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As the balmy days of summer approach, thousands of youngsters in the US get ready for one of their favorite times of the year—Jewish camp! Set in pristine locations, Jewish summer camps are vibrant environments where Jewish culture, values, and community spirit combine to create unforgettable experiences for campers.
Working as a camp counselor at a Jewish camp is a rewarding opportunity to share the camaraderie and excitement of this tradition. It’s a chance to share your faith, support and encourage young campers to be the best version of themselves, and plan fun activities that keep the whole camp entertained.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what it’s like to be a camp counselor in America at a Jewish camp. We’ll explore:
- What a Jewish summer camp is
- Why Jewish summer camps are important
- The benefits of working at a Jewish camp je
- The roles and requirements of camp counselors at Jewish camps
- How to find Jewish summer camp jobs in the US
At AmeriCamp, we help prospective camp counselors land positions at top summer camps in the US. We work with a diverse range of camp partners, including Jewish camps, to connect them with dedicated camp counselors looking for a life-changing summer experience.
If you’re considering working at a USA summer camp, AmeriCamp can help you find a Jewish camp that aligns with your values and interests. We’ll circulate your resume among our camp partners, and also act as your J-1 visa sponsor so that you can enjoy paid work during your time at camp. Plus, you’ll be able to travel within the United States for up to 30 days after your camp wraps up!
So, are you ready to start the adventure of a lifetime? Apply now to experience life at a US summer camp!
What Is a Jewish Camp?
What does Jewish camp actually involve? Let’s start our article by exploring the foundations of Jewish camp, including the activities, beliefs, and focuses of Jewish sleepaway camps.
Activities and Focuses
Just like all the best summer camps in the US, Jewish summer camps are packed full of activities, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. Activities may include:
- Team sports like soccer or softball
- Outdoor activities like capture the flag
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Music sessions and singalongs
Jewish camps may also offer activities that focus on Jewish culture and traditions, like Hebrew language lessons and Jewish history sessions that celebrate both individuality and collective identity.
Beliefs and Faith-Based Elements
Central to the ethos of an Orthodox Jewish summer camp are beliefs and faith-based elements that infuse daily life with meaning and purpose. Through prayer sessions, Shabbat observance, and Jewish holiday celebrations, campers and staff are invited to deepen their connection to Jewish tradition and spirituality.
These moments of reflection and communal worship foster a sense of belonging and reinforce the values of compassion, justice, and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) inherent in Jewish teachings. Each specific Jewish camp celebrates its beliefs differently, so your experience and the degree of faith-related activities may vary depending on which summer camp in America you’re working for.
Types of Jewish Camps
There are many different summer camp types, but a majority are “traditional camps,” where campers are dropped off and stay at the camp full-time and overnight. Traditional camps typically last for a week at minimum, and in some cases, may last up to 12 weeks.
Another popular option is “day camps,” where campers stay only during the day, and return home each evening to sleep. A majority of the Jewish camps AmeriCamp works with offer traditional camps, where both campers and camp staff stay at the camp full-time.
Why is Jewish Summer Camp So Impactful?
Jewish summer adventure camps play a pivotal role in shaping the hearts and minds of young campers, giving them a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride in their faith. Here are just a few of the benefits that Jewish camps offer their participants.
Helping Campers Develop an Identity
In one survey conducted after summer camp wrapped up, 96% of campers agreed that camp strengthened their faith, and 82% of campers said that they felt more confident in themselves after returning home from camp. 86% also believed that camp had a significant impact on their life.
For many campers, summer at a Jewish adventure camp is a journey of self-discovery—a time to explore and embrace their Jewish identity in a supportive and nurturing environment. Through fun group activities, campers are empowered to delve into their heritage, traditions, and values. The best camps in America help campers forge connections and a sense of pride and belonging that lasts much longer than summer camp itself.
Fostering a Community
At the heart of every Jewish camp lies a vibrant and inclusive community. Through shared rituals, collaborative team projects, and spirited celebrations, campers and staff alike form bonds that transcend differences. In this close-knit community, friendships flourish, values are shared, and every individual is valued for their unique contributions.
