Herzl Camp staff have a profound impact on our campers. It is a demanding job that requires exceptional responsibility and care. It’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have!
Too often working at a summer camp is misunderstood as just a fun thing to do in the summer, and less valuable than a “real job” or internship. Working at Herzl Camp is very much a real job…You will gain marketable skills and hands-on experience as a leader, collaborator and critical thinker that will set you apart from other candidates when you go for that “real job.”
WHO IS A HERZL STAFF MEMBER
- You are genuinely dedicated to providing the best possible summer for our Herzl Camp community.
- You lead by example as a positive role model, with kindness, compassion, enthusiasm, patience, and maturity.
- You love children and want to play a role in developing their self-confidence and independence.
- You make appropriate decisions concerning the well-being of children.
- You can identify problems that need to be solved as they arise, and seek out additional support when needed.
- You always prioritize campers while using safety, respect, and inclusion as guiding principles.
- You subscribe to the philosophy that at camp, children and adults can be their goofy, shticky, true self.
- You find the fun in even the most mundane moments.
POSITIONS
Programmatic Team
Counselors live in the cabin with the campers and are responsible for their overall well-being. Counselors work everyday to develop positive relationships with each individual camper – and help them create lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and develop a commitment and love for Judaism and Israel. Our counselors lead cabin programming and create moments of Herzl magic that foster a feeling of belonging and community.
Specialists provide instruction in an activity area where they have knowledge and experience. Sometimes they live in a cabin with campers, and also participate in some cabin activities. Specialists provide creative, fun and interactive ways for campers to learn, grow and develop new skills. From athletes to artists to lifeguards to chefs and more, specialists provide a nurturing environment for our campers to experience teamwork, creativity, and boost their confidence.
Program Supervisors (RKs) are typically seasoned camp veterans who are responsible for leading a division of campers and managing the staff assigned to work in their group. This role requires leadership, maturity, responsibility, creativity and critical thinking. Program Supervisors are directly responsible for managing the overall experience for their campers and coaching their counselors through the successes and challenges of the summer.
Operational/Support Team
Kitchen staff are responsible for the preparation of three nutritious and delicious meals each day. Kitchen staff work in food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. You should have a positive, “can do it” attitude, be hard working, and a team player.
Housekeeping/cleaning staff attends to the cleanliness of camp’s common areas on a daily basis, ensuring that camp remains clean and well-maintained. This team will also be responsible for doing camper laundry. This role requires you to be detail oriented, hard working, and be a team player.
Maintenance staff ensure the property is safe, clean, and in good condition – overseeing repairs, being responsible for garbage disposal, and other basic and proactive upkeep of the property. You should be a hard working, a team player, and be able to life 50 lbs.
Medical Team staff are compassionate, warm and nurturing medical professionals working to ensure the physical health and well-being of everyone in our camp community.
Security staff assist in keeping camp safe and secure by facilitating and following safety and security protocols. As part of the security staff, you will take ownership over tasks including the main gate, grounds patrol, asset protection, as well as observing and communicating all security issues/opportunities to the Herzl Camp leadership team. You should have strong communication skills, an ability to walk long distances, and diffuse difficult situations.
Drivers provide transportation for staff off property as needed for days-off and other trips. You should be punctual, have a valid driver’s license, and preferably with a background driving trucks or buses.
Office staff coordinate communication, scheduling, and operate Chanut (camp store) on a daily basis. These staff answer the telephone, organize incoming and outgoing mail and packages, and a mountain of other administrative tasks. You should have excellent communication and basic computer skills.
IMPORTANT DATES
Our summer season lasts 8-10 weeks depending on position, and is scheduled to coincide with most school calendars.
- Operational Team Arrival (Kitchen, Maintenance, Housekeeping): To be communicated
- Supervisory Staff Training: Friday, June 6 – Thursday, June 12
- All Staff Training: Thursday, June 12 – Tuesday, June 17
- Opening Day! Tuesday, June 17
- Last Day of Camp: Monday, August 11
- Family Camp: Thursday, August 14 – Sunday, August 17
HIRING PROCESS
Application: Each candidate must complete the online staff application. The application contains general information questions, employment history, questions regarding your skills, and short answer questions.
References: A reference is someone who can answer questions about your work history, skills, abilities, attitude, and work style. Choose your references with care. What they say can make a big difference. Remember to ask/contact your reference before including their contact information on your application. Family members are not acceptable references.
Two names of references are required from all new applicants and returning staff who have been away from camp for more than a year. Returning staff are not required to include references with their application.
Examples of good references
School: teacher, guidance counselor, advisor
Professional: supervisor at work or as a volunteer, mentor
Character: rabbi, youth director, coach
Interview: You will receive an invitation to schedule your interview within two weeks of submitting your application.
Job Offer: Job offers will be made by January 15 to applicants who apply by December 1. Following this date, hiring will continue on a rolling basis; those who apply earlier will have access to more positions.
Contract: Your contract will be sent to you via email. It must be reviewed, signed, and returned within two weeks of receipt.
Hire Forms: Hire forms are located in your CampInTouch account. To find the forms, log in to your account and select the “Forms and Documents” link. Please review which forms are required based on your job and geographical location. Completed forms must be submitted by May 1, 2025.
FAQ
What if I need to leave during the summer for college orientation or other conflict?
Report the dates of your conflict as soon as you have them so they can be recorded on your contract and arrangements can be made to cover your absence. Your pay will be prorated (adjusted down) to reflect the number of days you are absent from camp.
When do I get paid?
Paychecks are distributed at the conclusion of each session (3 total). Camp does not have cash on site to cash your check or provide an advance on your salary.
How do I do laundry?
We have washers and dryers at camp for staff to user during their free period or on a day-off.
How do I get to camp?
What should I bring?? (packing list)
Click here to see a suggested packing list for a 2-week camper.
What does camp need from me regarding my certifications?
Please submit copies of applicable certifications (CPR/First Aid, WSI, Boating, other) prior to your arrival at camp so they can be included in your employee file.
What are the living/housing accommodations at camp like?
Counselors and some specialists will live in a cabin with 10-14 campers and co-staff. Leadership, supervisory and operational staff live in staff housing.