Recreations and Programming Intern

Location: Apachi Day Camp
Date: June 4th, 2025 – August 8th, 2025 (dates may vary based on location)

Time: Monday – Friday / 8:45am-3:45pm (times may vary based on location)

Summary: 

JCC Chicago is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Recreations & Programming Intern to join our team and help create unforgettable experiences for our campers. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in day camp programming, working closely with the camp team to develop and execute engaging activities and special events. As an intern, you will be an integral part of the programming team, supporting the coordination and implementation of both daily camp activities and large-scale camp events. This position is perfect for individuals passionate about working with children, event planning, and developing strong organizational and communication skills.

Learning Goals:

• Enhance communication skills through communicating with adults and children by modeling good relationships with colleagues, providing feedback, and providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all. 
• Strengthen organizational skills by conducting time management skills, promoting, and utilizing the use of organizational structures, and staying organized in day-to-day function.
• Developing event planning and management skills, by understanding the processes and functions that go into full day events.
• Gain a better understanding of what programming functions look like in a day camp setting and the behind-the-scenes operations of camp.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Working as a part of the programming team to assist in camp-wide programming including coordination of day-to-day activities. 
• Assisting in the planning and execution of weekly theme days.
• Oversight and management of camp activities. 
• Assisting in the planning of camp-wide events such as Maccabi and other special events.
• Communicating all program needs to the program director in a timely manner.
• Manage the organization and distribution of all camp materials before/ during/ and after the camp day. 
• Work with other Recreations & Programming Interns to execute the function of agency wide camp events such as SunriseWALKS and Crosstown Classic. 
• Attend weekly group Zoom meetings with the Sr. Director of Day Camps.
• Engage as an active member of the camp community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Essential Duties: 

Students of any and all majors are encouraged to apply. Must have excellent organizational and planning skills. Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with staff, and outside organizations. 

• The following physical skills are helpful but are not required to successfully perform the core duties of this role.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
• Stand for long periods of time and be able to actively engage physically with children.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
• Supervise children, keeping them in sight and sound at all times.
• Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Prevent, circumvent, and deal with problem behaviors appropriately and effectively.
• Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.
• Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
• Willingness to perform other camp-related duties and responsibilities. 

Compensation: Stipends vary based on location