The JCC Ranch Camp is not just the Denver JCC’s overnight summer camp, it’s also one of the best places to work during the summer. As a staff member, Ranch Camp will become your home away from home as you work to create a community where people can thrive. You’re a hero to your campers; you have the chance to do something you really care about and have a whole lot of fun doing it. Your experience as a staff member is just as important to us as our campers’ experience.
That being said: We’re here to serve kids and make sure they are in the safest environment possible while having the time of their lives.
First and foremost, all our supervisory staff act as a team to support cabin staff.
All Supervisory Staff Responsibilities
- Take care of staff and campers by prioritizing the physical, social, emotional health, safety, and well-being.
- Work as a team with the supervisory team to make sure every day runs the way it’s supposed to by helping to lead meals, participating in all camp programming, supporting and maintaining cabin life, and providing coverage for cabin staff as needed.
- Create a community that you want to be a part of and that you want campers to be a part of.
- Include everyone and make sure everyone is included.
- Jump into the camp life: ride horses, swim, camp, play games, sing songs, roast s’mores, be ready to do everything the campers do!
- Act as a resource and support staff as they manage camp behaviors using positive behavior management techniques, enforcing appropriate safety policies, emergency procedures, camp rules, and more.
- Be flexible and adaptable because things change quickly at camp. You have to be able to roll with it.
- And other duties and responsibilities as assigned: you might need to make your campers’ dreams of a beach themed ice-cream campfire song session come true or become your favorite legendary Pokémon for an evening program.
Our supervisory team is more than just a support structure. We want you to do what matters to you while you’re at camp.
Want to spend your summer outside, exploring the back country of Colorado and climbing mountains? We have a job for you. Does spending the morning playing soccer and the afternoon creating art make your heart happy? We have a job for you. Want to design a rocket that can make grilled cheese, but also land on Mars? We probably have a job for you, let’s talk.
Unit Director Overview
The Unit Director is a key member of Ranch Camp’s summer supervisory team. This role directly supervises the Unit Heads and collaborates closely with the Camper Care Team and Camp Administration to ensure the physical, emotional, and social well-being of campers and staff across all units. The Unit Director is a mentor, coach, problem-solver, and culture-carrier who upholds Ranch Camp’s values and mission in every corner of camp life.
Unit Director Responsibilities
Supervision & Coaching
- Provide daily mentorship and coaching to Unit Heads through observations, check-ins, and weekly one-on-ones (in partnership with the Assistant Director of Camper Care). This includes collecting, reviewing, and approving Unit Head programming (Unit Initiations, Cabin Clean Up, PEPs and Raids, Shiurs. etc).
- Support Unit Heads in navigating staff challenges, offering real-time feedback, and leading formal/informal performance reviews.
- Step in as a high-level substitute or support when a Unit Head is unavailable, or additional leadership is needed.
Culture & Community
- Coach Unit Heads in building strong unit identity and inclusive community culture through programming and leadership.
- Foster a staff culture grounded in accountability, compassion, and connection.
- Lead by example by showing up for daily routines, camp traditions, and spontaneous camp moments.
Camper & Staff Well-being
- Ensure Unit Heads feel confident partnering with Camper Care to support camper physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Camper Wellness to proactively address camper and staff needs across units by co-facilitating morning meetings with supervisors.
- Monitor staff morale and unit dynamics, offering guidance and targeted support as needed.
Physical Demands and Working Environment
Physical Demands: This job requires the incumbent to have operative auditory and visual functioning. Employee must also be able to walk upwards of two (2) miles each day, including use of stairs and uneven terrain. Employee may also stand, sit in chairs or on the ground, run, and swim. Employee may lift or body block campers when necessary.
Work Environment: Working conditions may include being in indoor, often loud, spaces and spending extended time outdoors under the sun. Must have the ability to work in a fast paced, sometimes stressful environment while maintaining the standard of care.
Qualifications And Requirements
Basic Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- At least four years' experience working with children and/or teens in a formal or informal educational, recreational, or therapeutic setting
- Bachelor’s degree or degree in progress or equivalent experience in a childcare setting
- Strong oral and written communication skills - must be able to communicate efficiently with staff
- Maturity and professionalism; must be able to work effectively with their counterparts, coach and support staff working with their campers, address needs of campers discretely, and maintain confidentiality in work with campers, staff, and parents
- High-level organizational skills
- Satisfactorily fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including: background screening, three references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS law.
- Must be high-energy, enthusiastic, creative, and open-minded!
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a camp environment
- First Aid and CPR Certifications
Benefits Overview
This is a seasonal job and is therefore ineligible for benefits.
Please 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.