Why Work With Us
Overview
We have extremely high standards for our summer staff, because we know they are an integral part of the campers’ experience at Camp Solomon Schechter. Each summer we build a team of about 80 responsible young adults, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our campers. While being a staff member at a summer camp can be hard work – with long hours and very little privacy – the rewards are huge: living in nature, mentoring children, and creating lifelong friends. And after a summer working at CSS, staff will have gained invaluable skills as counselors; they find they can run programs, teach, manage, problem-solve, have developed leadership skills, and can work collaboratively with diverse groups.
Some of our staff, called Cornerstone Fellows, receive additional training and stipends to bring exciting new Jewish programming to camp. The Cornerstone Fellowship is a program of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, made possible by the generosity of the AVI CHAI Foundation.
Many of our wonderful regional rabbis, cantors, and educators make annual appearances at camp over the summer, adding their insight and experience to the program and are invaluable additions to our staff.
- All of our staff are required to participate in an orientation and training program in late June prior to the campers’ arrival, and our senior counselors need to have completed at least one year of college.
- We strive to maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio, ensuring that each camper receives personal attention and guidance throughout their camp experience.
- Our staff serve as both counselors and activity specialists.