Inclusion/Kochavim Camp Counselor

Please CLICK HERE to apply for Summer 2025.

Why this role matters:

This position works with campers 1:1 or 1:2 and is responsible for the supervision and safety of campers and activities at Lessans Camp JCC. You can choose to work as an Inclusion Counselor or a Kochavim Counselor. Inclusion Counselors work 1:1 or 1:2 with campers ages 4-12 with disabilities, who need extra support in order to fully participate in camp. Kochavim Counselors are responsible for teens and young adults ages 12-21 with disabilities.

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:

Supervision and Engagement 

• Assist the aquatics staff during instructional swim and recreational swim with active supervision of your assigned Lessans camper(s) 
• Actively participate in specialist-led activities by joining in, demonstrating enthusiasm, helping campers as needed, and ensuring everyone stays involved and on task. 

Camper Care 

• Collaborate with counselors, Inclusion Team, and the Health Room to manage camper’s health needs.  
• 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. 
• Creatively adapt and individualize activities to the specific needs of campers. 
• Assist campers with changing into and out of swim clothing in the locker rooms. 
• Implement behavior charts, visual schedules, etc. as needed, in coordination with Unit Leadership, Inclusion Team, Specialists, and Yoetzet. 

Preparation, Planning, and Organization 

• Combine efforts with other staff members to ensure programs and activities run smoothly. 

Communication and Attendance 

• Actively participate in arrival and dismissal procedures.  
• Provide daily written communication with camper’s parents about campers’ daily progress and other pertinent information. 
• Attend all required sessions, orientations, staff meetings, late stays, and trips planned for the group(s). 
• Professionally communicate and collaborate with external providers supporting campers through other agencies 

Qualifications include:

• Ability to physically assist campers in and out of the pool. 
• Ability to change soiled clothes as needed. 
• Assist campers in the bathroom as needed. 
• Ability to get on the floor to participate and supervise activities. 
• Ability to spend your camp day outdoors and walk and travel long distances. 
• Ability to move equipment and supplies as required. 
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. 
• Prior experience working with campers ages 4-21. 
• Knowledge or experience with children and/or teens with disabilities is preferred. 
• 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 is given to candidates who are available for the entire camp season starting on June 16 going through August 8.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $3,700 - $4,700 (total pay for the regular camp season). Salary is determined based on experience including previous experience at Lessans Camp JCC.

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.