop their skills, while helping to create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where kids want to come back again and again!
Our Ideal Candidate

• You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth
• You are eager to share your knowledge and support campers as they explore new skills and interests
• You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination
• You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer-whether you are dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during downtime
• You want to grow your skillset and are ready to both give and receive feedback
• You are a team player who relishes opportunities to collaborate with colleagues
• You exercise patience and empathy when working with others and consistently bring a positive attitude
• You are available to work on an as-needed basis and can be responsive to scheduling needs

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Step into a variety of roles to support daily camp programming, including facilitating activities such as arts & crafts, games, and specialty areas
• Organize and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate activities that align with Camp Shai's themes and curriculum
• Provide direct camper care and supervision, prioritizing the physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being of each camper
• Support co-counselors and collaborate with staff to foster a culture of teamwork and community
• Contribute to and participate in all camp activities, including swimming, specialist programming, and camp-wide rituals, traditions, and events
• Implement inclusive practices to ensure camp is accessible and supportive for all campers, in partnership with Camp Shai's inclusion team
• Manage camper behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Complete camper documentation and notes as requested
• Ensure all health, safety, cleaning, and sanitization protocols are followed in accordance with JCC and Camp Shai policies
• Assist with general camp operations including set-up, clean-up, and transitions throughout the day
• Participate in staff meetings as scheduled by the Camp Director
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Camp Leadership Team

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must hold at least 1 year (460 hours) of verifiable experience working with children.
• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before the start date of camp. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Orientation. Certifications must be conducted by a Division of Early Care and Learning approved training vendor.
• Must be able to fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including background screening, three professional references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS (Colorado Department of Human Services) law

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in either a school or camp environment
• Completion of some relevant college coursework, high school diploma, or GED
• Previous classroom or camp instruction experience a plus

Physical/Mental Requirements (ADA Compliance)

• Physical Demands: This job requires personnel to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employees must also be able to walk upwards of two (2) miles each day, including use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employees may also stand, sit in chairs or on the ground, run, swim, and carry at least 20 pounds. Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, effectively cope with stress, adapt to, and stay alert in a professional environment, as well as an ability to problem solve and de-escalate crisis situations and challenging behaviors. Reasonable accommodation may be granted for qualified applicants.
• Work Environment: Working conditions may include being in indoor, open classroom spaces and spending extended time outdoors under the sun.

Benefits Overview
• This is a seasonal job and is ineligible for benefits.
Additional Notes
Advantages of Working at Camp Shai

• Specialized Training in Program Instruction Before Camp (May 17th, 2026)
• Comprehensive One-Week Orientation Before Camp (June 1st - June 5th, 2026)
• Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team
• Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback
• Fitness & Aquatics Membership During Time of Employment
• Involvement in a Fun-Loving Community of Camp Professionals

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management as required. The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the needs arise. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.