River Friends Day Camp: Lower Division Head (1.5–3 Year Olds)

River Friends Day Camp is the Early Childhood Day Camp of the Shames JCC on the Hudson, a non-sectarian community center providing meaningful experiences for individuals and families throughout their lives. We are a welcoming, inclusive gathering place that enriches the greater community through social, recreational, educational, social action, supportive service, wellness, and cultural programs and resources guided by Jewish values.

At River Friends Day Camp, our mission is to empower every child to grow in confidence, creativity, community, and character through joyful, developmentally intentional experiences. Each summer, our team is committed to delivering a safe, nurturing, and adventure-filled environment where every camper feels known, supported, and celebrated.

We design our program to ensure that every child:

• Builds strong friendships through daily opportunities for teamwork, empathy, and connection
• Discovers new skills by participating in a wide range of age-appropriate activities including swim lessons, sports and games, eco-playground exploration, cooking and gardening, water play, yoga, dance, music, arts and crafts, and more
• Develops confidence by engaging in activities that encourage creativity, independence, problem-solving, and positive risk-taking
• Learns and practices core values such as kindness, inclusion, respect, gratitude, and responsibility
• Experiences joy every day, with routines that balance structure, choice, and plenty of play

Overview: The Lower Division Head ensures that our youngest River Friends campers experience a gentle, nurturing introduction to camp life. This leader manages and supports staff, guides daily routines, and ensures developmentally appropriate care for campers aged 1.5–3 years old.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a core member of the camp Leadership Team, working closely with the Camp Director, Upper Division Head, and Administrative Assistant to fulfil the camp’s mission and to model best practices in early childhood education.
• Supervise and mentor approximately 15 staff members in the lower division of approximately 90 campers.
• Support staff in building warm, trusting relationships with young campers.
• Encourage teamwork, inclusion, and problem-solving among campers and staff.
• Manage and ensure smooth transitions, toileting routines, and separation support.
• Ensure age-appropriate activities are being planned and executed by activity coordinators and provide support and feedback, when necessary.
• Ensure safety and adherence to camp policies across all activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent communication and concerns in the Lower Division.
• Communicate with parents daily to share updates, progress, achievements, and address concerns.
• Represent the Shames JCC and River Friends Day Camp with professionalism and discretion at all times, maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all actions and communications, both within and outside the workplace.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Assistant to manage attendance and records.
• Observe classrooms and activity areas regularly and provide feedback to staff.
• Provide supervision and support of the efficacy and safety of the aquatics program in the Lower Division.
• Foster a predictable routine that helps campers feel safe and confident.
• Model patience, empathy, and play-based learning practices.
• Contribute to daily arrival and dismissal, special events, and camp-wide programs.
• Pre-Camp duties include, but are not limited to: Collaborating with Camp Director on camp schedule and camp programming, hiring of staff, and the development of staff training and orientation opportunities.
• Participate in all required training and development opportunities preceding and during camp, including orientation and staff meetings and Parent Nights.

Relationships & Supervision: 

Reports to: Camp Director
Supervises: Counselors within the Lower Division

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood education, camp, or preschool supervision.
• Strong understanding of child development for ages 1.5–3.
• Experience in camp, school, or recreational management and ability to guide and mentor staff with warmth and clarity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative approach to programming and group dynamics.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Hours: Approximately 10 hours per month during the months of January–May, plus all trainings and orientations for camp. Camp hours are Monday through Friday 8 am- 3 pm with extended care hours from 7:30 am through 6 pm during the camp season.

Camp Dates: June 29–August 21, 2026 (no camp on July 3)

Salary: $8,000-$9,000 for the season based on experience

How to Apply: Send resume and cover to HR@shamesjcc.org.