Inclusion Counselor - Apachi Day Camp (Northside)

Apachi Day Camp offers a breathtaking array of classes, activities, field trips and special days. But it’s our staff—cultivating cooperation, kindness and friendship—who build the foundation of our community. As a team, we continue to challenge ourselves: how can we make each day unforgettable? How can we bring our campers closer together? We know we’ve done our job if our campers never want the day to end, never want the summer to be over and never want to lose the feeling they belong —just the way they are.

The Apachi Day Camp Inclusion Camp Counselor works under the direct supervision of the Inclusion Unit Head to support the agency’s efforts in creating a culture of welcoming and inclusion for people of all abilities at our JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camps. The Inclusion Camp Counselor will work closely with day camp leadership to ensure campers needing additional services are provided with appropriate support for an amazing summer camp experience. The Inclusion Camp Counselor will support the direct needs of 1 or 2 campers within the camp group.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Help modify and adapt activities so campers receiving inclusion support can participate.
• Provide a supportive and nurturing environment to build a partnership with camper(s).
• Supervise and participate in various activities, games, and crafts for campers.
• Assist with daily set up and take down of materials.
• Come to camp each day with a positive attitude and set the tone for campers.
• Keep the Inclusion Unit Head informed of any camper issues.
• Review and implement Individualized Camper Plans.
• Maintain documentation on successes and challenges of the camper to help facilitate correspondence with families.
• Attend staff orientations and meetings.

Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Requirements:

• Lift/move children up to 40 lbs.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Ability to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard, and mouse.

• Vision: must be able to distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness with ability to focus.
• Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
• Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Able to get in the pool for up to 1 hour a day based on the abilities of the camper.

Important Dates:

Training week: June 9-12, 2026

Camp Dates: June 15-July 31st, 2026

No camp June 19, 2026 and July 3, 2026

Monday-Friday 8:40AM-3:40PM

Compensation:

$3,353 - $4,077

Education Qualifications:

College course work in Social Work, Education or related field required with courses in Special Education highly preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Fluent in Microsoft Office, Excel.
• Able to learn new database systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to demonstrate and lead with JCC Chicago’s Four Core Values: Self-Leadership and Accountability, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Customer Service.
• A love for children and a passion for helping them reach their full potential.
• Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where children’s curiosity and differences are encouraged and celebrated.
• Daily access to dependable transportation.

JCC Chicago and Apachi Day Camp are deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by Apachi Day Camp's core values - Respect, Community, Spirit, Courage, Kindness, and Repairing the World - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

#INDJCC

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $3,353.00 - $4,077.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with disabled children or in special education settings?
• We ask that all candidates submit a direct application via the Apachi Day Camp website. Please copy and paste the following link to apply directly.

Link: https://daycamp.jccchicago.org/work-at-apachi/#apply

Work Location: In person