Activity Instructor, School Break Camps at JCC Greater Boston

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionBe a role model. Share your passion! Do you love cooking, sports, music, drama, arts & crafts, science, or other hands-on activities – and want to share that passion with campers? JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Activity Specialists to lead engaging activities for children in grades K-5 at our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). Specialists are role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, grow and build confidence.What you will do each day: You’ll spend your day bringing your specialty area to life — whether that’s teaching new soccer skills, leading an improv game, experimenting with slime in science, or guiding kids through a cooking project. You’ll plan age-appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.Example Activity Areas Include: Sports SpecialistArt SpecialistDrama Specialist Music SpecialistScience Specialist 3D Printing Specialist Video/Film/Media Specialist Custom Specialty: what skill do you have to share with our camp? Why work with us? At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the campers. Our staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests. Staff describe camp as fun, dynamic, and inclusive. Here, you’ll gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences – for campers and yourself. JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.This is what our staff say are the best parts of working at JCC Camps:Bonding with the campersThe activitiesFree swimLeadership opportunitiesMaking close friends with co-counselors Available Dates:December Camp: December 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 and January 2February Camp: February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Passover Camp: April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Spring Break Camp: April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24Candidates do not need to commit to all dates. Staff are scheduled by the day and shift.Available Shifts Each Day:Full Day 8:30am – 4:30pm, 8 hoursMorning Shift 7:30am – 3:30pm, 8 hoursAfternoon Shift 10am - 6pm, 8 hoursPrimary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:Plan, prepare, and lead age-appropriate activities in your specialty areaEnsure the safety and well-being of campers during activitiesCreate a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill-building and explorationWork in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experienceMaintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipmentAdapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campersSupport camp-wide special events and large-group programming as assignedAssist with overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)Standard staff expectations include and are not limited to:Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respectedActively participate as an essential team memberSupport JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modelingEnthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievementAttend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assignedOther duties as assignedThis is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing! JOB DETAILS: This is an hourly, non-exempt position offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access during employment, a supportive, vibrant fully in-person work environment, and a competitive starting pay rate of $17 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.About JCC Greater BostonSince opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.RequirementsEducation and Experience: High school degree preferred College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for childrenCustomer service experience preferred Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria. Skills and Abilities: Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them growPassion and expertise in your specialty area (arts, sports, music, cooking, science, etc.)Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activitiesExcellent group management skills Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staffSafety awareness and ability to manage risks during activitiesCreativity, flexibility and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needsPositive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environmentProactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when neededSelf-starter who takes the initiative Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership Physical Requirements: Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care. Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc. Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly. Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool) ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.BenefitsIn addition to offering rewarding work and great career opportunities within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers employees the generous benefits listed below.JCCGB Perks! Each seasonal employee is eligible for access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton! Seasonal access to the JCC Fitness Center includes:Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman JCC during active seasonal employmentFree or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:Supportive colleaguesTeam camaraderieHow their managers treat themIndividual autonomyKnowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts othersPride in working for the JCCProgram and service qualityHolding ourselves accountable Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.