Camp Shai is the JCC in Denver’s premier Jewish Day Camp serving children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and families are welcome. At Camp Shai, we offer a little something for everyone with a variety of engaging and fun activities. From sports to theater to engineering, our campers are building their skills, bolstering their confidence, and creating magical summer camp memories. At Camp Shai, we place an emphasis in our programming on the universal values of kindness (chesed), respect (kavod), community (kehillah), courage (ometz lev), and good attitude (ruach).  

Camp is the perfect environment for campers to develop their skills outside of the classroom and build their confidence – and yours too! Your work will make a difference in supporting campers to improve their ability to make and maintain friendships, increase their confidence to try new activities, and create a safe space for everyone to be themselves, campers and staff alike. Being a staff member at camp helps you to gain the skills you want from an internship in a concrete, hands-on, and fun way!     

We are seeking individuals for the Sports Camp Instructor role that are adaptable, goal-oriented, and excited to work in a fast-paced and fun environment where everyone is welcome. The Sports Camp Instructor will work directly with sports campers each day to facilitate activities that promote positive relationships with the environment, ourselves, and others through physical activity and team sports, provide mentorship and support as campers develop their skills, and create a fun and supportive environment where kids want to come back again and again! 

Our Ideal Candidate 

• You are eager to share your knowledge of sports using a variety of experiential concepts and methods. 

• You are flexible and excited by challenges that require creative problem-solving and determination.  

• You are passionate about working with kids and creating a welcoming, creative, and fun environment that celebrates learning and growth.  

• You enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are ready to bring that camp energy this summer, whether you are dancing across the stage in a silly costume or face painting with campers during downtime.  

• You want to grow your skillset, and you are ready to both give and receive feedback.  

• You are a team player that relishes opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues.  

• You exercise patience and empathy when dealing with others and exude positivity. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Must be at least 18 years of age 

• Must hold at least 1 year (460 hours) of verifiable experience working with children. 

• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certifications before the start date of camp. Opportunity for certification will be made available through the JCC prior to Staff Orientation. Certifications must be conducted by a Division of Early Care and Learning approved training vendor. 

• Must be able to fulfill requirements for employment at the Staenberg-Loup JCC, including background screening, three professional references, documentation, and compliance with CDHS (Colorado Department of Human Services) law 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Previous experience coaching or leading instruction in sports activities 

• Ability to demonstrate fundamentals and lead by example in a wide variety of sports 

• Basic understanding of physical literacy and benchmark expectations for different age groups 

• Completion of some relevant college coursework, high school diploma, or GED 

Physical Demands and Working Environment 

Additional Notes 

Advantages of Working at Camp Shai 

• Specialized Training in Program Instruction Before Camp (May 18th, 2025)    

• Comprehensive One-Week Orientation Before Camp (June 2nd – June 6th, 2025) 

• Support and Mentorship from Camp Leadership Team 

• Ongoing Professional Development and Individualized Performance Feedback 

• Fitness & Aquatics Membership During Time of Employment 

• Involvement in a Fun-Loving Community of Camp Professionals 

Benefits Overview 

This is a seasonal job and is ineligible for benefits. 

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.