Work at Wise

Position Summary

A counselor’s primary responsibility is their group of campers. Counselors are responsible for facilitating the daily routine; planning, leading, and participating in activities and programs for campers. Counselors serve as a mentor, coach, and teacher to campers are responsible for the physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being. A successful camper summer is almost always tied directly to the relationship they develop with their counselor. Counselors must have patience, empathy, enthusiasm, and creativity as well as great listening and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required staff training prior to camp and staff meetings
• Foster an atmosphere of positivity, collaboration, support and inclusivity where learning is hands-on and fun

• Serve as the primary live-in caretaker and counselor for 10-14 campers
• Responsible for facilitating the daily routine, including planning activities, and implementing programs for campers in the cabin, village, or entire camp community
• Know where campers are and need to be at all times– making sure they are on time to meals and programs
• Create a cabin culture that feels unique through strong camper care, special cabin activities, rituals, and traditions
• Have an intimate knowledge of and take responsibility for each individual camper’s social, physical, and emotional health, safety, and well-being

• Facilitate activities in a way that engages campers at all times and fosters the development of a growth mindset, self-respect, self-confidence, positive social relationships, teamwork

• Contribute to and participate in all camp activities (swimming is mandatory)

• Manage camper behaviors using behavior management techniques; enforce appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Communicate and collaborate with staff and Village Supervisor daily to support camper success and growth
• Be an active, engaged, and punctual staff member

• Train and mentor the Staff-In-Training

• Complete all camper-related administrative tasks with high level of quality
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director

 

Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate and have experience working with children ages 6-15
• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hard working, and diligent professional who exhibits sound judgment
• Must take initiative and be creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy
• Must possess strong communication skills and comfort in communicating with children and peers
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Must be high-energy, enthusiastic, creative, and open-minded
• Previous experience caring for children in a camp or similar setting preferred
• Must be available for full training and summer: June 2 – July 31

Position Summary

The Specialist is the primary instructor responsible for planning and facilitating daily activities. The Specialist is responsible for designing engaging and enriching skill-based activities for campers. The Specialist must also build strong relationships with them to encourage their positive growth in this area. While the Specialist’s primary role in camp is to manage the program, they also have daily responsibilities to their campers, cabin, and village.

• Program Areas Available: Ropes and Rock Climbing, Podcasting, Graphic Design, Music Production, Photography, Video, Pottery, Basketball, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Set Design, Fitness, Horseback Riding, Pool and Lake Lifeguard, Environmental & Outdoor Education, Archery, Tennis/Pickleball, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Dance, and STEM.

 

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required staff training prior to camp and staff meetings
• Foster an atmosphere of positivity, collaboration, support and inclusivity where learning is hands-on and fun
• Create and deliver an archery program that incorporates both stand-alone activities and a progressive skill development curriculum for campers that encompasses but is not limited to: understanding of specialty equipment, proper techniques, and safety skills
• Ensure activities integrate Camp Wise values, are appropriate for the age and ability of campers, and offer alternative learning methods so all campers can grow their skill set at their own pace
• Develop special event days, clinics, tournaments, and workshops; create back-up plans for severe weather
• Manage equipment and space, conducting regular maintenance and inventory to ensure safety, usage, and cleanliness
• Facilitate activities in a way that engages campers at all times and fosters the development of a growth mindset, self-respect, self-confidence, positive social relationships, teamwork
• Manage camper behaviors using behavior management techniques; enforce appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Communicate and collaborate with staff daily to support camper success and growth
• Be an active, engaged, and punctual staff member

• Train and mentor the Staff-In-Training who are a part of your specialty area
• Create a write-up of all activities and resources to turn into the Sports Supervisor at end of the summer
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director

Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate and have experience working with children ages 6-15
• Must have demonstrated ability to instruct and lead a group of children in archery with a strong understanding of archery equipment, shooting techniques and skill development
• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hardworking, and diligent professional who exhibits sound judgment
• Must take initiative and be creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy

• Must possess strong communication skills and comfort in communicating with children and peers
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience and/or certification in archery instruction in a camp or similar setting is preferred
• Must be available for full training and summer: June 2 – July 31

