People are the key ingredient for making camp the special place that it is. That is why Camp Tel Noar and the Cohen Foundation place so much effort into hiring and supporting the best camp staff possible. Our staff instructs children in land sports, water sports, creative arts, performing arts, outdoor adventures and Judaica while infusing with values like teamwork, acceptance, sportsmanship and self-esteem.
Counselors are hired based on their educational background, camping experience, and the ability to work with children. The most important qualities we seek in our staff are compassion, intelligence, fun, energy, patience, and a genuine love of children. Many of our staff members return for multiple summers not only because of the value they get out of being a counselor, but also because they meet wonderful people and have fun.
While many of our staff members are college-aged or recent college graduates, we also look for and employ more mature staff members, including those with families of their own to be part of our community. These people bring specific activity skills, manage departments and supervise teaching staff. We prefer that staff members live at camp and participate in all aspects of our camp community, but we also have some opportunities for day staff who can offer specialized skills.
Check out Available Positions page for current postings.
Staff Selection
We look for people who can be role models, coaches, and mentors and who want to make a difference in the lives of the children who attend our camp - guiding young people to grow and mature while having fun. Staff members have the opportunity to help campers build their personal and Jewish identities, and foster a commitment to life long participation in the Jewish community.
The Eli & Bessie Cohen Foundation camps mission statement says, in part: The.camps enrich children's lives by encouraging Jewish youth to be comfortable and confident in themselves so that they can connect positively with others and the world they live in. We are a safe community of positive role models.
All potential staff members, both returning and new, participate in a full interview process, including mandatory reference and background checks. A Cohen Foundation senior staff member personally interviews each counselor. People who have been through the Cohen Foundation's Dor L'Dor Leadership program are eligible to become Junior Counselors. ACA accreditation standards limit the number of staff members we can employ under the age of 18.
Staff's Role
Staff positions at camp run the full gamut from support positions in food service, facility maintenance, housekeeping and nursing to counselor positions teaching activities and leading groups of campers. Support staff is the foundation of the camp operations, and an important and valued part of the camp community.
Most counselors at Tel Noar have a dual role in the life of campers. First, counselors share their expertise by teaching activities in which they have a strong background and comfort in teaching. Second, most of our staff are bunk counselors living in a cabin with a group of children.
We are always open to adding new activities that capitalize on the specialized expertise of the staff member and encourage applicants to propose new activities that our campers may find interesting and exciting.
Benefits of Being a Staff Member
Many of our staff grew up in our camp. They became staff members because they were inspired by a counselor who they looked up to. Teaching and leading a group of children can be the most profound and exciting experience of your life. You will grow as a person and make a tremendous impact on the lives of children.
Being a camp counselor is also a "real job". Working at camp allows you to gain the kind of resume building skills future employers look for - team work, creativity, communication skills, teaching and leadership skills. This practical knowledge is transferable and extremely applicable to future employment. And, where else can you learn to teach, manage, counsel and collaborate while having the best time of your life?
When comparing camp salaries with a typical day job, camp salaries may often appear less competitive. Keep in mind that in addition to the salary, camp will also pay for your meals, accommodation and most of your entertainment during the summer.
Counselor Staff Development
All staff members attend a mandatory pre-camp orientation program and teaching skill seminars to prepare them to be the best they can be for the summer. During this time, just before the campers arrive, you will learn almost everything you need to know about working with children in a camp setting: dealing with homesickness, discipline and bullying, fostering self-esteem and encouraging teamwork. You will be given the tools to become a better leader, coach and mentor. In-service training and resources, and experienced supervisors provide ongoing support.
