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The position begins in mid-June and lasts through the third week in August, and includes full room and board.

Job requirements

• Must be at least 17 years of age and a High School graduate
• Must have experience working with children
• Must attend orientation training sessions
• Must be able to demonstrate some critical knowledge, skills, and physical abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Desire and ability to work with children of all ages
• Demonstrated responsibility and dependability
• Ability to sit, stand, or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time
• Must exhibit patience and understanding.
• Ability to receive and follow detailed instruction
• Maintain a high level of alertness, keeping safety in mind at all times
• Capable of working under pressure and staying flexible in an ever-changing, sometimes hectic environment
• Ability to work up to 60 hours weekly

Responsibilities

• Supervised by Unit Supervisor, Division Head, and Head Counselor
• Ensure children are aware of rules and daily routines
• Provide a safe and healthy environment, both physically and mentally
• Mediate camper problems and offer productive solutions (asking for help when needed)
• Actively participate in all programs, activities, and special events, supporting the people leading them; this includes but is not limited to hikes, overnights, Jewish programming and Shabbat services, sports, music/singing, etc.
• Plan and implement daily activities that fit the camper’s needs and interests, especially evening and rainy-day activities
• Direct or assist in the daily maintenance of both camper and staff cabins, ensuring safety and cleanliness
• Ensure that all activities are mission supportive
• Establish a relationship with each child, learning their likes and dislikes
• Put the needs of children first and treat each child with respect and dignity
• Take responsibility camp supplies, equipment, and materials – signing out and returning items to their proper place
• Actively supervise and provide structured activities during rest hour
• Serve as a role model and provide support to campers when needed.
• Fully participate in general staff orientation and all staff meetings.
• Be willing to request help, advice, and feedback from peers and/or supervisors.
• Be responsible for knowing and adhering to camp policies, procedures, safety, and emergency policies.
• Report all suspicions of child abuse, bullying, or rule-breaking to proper authorities
• Report injuries or behavioral issue to the supervisor
• Complete all written camper evaluations at end of each session
• Serve in shmira (OD) rotation
• Help prepare camp for opening at beginning of summer and final clean up at end of summer
• Be consistent. Remember that you, too, are worthy of rest and renewal. Take care of yourself.

Love a particular activity? Have special skills and training? We hire specialists (ages 17+) for activities including: Archery, Arts & Crafts, Adventure (low ropes, high ropes, zip line, climbing tower and group-building activities), Digital Photography, Drama, Golf, Israeli Culture, Jewish Culture, Physical Fitness, Songleader, Sports, Tennis, Video and Teva (nature, including overnight camping). A Specialist or Area Supervisor provides guidance. Specialists live in camper units and assist counselors when not running activities. Positions include full room and board.

All positions are residential and are hired for the duration of our summer program. The time commitment is mid-June to late August, and includes full room and board.

Job Requirements

• 21 years of age
• Physically and mentally capable to handle the care of campers and staff.
• Previous camping, education and/or childcare experience preferred.
• Previous leadership experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Desire and ability to work with children of all ages.
• Ability to sit, stand, or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time.
• Must exhibit patience and understanding.
• Capable of working under pressure and staying flexible in an ever-changing, sometimes hectic environment.
• Ability to work up to 60 hours weekly.

Responsibilities

• The unit supervisor is directly responsible to the Head Counselor and/or Division Head.
• Review and become familiar with the job responsibilities of counselors.
• Collaborate with key staff to create a positive environment of communication, support and inclusivity.
• Work closely with counselors regarding roles and responsibilities within the unit.
• Support the planning and implementation of group, unit and all-camp programming with other staff.
• Organize time off for all unit staff and ensure that all staff are taking appropriate time off.
• Work closely with counselors to provide camper behavioral interventions, and communicate all relevant information to Head Counselor and/or parents as needed.
• Clearly review with each counselor in the unit their personal goals, objectives and progress throughout the summer. Provide frequent feedback through scheduled check-ins, and written evaluations at end-of-summer.
• Make sure all camper-related notes and/or parent communications are logged in Campminder.
• Compose weekly e-mails to families, summarizing the unit’s experience, and sharing special moments, milestones, etc.
• Make sure all camper reports, staff evaluations, etc. are completed and submitted at the end of each session.
• Monitor and distribute trip money, monitor letter-writing, and conduct daily inspections of cabins in unit, checking for cleanliness, safety hazards, proper hygiene, etc.
• Be willing to request help, advice, and feedback from peers or support staff.
• Serve as a role model and provide support to campers when needed.
• Fully participate in general staff orientation and all staff meetings.
• Be responsible for knowing and adhering to camp policies, procedures, safety, and emergency policies.
• Report all suspicions of child abuse, bullying, or rule-breaking to proper authorities
• Report injuries or behavioral issue to the supervisor
• Review and comment on camper reports at end of each session.
• Serve as Rosh Shmira (AOD) on assigned nights.
• Participate in and supervise final clean up at end of summer.
• Participate in end-of-summer supervisors debrief meeting.
• Be consistent. Remember that you, too, are worthy of rest and renewal. Take care of yourself.

The position begins in mid-June and lasts through the third week in August, and includes full room and board.

Job requirements:

• Must be at least 17 years of age.
• Must have current American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding certification or acceptable equivalent
• Must have American Red Cross CPR or CPR for the Professional Rescuer or acceptable equivalent
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to foster a community that celebrates inclusivity and camp’s values.
• Be flexible with the changing needs of the program.