Position Summary

The Village (Unit) Supervisor is primarily responsible for supervising and mentoring a group of staff as well as ensuring the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, safety and well-being of all campers in their assigned unit. The Supervisor is fully involved in all aspects of the campers’ day including village programming, group management, community experience, and scheduling for campers and staff. The Village Supervisor will work in tandem with the Assistant Director and broader summer leadership team at camp to ensure the positive resolution for any and all camper, staff, and parent issues that may arise. This position requires a person with a variety of skills and abilities to transition from one situation to another, quickly and intuitively, while also showing compassion and empathy for campers and staff. It is essential that the Supervisor is compassionate and patient, and should have significant experience working with children.

• Villages (Units): 2^nd-5^th Grade, 6-7^th Grade, 8-9^th Grade, 10^th Grade

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required supervisor and staff training prior to camp
• Foster an atmosphere of positivity, collaboration, support and inclusivity where learning is hands-on and fun
• Responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of all campers in the village
• Communicate and collaborate with camp social worker, infirmary manager, and supervisory team to ensure campers’ and staff success
• Exude positive presence and leadership in the village and across camp through communicating daily with staff, building strong village culture through traditions, rituals, and special events; overseeing the timeliness of village; managing the placement of campers in electives; and, being present
• Create strong relationships with campers, staff, and parents to support positive outcomes for any and all camper or staff issues that may arise

• Oversee development and execution of cabin and village-wide programming; collaborate with village programmers to create schedule, manage group dynamics, and support the staff in seeing programs through from inception to completion

• Manage team of village staff and facilitate weekly meetings that encourage strong communication, teamwork, creativity, and high staff morale
• Provide staff with timely feedback and support as well as conduct performance evaluations to support their growth and success
• Manage camper behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, enforce appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Supervise, contribute to, and lead village and all-camp activities such as evening programs and all-camp events

• Be an active, engaged, and punctual leader across camp
• Create an end-of-summer report and binder that includes an overview of village experience, logistics, scheduling, traditions, rituals, and programming, as well as recommendations for future enhancements for Assistant Director

• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director

 

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years old by May 24^th with at least two years or equivalent experience working with, teaching, and supporting children ages 6-15

• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hardworking, and diligent professional who takes initiative and is creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy

• Must possess strong communication skills and comfort in communicating with children, young adults, and parents
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience in a leadership position supervising staff and larger groups of children at a camp or similar setting preferred
• Must be available for full training and summer: May 24-August 2

Position Summary

The Program Area Supervisor is responsible for the development of specialty-specific curriculum and overseeing the daily facilitation of the program and activities. The Supervisor play a key role in creating a vision and defining success for their program area which includes designing the daily schedule for staff as well as evaluating the program and staff on a regular basis. The Supervisor is a member of the broader summer leadership team at camp who are responsible for building strong relationships with campers and staff and ensuring positive outcomes for all in the camp community.

• Program Areas Available: Sports, Performing Arts, Media, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Education, Ropes Course, Pool, Lake and Arts & Crafts

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required supervisor and staff training prior to camp
• Communicate and collaborate with camp social worker, infirmary manager, and supervisory team to ensure campers’ and staff success
• Develop and implement a progressive program area curriculum that integrates fundamental skill development with our Camp Wise values, and includes special event days, clinics, tournaments, and workshops
• Responsible for designing accommodations or alternative activities (such as rainy day/severe weather back-up programs) so campers can learn and grow their skill set at their own pace every day
• Delegate responsibilities to program area staff in regards to activity creation and facilitation, and area maintenance
• Supervise and mentor program area staff by providing them with weekly feedback and support as well as conducting performance evaluations to ensure their positive professional growth
• Lead engaging weekly team meetings that incorporate opportunities for staff appreciation and recognition to support positive team morale; participate in all-staff meetings
• Ensure your program area has necessary supplies and meets accreditation standards in regards to health, safety, and instruction; Organize and maintain equipment and supplies
• Manage schedules for program area staff and arrange for time off and planning periods
• Responsible for creating a fun, supportive, enriching space for staff and campers to learn and refine new skills
• Manage camper behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, and enforce appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
• Supervise, contribute to and lead village and all-camp activities such as evening programs and all-camp events