Developing and Growing Jewish Culture
Summer Jewish camp brings Jewish heritage alive through art, music, food, and storytelling. From lively klezmer concerts to hands-on cooking classes exploring traditional Jewish cuisine, campers are introduced to cultural expression, deepening their connection to their roots and fostering a sense of pride in their heritage.
Part of learning how to be a good camp counselor is helping campers embrace their cultural heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience. Through camp activities, you can help empower campers to carry their cultural identity with confidence and pride.
Helping campers embrace their faith can bring many different benefits. The National Study of Youth and Religion recently unveiled research indicating that religious 12th graders are more likely to exercise and play sports, staying fit and active. Also, parents in religious families with teens are more likely to express love and affection, leading to healthier family relationships.
Roles and Requirements of Camp Counselors at Jewish Camp
Working as a Jewish camp counselor is much more than a summer job, it’s an opportunity to help shape the growth and development of young campers. The roles of a camp counselor can vary depending on the specific camp you’re working at, but let’s take a look at what the typical summer camp counselor job description involves for Jewish camps, including:
- Planning and leading activities
- Supporting campers
- Participating in faith-based activities
- Setting a good example
Understanding what’s expected of you as a camp counselor gives you a better idea of what your Jewish camp experience will look like, and also helps you tailor your camp counselor resume to highlight specific skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for these positions.
Plan and Lead Activities
Central to the role of a camp counselor at a Jewish adventure camp is the responsibility to plan and lead engaging and enriching activities that cater to the diverse interests and needs of campers. You might be running activities like:
- Sports tournaments
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Educational sessions exploring Jewish history and culture
- Cooking classes
- Talent shows
- Scavenger hunts
- Group hikes
- And so much more!
You generally don’t need specific experience in these types of activities, but if you do have unique skills like soccer coaching in America, professional kayak or canoe experience, or woodworking certifications, you might like to check out AmeriCamp Premium.
AmeriCamp Premium gives you the chance to work as a camp counselor in a teaching role, focusing on your unique skills. You’ll earn more than a standard camp counselor salary and it gives you an incredible opportunity to share your passion with a group of eager campers! Learn more about the types of skills we’re looking for and start your AmeriCamp Premium application here.
Support Campers
Beyond the scope of organized activities, one of the most important skills of a camp counselor is the ability to be trusted confidants and allies for campers. Counselors should offer guidance, encouragement, and support in navigating the joys and challenges of camp life.
Almost every camper has a great time at camp, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t times when each child needs some extra care and support. From homesickness to friendship conflicts, counselors provide a listening ear and a compassionate heart, helping campers feel seen, heard, and valued as they navigate life at camp.
Participate in Faith-Based Activities
As well as leading activities and acting as mentors, counselors at Jewish camps are often called upon to participate in faith-based activities and rituals, such as:
- Shabbat observance
- Prayer services
- Holiday celebrations
Some camps require counselors to have strong Jewish faith, while other camps simply require counselors to be respectful of other people’s beliefs during their time at camp. Make sure you understand the camp counselor qualities and expectations of a specific camp before your camp placement kicks off.
Set a Good Example
Above all else, camp counselors are required and expected to set a good example. As role models and ambassadors of Jewish values, counselors are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and conduct, displaying integrity, kindness, and compassion for campers to emulate.
It’s not just Jewish values that camp counselors need to adhere to. Counselors are required to set a good example in all facets of camp life, whether it’s actively participating in camp activities, keeping cabins clean and tidy, or acting as a leader in other ways. Remember that campers will follow your lead in everything you do—set the standard for campers treating each other with kindness and respect!!
Why Should You Work at a Jewish Camp in the US?
Being a camp counselor at a Jewish camp doesn’t just benefit the campers around you, it’s also a unique opportunity for personal growth and development. There are lots of different benefits you can see from attending Jewish camp as a counselor, including:
- Enjoying a summer of fun
- The chance to travel
- Exploring your faith
- Boosting your resume
Let’s explore each of these benefits of counseling at a Jewish camp in more detail.
