Our Mission
Shwayder Camp provides an environment that enables members of the camp community to create for themselves a meaningful Jewish life. By exemplifying Reform Jewish values and traditions, we endeavor to build relationships, cultivate self-esteem, develop Jewish identity, inspire an appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the natural environment, and promote the unique capabilities of each individual.
Core Beliefs
We are all created "Betzelem Elohim" (in God's image);
We are responsible for "Tikkun Olam" (making the world better);
We engage in "Talmud Torah" (lifelong Jewish learning);
We are part of "Am Yisrael" (the Jewish people) and have a special relationship with Medinat Yisrael" (the State of Israel);
We mark sacred moments and engage in ongoing worship to maintain a Jewish way of life
We honor the chain of Jewish tradition while welcoming modernity
Job Summary/Objective
The Assistant Director of Shwayder Camp is an integral part of the Youth and Family Learning Team of Temple Emanuel. The Assistant Director works directly with the Camp Director in creating a well-rounded informal Jewish education program for the youth of Temple Emanuel.
The Assistant Director of Shwayder Camp is primarily focused on the administrative side of Shwayder Camp and is asked to help with some Temple administrative duties when in the Temple offices. The Assistant Director will assist in the successful organization, development and operation of Shwayder Camp for matters relating to campers, parents, staff and the facility. The Assistant Director of Shwayder Camp is supervised by the Director of Shwayder Camp.
Reports To: Shwayder Camp Director
Department: Family Learning & Engagement
Hours Full-time
Essential Responsibilities (Summer)
- Serve as the Assistant Director of Shwayder Camp during the camp season. Live at Camp (10,200 ft outside of Idaho Springs) from approximately May 15th through September 30th. Serve as Resident Director when Director is out of camp.
- Maintain and ensure the successful accreditation of Shwayder through the American Camping Association (ACA)
- Be on-site for all post-camp retreats, including Rosh Hashanah.
- Effectively manage communication with camp community, including parents, campers and staff both during the summer and throughout the off-season.
- Organize and facilitate transportation and logistics for each session as well as camp outings.
- Design, create and establish selling procedures for memorabilia
- Assist the Director in the management of camp finances.
- Effective supervision of Camper Care staff members, including Unit Heads and Counselors ensuring ongoing evaluation throughout the summer and the creation of standards of excellence for camper care.
- Ensure staff evaluations are completed by your direct reports at the appropriate times.
- Staff Training – plan, lead programs to train staff during staff week and throughout the summer.
- Serves a mediator for conflicts in our community.
Essential Responsibilities (Off-Season)
- Represent the Camp and Temple in public forums, including, but not limited to, regular attendance at Shabbat worship, Jewish Holidays and rituals. When beneficial, the Assistant Director will contribute to and be present for Temple and youth programs such as Hebrew and Religious School, youth group events, to maintain and strengthen camper retention.
- When appropriate, attend Temple staff, board and Camp Committee meetings.
- Oversee Alumni sub-committee
- Maintain Alumni database and create ongoing alumni engagement opportunities.
- Plan and promote year round events in cooperation with Director of Teen Engagement and Education (i.e. Current Camper Reunion Shabbat, year-round engagement, etc.)
- Database management. Maintain camper/staff database.
- Plan and carry out staff reunion events throughout the academic year.
- Strategically and creatively work to market and promote camp as an ongoing process through, but not limited to:
- Camp brochure
- Website
- E-note and newsletter information
- Social media presence
- Ensure that all registration materials and necessary camper and staff forms are prepared in conjunction with the registration timeline.
- Organize all camp records for the processes of camper registration and staff hiring. Assure completion and accuracy of camper forms, staff forms, and staff background checks to meet the standards and requirements of the American Camping Association and Colorado Department of Human Services.
- Maintain communication with synagogue and community leaders. Coordinate and attend recruitment trips and other appropriate forums.
- Communicate and coordinate with emergency and licensing agencies.
- Manage the hiring process and supervision of Unit Heads and Counseling staff members including ongoing evaluation throughout the summer.
- Establish and conduct the selection of SIT applicants in consultation with the Director and the Director of Teen Engagement and Education.
- Seek out and participate in appropriate professional development and networking opportunities for growth and development within the position.
Core Competencies
- A love of Judaism and an understanding of how to work to create an environment that enables members of the camp community to create for themselves a meaningful Jewish life.
- Present and ensure implementation of core Jewish values and that those values are clearly articulated to staff and campers.
- A desire to enhance his/her commitment and knowledge of Judaism.
- The following interpersonal skills:
- Diplomatic
- Outgoing, engaging, and motivating personality.
- Enthusiastic
- Effective troubleshooter
- Creative problem solver
- Excellent communication skills
- Team player
- High moral character
Qualifications
- A minimum of at least a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university.
- Comply with all staff requirements of the Division of Child Care of the Colorado Department of Human Services and the American Camping Association.
- Excellent computer skills, including database and financial management software.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job and may change at any time.
Please send a resume and cover letter to: [email protected]. Cover letters and resumes will be received until Friday, October 25th at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted on Monday, October 28th. Please do not call regarding this position.