Music & Movement Specialist
Camp Shai at the JCC is Denvers premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and families are welcome. At Camp Shai, we offer a little something for everyone with a variety of engaging and fun activities. From sports to theater to STEM, our campers are building their skillsets while enjoying the traditional summer camp experience.
We believe that summer camp is the perfect environment for children to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence. Studies by the American Camping Association report that day camp campers display an improved ability to make and maintain friendships, increased confidence to try new activities, and greater skill development to hone the skills they are working so hard at. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), and good sportsmanship & attitude (ruach).
We are seeking individuals for the Music & Movement Specialist role that are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone is welcome. The Music & Movement Specialist will work directly with campers each day to facilitate music and dance programming, provide mentorship and support as campers develop their skills, and create a fun and supportive environment where kids want to come back again and again! This role will also function as the song leader during our weekly all-camp Shabbat celebration.
Our Ideal Candidate
- You are eager to share your knowledge of music and movement concepts and methods, as well as Jewish culture.
- You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination.
- You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth.
- You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer, whether youre dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during down time.
- You want to grow your skillset, and you are ready to both give and receive feedback.
- You are a team player that relishes in opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues.
- You exercise patience and empathy when dealing with others and exude positivity.
Role and Responsibilities
- Organize and facilitate music and movement activities that are hands-on, age appropriate, and fun
- Serve as a song leader during Camp Shais weekly Shabbat celebration
- Ensure that inclusive practices are being implemented to make camp accessible for all campers as prescribed by Camp Shais inclusion team
- Support counselors to provide direct camper care and supervision while fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration
- Contribute to and facilitate activities at camp including, but not limited to, camp-wide community rituals, traditions, and programs
- Mitigate camper behaviors using classroom management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, and camp rules
- Participate in weekly staff meetings either before or after camp hours as determined by Camp Director
- Ensure that health guidelines and expectations around cleaning, mask wearing, social distancing, and risk mitigation (as outlined by current JCC and Camp Shai policies) are followed
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Camp Leadership Team
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- Physical Demands: This job requires personnel to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employee must also be able to walk upwards of two miles each day, including the use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employee may also stand, sit in chairs or on the ground, run, and swim. Mental requirements include, but are not limited to, the ability to concentrate, effectively cope with stress, adapt to and stay alert in a professional environment, as well as an ability to problem solve and de-escalate crisis situations and challenging behaviors. Reasonable accommodations may be granted for qualified applicants.
- Work Environment: Working conditions may include being in indoor, open classroom spaces and spending extended time outdoors under the sun.
Basic Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must hold at least 1 year of verifiable experience working with children
- Some familiarity with Judaica
- Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before start date. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Training. Certifications must be conducted by a Division of Early Care and Learning approved training vendor
- Must be able to fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including: background screening, three professional references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS law
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in either a school or camp environment
- Completion of some relevant college coursework or high school diploma (GED).
- Previous music or dance instruction experience a plus
Additional Notes
Advantages of Working at Camp Shai
- Comprehensive 1-Week Training Before Camp (May 31st - June 3rd)
- Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team
- Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback
- Optional Gym Membership During Time of Employment
- The Camp Shai Magic!
Benefits Overview
This is a seasonal job and is ineligible for benefits.
Note: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive statement of every duty and responsibility which will ever be required of an employee in this position; however, the employee will be held responsible for all duties assigned.
The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.