• Be an active, engaged leader in program area, village, and across camp, including but not limited to wake up and bedtime, evening programs, meals, and night-time supervision
• Create an end-of-summer report and binder that includes all activities and resources, inventory, and recommendations for future program enhancements for Assistant Director

• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years old by May 24^th with at least 2 years or equivalent experience working with children ages 6-15

• Must have experience instructing, teaching, or supervising activities and projects in the program area
• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hardworking, and diligent professional who takes initiative and is creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy

• Must possess strong communication skills and comfort in communicating with children and young adults
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience in a leadership position supervising staff at a camp or similar setting preferred
• Must be certified in specialty area, where applicable, prior to camp, (i.e. pool/waterfront staff must be lifeguard certified by approved trainer)
• Must be available for full training and summer: May 24-August 2

Position Summary

The camp Social Worker, in tandem with the Director, Assistant Director, and summer leadership team, is responsible for ensuring the positive resolution for any and all camper and staff issues that may arise during the camp season. The Social Worker is expected to provide campers and staff with meaningful and critical guidance to make healthy, responsible, and respectful choices. The Social Worker plays a key role in training staff on topics including but not limited to: fostering positive social interactions, managing challenging camper behaviors and interpersonal disputes, identifying and supporting campers with special needs, homesickness and self-care. The Social Worker embodies Camp Wise’s core values in their interactions and decisions regarding camper care and is a positive, contributing member of the summer leadership team. The Social Worker is expected to create strong relationships with campers and staff alike and exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This position requires a person with a variety of skills and the ability to transition from one situation to another quickly and intuitively while also showing compassion and empathy for campers and staff. This position does not have programmatic responsibilities but will be involved in and responsible for facilitating pre-camp training sessions and ongoing staff development throughout the summer.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required supervisor and staff training prior to camp
• Serve as the lead professional in determining appropriate responses to all camper and staff issues related to social, emotional, and mental health, safety, and well-being, including but not limited to: anxiety, behavior management, interpersonal disputes, homesickness, hygiene, and diagnosed disorders
• Communicate with Director, Assistant Director, Village Supervisors, and infirmary staff to monitor and support the physical, social, and emotional health, safety, and well-being of campers and staff
• Act as liaison between infirmary, , summer leadership team, directors, and parents to identify and address patterns or concerns with camper and staff behaviors based on daily check-ins and observations
• Develop training modules and ongoing staff development opportunities that give staff the necessary tools and skills to provide proper camper care ranging from identifying special needs, to responding to challenging camper behavior, providing interventions and accommodations, and managing escalated and crisis situations
• Supervise the camper care specialist(s) which includes providing targeted training, managing scheduling and caseload(s) and conducting performance feedback and evaluations
• Assist staff members with challenging camper situations and provide ongoing support to staff to respond to campers behavioral, emotional and mental health needs
• Consult with Director and Assistant Director about significant concerns and issues that arise to determine appropriate response for campers, staff, and parents
• Observe and document camper situations/incidents, design behavior intervention and/or management plans, and monitor and report on progress
• Be aware of camper and staff behavior, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
• Debrief and provide guidance to campers and or staff after crises or stressful and traumatic events
• Provide staff with support for camper, camp and personal-related concerns
• Work with campers and staff individually or in groups, as needed
• Make parent phone calls and send emails as necessary
• Create a binder with resources, best practices, and suggestions for future CW camper care staff to turn into the Camp Director at end of the summer
• Serve as a general member of the supervisory staff team
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director
• Be present and available throughout the camp day

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree/License in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Mental Health or Similar Fields
• Demonstrated clinical knowledge of a myriad of treatment techniques
• Previous experiences in a camp setting or similar environment is preferred
• Experience with children, teenagers, and adult mental, social, and emotional health
• Must be able to think critically and act swiftly in high stress situations
• Attention to detail in documentation and maintaining records
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort in communicating with children, young adults, and parents
• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hard working, and diligent professional who takes initiative and is creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Must be available for full training and summer: May 24-August 2