A Summer of Fun
There’s no better place to spend summer than at camp. American Jewish camps are set in picturesque locations, whether it’s a lakeside retreat or a beautiful hideaway on the coast. Working at a USA summer camp gives you the chance to soak up the sun in some of these incredible settings, with new friends, fun activities, and great vibes.
The Chance to Travel
AmeriCamp gives you the opportunity to travel within the U.S. for up to 30 days after your Jewish camp placement wraps up. Your visa will still be valid during this time, and you’ll be covered by comprehensive medical insurance. It’s an amazing opportunity to see even more of the U.S., whether it’s the bright lights of New York City or the pristine beaches of Southern California.
Exploring Your Faith
If you’re looking to deepen your connection to your faith and heritage, working at a Jewish camp provides a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate Jewish culture, traditions, and values in a supportive and inclusive environment. Camp is a chance to reinvigorate your faith and share your knowledge and passion with others at the same time.
Boosting Your Resume
As well as the personal and spiritual benefits of working at a Jewish camp, the camp counselor resume skills you gain along the way can be a valuable asset for your future career prospects. Employers often value the leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills gained through working at a camp, as well as the ability to adapt to diverse and ever-changing environments.
Whether you're pursuing a career in education, social work, or any other field, the experience of working at a Jewish camp can demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others and your ability to thrive in challenging and dynamic settings.
How to Find Jewish Camp Summer Jobs
We’ve talked about what working at a Jewish camp looks like, but how do you actually find and secure a summer camp job in the U.S.? Let’s explore how you can spend the summer at one of the best summer camps in the U.S., with some help from AmeriCamp.
Join AmeriCamp
With thousands of camp partners across the U.S., AmeriCamp has amazing camp counselor opportunities right around the country. Our 99% placement success rate means that you’re almost guaranteed a place at one of America’s top summer camps, including our many Jewish camp partners. When you join AmeriCamp, you get:
- The opportunity to work at one of the best summer camps in the USA
- J-1 visa sponsorship and assistance preparing your visa paperwork
- A minimum guaranteed salary of $2,000
- Free accommodation and meals for the duration of the camp
- The option to travel within the U.S. for up to 30 days after camp
- Comprehensive medical insurance while you’re in the U.S.
- Award-winning customer support every step of the way
Start your AmeriCamp application here to unlock all these benefits and begin your journey as a counselor at an American Jewish camp!
Make a Camp Counselor Resume
After our AmeriCamp team approves your application, we’ll circulate your resume to our camp partners that best match your skills and interests. Make sure your resume is up to date, and include all your relevant skills and work experience. Even if you’ve never had a formal job, you can include things like:
- Babysitting experience
- Participating in sports teams or clubs
- Any leadership roles you have at school
- Any certifications, like CPR or lifeguard training
- Your hobbies and interests
Also, be sure to include any involvement you have in Jewish activities or organizations, as well as a general overview of your faith, your knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions, why you want to be a camp counselor, and your passion for working with youth.
Prepare for Interviews With Camp Directors
Once we’ve started circulating your resume, it’s time to start preparing for your camp interviews. Review common camp counselor interview questions and have some answers ready, and be prepared to talk about your experience, interests, and why you want to work at a Jewish camp.
It’s also a good idea to have some questions of your own ready—this is your chance to talk to camp directors about the values and focuses of their camps, and make sure they align with your own goals and interests.
Get Ready for Summer at a Jewish Camp!
Once you’ve landed a summer camp job, it’s time to make sure you have all the things to bring to camp as a counselor and start preparing yourself for the adventure ahead! Familiarize yourself with the camp's policies, procedures, and expectations for staff members. Connect with fellow counselors and staff members to build relationships and establish a sense of camaraderie.
Take advantage of any training or orientation sessions offered by the camp to further develop your skills and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Most camps will provide you with some onboarding information and an idea of what to expect, as well as tips for preparing for camp.
Most importantly, approach the summer with a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace the incredible experience of Jewish camp life. Get ready for a summer filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and experiences that will help you grow personally and professionally. Start the journey of a lifetime with AmeriCamp today—Apply here!
