Upper Division Head at River Friends Day Camp (3.5–6 Year Olds)
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Job Location:
Tarrytown, NY - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 8000 - 9000
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 Upper Division Head fosters adventure creativity and independence for our 3.5- 6 year old campers. This leader manages and supports staff and ensures engaging programming positive relationships and a balance of structure and exploration for campers in the Upper Division.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a core member of the camp Leadership Team working closely with the Camp Director Lower Division Head and Administrative Assistant to fulfil the camps mission and to model best practices in early childhood education.
- Supervise and mentor approximately 18 staff members in the upper division of approximately 110 campers.
- Support staff in building warm trusting relationships with young campers.
- Create a dynamic environment of fun friendship and growth.
- Encourage teamwork inclusion and problem-solving among campers and staff.
- Manage and ensure smooth transitions efficient daily 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 Upper 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 Upper 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 Upper Division.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood elementary education or camp supervision.
- Strong understanding of child development for ages 3.5- 6.
- Experience in camp school or recreational management and ability to guide and mentor staff with warmth and clarity.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving 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: $8000-9000 for the season based on experience
How to Apply: Send resume and cover to .
Key Skills
- area management
- Employee Evaluation
- Cold Calling
- Construction Experience
- Management Experience
- Profit & Loss
- Territory Management
- Restoration
- Sales Management
- Budgeting
- Leadership Experience
- Mentoring
About Company
Shames JCC on the Hudson is one of the top community fitness centers & gyms in Tarrytown, NY. Click here to learn more about our classes and programs.