Responsibilities:

• Lifeguards are directly supervised by and responsible to the Waterfront Director and Division Head.
• Assist with maintenance of waterfronts and equipment.
• Maintain waterfront safety standards throughout camp.
• Supervise waterfront during general swims and assign counselors to posts as per direction from the Waterfront Director.
• Teach campers during instructional swims as per current guidelines of the American Red Cross.
• Serve in rotation of boat patrol.
• Rake beach as needed.
• Assist with boat dock as needed.
• Participate in waterfront drills.
• Assist Waterfront Director in maintaining waterfront records.
• Serve as relief counselors when waterfront is not in use and during Trip Break.
• Attend all meals and assist with Dining Room supervision where assigned.
• Participate in camper programs when waterfront is closed.
• Serve in waterfront OD (on duty) rotation.
• Assist in setting up and dismantling waterfront facilities and equipment during pre-season as indicated by contract.
• Help with luggage loading, unloading and distribution both in city and at camp.
• Report to supervisor for re-assignment if an activity period is cancelled.
• Serve as a role model and provide support to campers when needed.
• Fully participate in general staff orientation and all staff meetings.
• Be willing to request help, advice, and feedback from peers and/or supervisors.
• Be responsible for knowing and adhering to camp policies, procedures, safety, and emergency policies.
• Report all suspicions of child abuse, bullying, or rule-breaking to proper authorities.
• Report injuries or behavioral issue to the supervisor.
• Serve in shmira (OD) rotation.
• Help prepare camp for opening at beginning of summer and final clean up at end of summer.
• Be consistent. Remember that you, too, are worthy of rest and renewal. Take care of yourself.

We are seeking Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, ideally with significant experience in pediatric nursing, school nursing and / or camp nursing, as part of our summer camp team. The position begins in mid-June and lasts through the third week in August. The position includes full room and board as well as the possibility for your children to attend camp at a reduced tuition.

Job responsibilities:

• Supervised by and responsible to Health Director/Head Nurse.
• Review camper medical forms and set up camper folders.
• Perform initial screening for campers and staff.
• Examine campers and staff during clinic hours.
• Distribute medication to outpatients in accordance with standing orders of physician.
• Provide emergency care to outpatients and nursing services to inpatients.
• Participate in day shifts and night coverage at Health Center.
• Help supervise Health Center aides.
• Attend Health Center staff meetings and general staff meetings as needed.
• Remain on call when not in Health Center.
• Accompany patients to doctors’ offices and hospitals as needed.
• Conduct accident investigations and complete accident investigation forms.
• Help maintain Health Center facilities, equipment and supplies.

Qualifications:

• A valid NYS nursing license (or ability to get one).
• Experience working in a camp or comparable setting.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

To apply

Serious candidates should contact Sheryl Kirschenbaum, Surprise Lake Camp’s Director, at [email protected]. To download a copy of the job description, click here.

Since 1902, Surprise Lake Camp has provided a haven for children in the beautiful mountains of Cold Spring, NY. What makes SLC the best is the beauty of the site, the richness of the people and the program, the sense of history and tradition, and the magic we create when the whole thing comes together. We blend a commitment to traditional, rustic camp experiences with state of the art recreational facilities and are particularly proud of our open, inclusive community that is sensitive to the needs of interfaith and diverse families. The position runs roughly from June 16-August 20, 6 days per week. Pre-camp and post-camp work is also available.

Site Assistants live full time at camp with 2-3 other staff (can leave on days/nights off), and camp provides full room and board. (Housing and 3 meals a day). Commuting is possible if applicant lives locally.

Requirements:
• At least 23 years of age
• Must be able to lift heavy loads of 50lbs or more
• Must be able to work up to 60 hours a week
• Must have clean driving record and have been licensed for at least five years

Responsibilities:
• Supervised by and responsible to the Administrative Director.
• Assist with moving beds, mattresses, furniture, and other equipment throughout camp.
• Assist with cleanup and general maintenance throughout camp.
• Along with other site assistants, perform daily trips to the train, post office, and mall as scheduled.
• Perform miscellaneous chores and assignments as needed.
• Help with luggage loading, unloading and distribution at camp on arrival and departure days.
• Along with other site assistants, perform daily garbage and recycling pickups throughout camp.
• Assist with daily food deliveries to Teenside.
• Assist with daily mail/package deliveries to Teenside.
• Serve on evening rotations and be available for emergencies as needed.
• Responsible for daily vehicle checks including filling fuel tank, checking oil and water daily and
completing reports as necessary.
• Required to inform supervisor if there is a problem with safety or performance of the vehicle.
• Serve as a role model and provide support to campers when needed.
• Fully participate in general staff orientation and all staff meetings.
• Attend all meals.
• Be responsible for knowing and adhering to camp policies, procedures, safety, and emergency policies.
• Report all suspicions of child abuse, bullying, or rule-breaking to proper authorities
• Help prepare camp for opening and closing at beginning and end of season.
• Participate in final clean up at end of summer.
• Be consistent. Remember that you, too, are worthy of rest and renewal. Take care of yourself.

Take on a great job in a beautiful location, with full room and board included. Our Support Staff works behind the scenes to create the special experience of camp. Positions are available in the office, maintenance, housekeeping, and Health Center.