4 minute read
A Day in the Life of a Jewish Family Services' Social Worker at Levine JCC Camps
August 2024
By Rachel Green, MSW, LCSW, JFS Director of Programs and Services
As the morning rush begins and the carpool line forms at the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC), the morning quiet is quickly replaced by the excited chatter of children and the enthusiastic greetings of camp counselors for another awesome day at LJCC Camps. For more than 25 years, campers and dedicated staff have come together to create unforgettable summer memories. Amidst this lively atmosphere, there is a brand new addition to the summer fun. The role of a LJCC camp social worker, provided by Jewish Family Services (JFS), is vital, as it provides support, guidance, and education to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
Before camp started, the camp social worker provided a training workshop to educate the counselors on various topics, such as recognizing signs of stress for each age group, managing group dynamics, and teaching coping strategies for the campers and counselors.
As the campers arrive, the social worker moves around Camp Katan, observing interactions and offering support. During the morning activities, a young camper is visibly upset, tears streaming down his face. He clings to his camp counselor, expressing how much he misses home. The camp social worker models getting down to the child's level and encourages the counselor to reassure the child that he is safe and it is OK to feel sad. The social worker praises the counselor for validating the child's feelings and assuring him it is OK to miss home. The camp social worker suggests that the counselor find a fun distraction for the child and invites his friend to join them in playing with blocks.
The camp social worker then moves to “Camp Mindy” and notices one of the new counselors standing by herself. The social worker pulls the counselor aside to check-in. The new counselor expresses her anxiety about starting camp. She explains that she feels overwhelmed by the responsibility and fears she might not be able to handle it. The social worker offers her reassurance and practical advice on managing stress, such as taking deep breaths, taking smaller steps to reach their goals with campers, and seeking support from fellow counselors. With a calming presence and encouraging words, the social worker helps the counselor feel more confident and prepared for the day ahead.
As the day progresses, the social worker encounters a group of counselors who are frustrated with campers not following directions during a game. The camp social worker provides support and validation about how this behavior can make the camp day harder. The camp social worker also leads the counselors in a discussion about age-appropriate behavior, expectations for the campers at the end of a long day, and alternative ways to approach them. These approaches include explaining the importance of following directions for everyone's safety and enjoyment. By framing the conversation in a constructive manner, the counselor helps the campers see the value of cooperation and encourages them to participate more attentively. This approach resolves the immediate issue and instills a sense of responsibility and respect in the campers.
At the end of the day, a teenage counselor asks to speak with the camp social worker and shares his anxiety about camp. He shares that he feels the pressure of being a role model and worries about making mistakes. The social worker listens attentively, offering reassurance that he just needs to be himself and providing practical coping strategies for managing stress.
She discusses the importance of self-care, such as getting enough sleep and drinking water during the long hot days, taking short breaks when he can, and leaning on his fellow counselors. The social worker also emphasizes the support network available at camp, encouraging the counselor to utilize support from staff and the social worker whenever he feels overwhelmed. This personalized support helps the counselor feel more at ease, knowing he is not alone in his journey.
Through their dedicated efforts, the LJCC camp social worker ensures that both campers and counselors have a positive and enriching experience. By providing guidance, education, and emotional support, they help create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it's comforting a homesick camper, guiding counselors through challenging moments, or promoting self-care, the social worker's role is integral to the success of the camp community. If you or anyone you know needs emotional support or other assistance, please contact us at info@jfscharlotte.org or (704) 364-6594.
Details may have been altered slightly for the privacy of those involved.