Position Summary

The Health Center Manager is responsible for the smooth operation of the camp Health Center. This includes working with camp nurses and doctors in ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff. The Health Center Manager will work in tandem with the Assistant Director, Director, and broader summer leadership team at camp to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers and staff. This position requires a person with a variety of skills and abilities to transition from one situation to another, quickly and intuitively, while also showing compassion and empathy for campers, staff, and parents. It is essential that the Manager is organized and patient and has strong communication skills. They are supervised by the Camp Director.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model in the camp community and represent camp values
• Participate in required supervisor and staff training prior to camp
• Foster an atmosphere of positivity, collaboration, support, and inclusivity
• Communicate and collaborate with Director, Associate Director, camp social worker, and supervisory team to support camper and staff health, safety, and well-being
• Schedule work hours for nurses and office visits for doctors
• Organize medication distribution
• Organize sick call hours
• Communicate with parents
• Document all incident, accident, and worker’s compensation reports
• Prepare all first aid kits and distribute around camp
• Keep fresh linen available in recovery rooms
• Ensure all camper and staff medical records are properly completed prior to arrival of camp
• Organize all lice and temperature checks
• Organize all medication collection
• Keep inventory up to date
• Prepare medical supplies for out of camp trips

• Create an end-of-summer report and binder that includes an overview of health center processes, logistics, scheduling, and experience as well as recommendations for future enhancements for Director
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Camp Director

Qualifications:

• At least two years or equivalent experience working with and/or managing employees in an administrative and/or health care setting strongly preferred

• Must be caring, empathetic, patient, hardworking, and diligent professional who takes initiative and is creative, enthusiastic, open-minded and high-energy

• Must possess strong communication skills and comfort in communicating with children, young adults, and parents
• Must have ability to function both independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience working with groups of children at a camp, school, or similar setting preferred
• Must be available from: May 24-August 2

Staff arrival and training dates will be determined on a rolling basis. Arrival dates will likely begin between May 24-May 28, 2024. Should there be changes due to health procedures or requirements, we will be in contact directly with hired staff at that time to share updates. Please note that attendance at staff training is mandatory!

Camper Session Dates
Session I: June 11-July 7
Session II: July 10-July 31
Israel Leadership Summer: June 17-July 17 (tentative)

We look for significant experience working with kids beyond babysitting. We look for people who have sought out leadership opportunities during the year, and want to make a difference for others. Our staff members have graduated high school. Some positions require additional certifications and/or training. We want staff members who can take a low-energy rainy afternoon and make it the best, most exhilarating day ever for their campers. We want someone who will go with their kids to the pool for swim lessons on a chilly day and jump right in. We look for those staff members who are excited by and committed to being part of a team, inclusive community, and want to support the goals and the mission of Camp Wise.

All program staff receive five 25-hour days off during the summer. Support staff will have one day off per 7-9 days. Daily breaks are built into every staff member’s day. This is time to nap, unwind, chill out, exercise, read, call family or friends, or go for a walk.

All staff, even returning staff, must apply and have an interview. All new applicants are required to submit 3 professional references at the time of their application. Once applicants submit their application in CampIn Touch, they will receive an email in early November to coordinate an interview via Zoom.

Our priority deadline for staff applications is November 1! We highly encourage all interested candidates to submit an application by that deadline. After November 1, we review applications and hire staff on a rolling basis based on our available positions.

Yes, at Camp Wise all of our program staff live in bunk with their campers. Counselors follow the daily schedule of the campers while specialists teach in their area during the camp day. Counselors and specialists share the responsibility of managing their bunk.

All of our cabins have electricity. Some of them have bathrooms and showers attached to the building and for others the bathrooms and showers are in a separate building just outside the cabin. Staff sleep in the cabin with campers in a separated or designated area.

Of course! We understand that our campers come for diverse backgrounds and it is important that we represent those cultures at camp as well. While we are a Jewish camp and our programming is based on our 7 core Jewish values we know that the sometimes the best soccer specialist will not be Jewish but will bring with her a wealth of new and creative ideas. We ask our staff to participate in Jewish life and culture at camp to the level which they are comfortable.