During the final days of staff training, camp directors across the country ask their teams to close their eyes and think about who their favorite camp counselors were and what was it about that person that made them special. What were their qualities? What interests did they share? How did this person make them feel? And then as eyes open, an unspoken truth is shared through glances alone, that everyone has been impacted meaningfully by a role model, and everyone has the chance to be THAT role model who is remembered fondly as having an impact on someone else.
Beyond the meaningful impact on the youth, camp counselors have the opportunity to refine and practice interpersonal and leadership skills, gain professional experience, and connect to a network for future career opportunities. Employers seek employees with 21st century skills. At camp, counselors are able to develop communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, collaboration experience, and utilize and foster creativity. All of this happens in an environment that supports the practice and development of these skills.
Returning Camp JCC staff members say:
The best part of working at Camp JCC is being able to build bonds with the campers and knowing that you are someone that they look up to and are excited to see every day. It makes my heart happy.
– Madysen, fourth year working at Camp JCC
The best part of being a Camp JCC counselor is meeting new people. I have met some of my best friends by being on staff together. I look forward to coming back each summer and spending time with familiar and new faces. In addition to the staff, I love meeting new campers each week! Some of our campers sign up for a week to see if they like it and end up registering for the rest of the summer. It is such a great feeling knowing they love Camp JCC just as much as I do. Camp is my happy place. I am already counting down the days until summer!
–Kate-Lynn, fifth year working at Camp JCC
My favorite part of Camp JCC has been forming new relationships each summer as well as strengthening the old ones. I have loved returning summer after summer, getting to see the kids grow and hearing about their school years and new interests. During the year, I am not surrounded by many Jewish people. Camp JCC gives me an opportunity to connect with Judaism through these meaningful relationships with campers and staff.
– Rachael, third year working at Camp JCC
The best part about being a camp counselor is forming a deep and meaningful connection with the kids and seeing their faces light up every day.
– Reagan, third year working at Camp JCC
The best part about being a camp counselor is the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of children and give them something to look forward to.
– Nathan, second year working at Camp JCC
Whether they are brand new to camp or have been coming for years, making the connections with the campers always puts a smile on my face and I love when I get spotted by campers away from the JCC. It makes me happy to see that they can look up to their counselors and grow up to be amazing children with the camp program that the JCC provides.
– Maria, third year working at Camp JCC
To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens, contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.