Camp Rock Wall Specialist

Please CLICK HERE to apply for Summer 2025.

Why this role matters:

Specialists run the specialized programs that are part of the camp experience. The Rock Wall Specialist is responsible for creating and implementing activities for the rock wall (climbing tower) specialty area. This position works with campers ages 4-21 with all abilities.

See the magic of Lessans Camp JCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI29oxMjSmE

About the Bender JCC:

The Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland is a premier community center at the heart of Jewish life in Montgomery County, operating a full scale health and fitness center, pre-school, day camp and variety of education and arts programs.

We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting the people of our Jewish community with each other, Israel, and the broader community. We inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their social, physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being through programs of excellence rooted in Jewish values.

Core Responsibilities include:

Leadership and Professional Development

• Design, lead, and oversee the Rockwall specialty program, teaching climbing techniques, safety procedures, and teamwork to campers of all skill levels.
• Facilitate climbing activities and challenges, ensuring proper use of harnesses, helmets, and belay systems while maintaining a safe and encouraging environment.
• Mentor and coach counselors and campers, promoting confidence, resilience, and problem-solving through climbing games and team-building exercises.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to counselors, such as conducting safety checks, assisting with harness fittings, managing camper transitions between climbs, and supporting positive camper behavior on and off the wall.
• Work with Lessans Camp JCC Leadership to plan and implement camp -wide special events and activities.

Supervision and Engagement

• Supervise and engage with all participants (ages 4-21) in programs and activities while under the position’s care.
• Substitute for absent counselors as needed and requested.

Camper Care

• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers served, interact appropriately with campers in a variety of situations, appropriately model behavior, enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control and use positive behavior-management techniques.
• Work with the Adaptive Recreation Coordinator to ensure activities are accessible.

Preparation, Planning, and Organization 

• Submit written activity plans, including two days of rainy day/absent plans & supplies lists to the Associate Camp Director.
• Meet with Associate Camp Director weekly.

Communication and Attendance 

• Assist with arrival and dismissal as scheduled.

Qualifications include:

• Experience in rock climbing, belaying, or adventure-based activities, with the ability to teach climbing techniques and safety protocols.
• Ability to set up and inspect climbing equipment, including harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and belay devices.
• Physical ability to climb, assist campers on the wall, and manage climbing equipment.
• Certification in belaying, climbing instruction, or wilderness safety preferred.
• Prior experience working with school-aged campers of all abilities.
• Ability to adapt all planned activities to include campers with disabilities.
• Strong written and spoken language skills.
• Be accepting of, and sensitive to the diverse racial, national, sexual orientation, gender identity, abilities, religious and cultural backgrounds of everyone at Lessans Camp JCC.
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changes in schedule, responsibilities, and Lessans Camp JCC activities as needed.

Priority will be given to candidates who are available the entire camp season starting on June 16 going through August 8.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $4,200 - $5,550 (total pay for the regular camp season). Salary is determined based on experience including previous experience at Lessans Camp JCC. Current educators, relevant degree, and advanced certification bonuses available.

Research shows that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they feel that they meet 100% of the qualifications. If this role sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to apply! The Bender JCC is committed to building a diverse team that draws on the strengths of people with a variety of identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

To Apply

To apply, go to: https://jccgw.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App

Email Campjcc@benderjccgw.org with any questions