Travel Camp 7th-8th Grade Supervisor

Location: Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, VA

Reports to: Camp Director

Dates: *June 17, 2024-August 2, 2024, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm with some occasional late night field trips *Flexible start date

Background:

Camp Rodef Shalom is a Jewish day camp in the heart of Falls Church, Virginia with over 40 years of history. With campers ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old, we offer a wide variety of activities and trips throughout the summer. Camp Rodef Shalom values inclusion and supports both campers and staff.

Position Summary:

Camp Rodef Shalom is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and fun 7th-8th grade supervisor to join our Leadership Team this summer! The 7th-8th Grade Supervisor works with all Counselors in 7th-8th grade bunks to ensure an amazing summer experience for all our campers. They are an integral part of our Leadership Team which encompasses an all-hands-on approach to facilitating camp. The 7th-8th grade supervisor must be able to lead, be a role model, problem solve, work as a team member, mentor and excite while ensuring all campers and staff are participating fully, safe and enjoying camp!

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 before 9/30/2024; high school degree or equivalent and prior work experience required, teaching experience a plus
• Experience working with children and an understanding of age-appropriate programming and lesson planning is required
• First aid and CPR training is required (training will be provided by camp)
• Must be a team-player able to: multitask, manage time efficiently, effectively problem solve
• Good judgement in decision making; displays initiative, enthusiasm and strong people skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: comfort communicating with parents
• Model compassion, empathy, and support. Exhibit daily flexibility in line with our informal, social, and highly-spirited camp culture, as it differs greatly from school culture.
• Must be able to participate in physical activity for the duration of the camp day: be on feet for most of the day, be outside in heat and sun, participate in activities and field trips, swim with campers in pool, stay for late nights, etc.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Staff Supervision: motivate, energize, mentor counselors: create a positive working environment, communicate and delegating jobs, ensure an appropriate ratio of campers at all times, praise positive staff behavior and manage undesired staff behavior in positive ways, conduct written evaluations and assist in leading staff training, etc.
• Partner with staff to meet the individual needs of all campers, especially those who struggle to adjust to the camp community and provide extra support to campers when needed.
• Create and lead leadership training activities: create a training manual for our LIT program, including fun interactive activities to enhance our 7th-8th graders leadership experience, assign campers to LIT younger camp bunks, assist counselors in supervising campers while LITing in bunks, etc.
• Prioritize safety: know where 7th-8th grade bunks are at all times, observe behaviors and understand bunk dynamic, be available to trouble shoot difficult situations, etc.
• Know your bunks: spend time with 7th-8th grade bunks rotating through different specialties and being present
• Communicate with staff regularly: always have walkie on and answer, be approachable, etc.
• Be where the majority of your bunks are: join bunks at pool, attend all field trips and late nights, participate in water park Wednesday, color war, carnival day, etc.
• Be familiar with camper’s needs and act accordingly to directions provided: special accommodations, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, behavioral challenges of the campers etc.
• Assist to coordinate field trips: communicate with field trip providers prior to arrival, confirm bus schedule with assistant camp director, order supplies needed, etc.
• Maintain communication with 7th-8th grade parents: inform about upcoming trips and late nights, camp wide events, behavior challenges, missing items, etc.
• Participate as a full member of Leadership Team; this includes one-hour monthly meetings leading up to camp starting in February, pre-week, morning & afternoon meetings, and camp-wide events