Job Posting: Peretz Zumershule Camp Counsellor & Artistic Advisor

The Peretz Centre in Vancouver is recruiting experienced, caring, and creative camp counsellors for a new summer program for youth (8-15) to explore Jewish arts and culture and participate in intergenerational learning. Up to three paid positions are available. Learn more about the program and role below and apply by June 1, 2025.

Title: Peretz Zumershule Camp Counsellor & Artistic Advisor 

Type: Contract Position

Location: Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture (6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC) 

Dates: Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 8th, 2025 (including BC Day on Aug. 4th) 

Hours of work: Must be available between 9am to 5pm, plus additional hours on Friday, August 8 (until 9pm) 

Compensation: $3000 for two weeks (additional work requested will be paid at $35 per hour) 

Reports to: Co-Executive Directors 

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 

Zumershule Program Description

The Peretz Zumershule is a new, two-week summer (zumer) program for youth ages 8-15, from all backgrounds and cultures, to explore forms of artistic expression historically associated with Jewish culture.

From folk theatre and film, klezmer music, comedy and satire, to visual arts, writing, cooking, and literature, this program brings together youth with artists, scholars, creators, and elders in the Peretz community to share cultural heritage and skills with a special emphasis on intergenerational learning and understanding. 

• Half-day arts-based workshops with Peretz community artists, creators, scholars, and elders 

• Half-day free time to explore creativity and imagination and experiment with artistic practices 

• Final day of program ends with youth-led cultural shabbes potluck dinner (Friday, Aug. 8th)

Camp Counsellor Job Summary

The Zumershule Counsellor & Artistic Advisor(s) will play an important role in shaping the experiences of program participants: 

• Creating and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants 

• Supervising and assisting with arts workshop activities (2-4 hours per day) 

• Supervising, supporting, and advising participants with independent or group activities before and/or after arts workshops each day (emphasis on nurturing individual interests and creative expression) 

• Facilitating the collaboration of participants in leading the final program community dinner 

• Supporting overall well-being and safety of youth participants while at camp 

The ideal candidate(s) will be aligned with the educational and creative/artistic goals of the program and the interests of participants. We encourage applicants from all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The Peretz Centre is committed to creating a safe workplace and using all means available to support employees and volunteers.

General Responsibilities

Organizing and supervising program activities: 

• Contribute to camp preparations including programming, schedules, gathering and organizing materials 

• Set up and clean up arts activities and supplies (with assistance from participants and volunteers) 

• Supervise responsible play activities in the Peretz building and nearby Tisdale Park 

• Organize and facilitate unstructured activities for participants as needed   

• Keep time so that activities start and end according to schedule 

• Assist with organization of and participate in the community dinner at end of the program (Aug. 8) 

Creating a great experience for all participants: 

• Support and care for all participants with respect, creating a welcoming environment 

• Emphasize and encourage collaborative, youth-led activities and initiatives 

• Communicate with participants and their families to learn about their needs and share relevant information with other Peretz staff to improve overall experience   

Ensuring health, safety, and well-being of participants: 

• Ensure the safety of children in their care and maintain safe practices 

• Be aware of participants' medical needs (medications, allergies, etc.) and other special circumstances or requirements and adjust programs for maximal accommodation    

• Ensure all Health, Safety, and Risk Management policies and procedures are followed at all times, by all participants and staff   

• Know Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan for all activities and areas 

Other responsibilities: 

• Work with Peretz staff and other program leaders to deliver program goals, including post-program debriefs and feedback processes as requested by staff 

• May need to open or close the Peretz Centre building (according to guidelines provided)   

Program hours may be adjusted according to participants' needs. All additional work will be paid at the hourly rate of $35/hr. Job responsibilities and other details in this description are subject to change.

Required Qualifications 

• Experience working with children and young adults, especially with arts and crafts projects (all forms of lived experience are welcomed) 

• Flexibility and adaptability 

• Respect for pluralistic experiences of cultures and religions 

• Strong communication skills across all age groups   

• First aid training 

• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check for persons 18 and over 

• Candidates must be legally entitled to work in British Columbia 

Additional/Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are assets but are not required in order to be considered for the position: 

• Creativity and skills in artistic expression and creation is an asset 

• Previous experience and/or studies in neurodivergent and/or inclusive pedagogies is an asset (guidance will be provided) 

• Familiarity with Jewish cultural practices and/or one or more Jewish languages is an asset but not required 

Working Conditions

• Inflexible schedule 

• Working indoors and outdoors (summertime) 

• Working in close proximity with groups of children ages 8-15 

• Engaging in safe, physical play activities with children (indoors and outdoors) 

• Handling art supplies and equipment 

• Cleaning and carrying supplies 

• Potential for excessive noise 

• Building (two storeys) is accessible except for stage area (elevator and underground parking available)

How to Apply

The Peretz Centre is a cultural and secular charitable organization, committed to the values of diversity, equity, and social justice. People of diverse experiences, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply. We welcome all forms of lived experience and invite applicants to share relevant knowledge or skills gained from personal experience during the application process.

As an employer, we strive to create an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process for paid positions. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact info@peretz-centre.org or phone the office at (604) 325-1812 and leave a message. All information shared will be kept confidential. 

Application Process: 

1. Applicants are invited to complete our short application form and attach a copy of their resume (1-2 pages) no later than June 1, 2025.

2. We will review these submissions and invite a number of candidates to an interview with 2-3 Peretz staff/volunteers, either in person at the Peretz Centre or online. 

3. References will be requested from candidates who are shortlisted during or after the interview stage. 

4. Successful candidates will be expected to remain in contact with Peretz staff as the program start date approaches and communicate/review program schedules and other materials as needed. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will review applications as they are submitted. 

Up to three candidates will be hired depending on sufficient program enrollment.  

APPLY HERE

---

About the Peretz Centre 

The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture was founded in 1945 to establish and conduct a school that provides students of all ages with a progressive and modern Jewish cultural education. Located in Vancouver, BC  on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, we hold classes, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, holiday celebrations and similar gatherings in order to teach and advance the cause of progressive and modern Jewish learning, culture, and education and the Yiddish language.

We offer a pluralistic, non-dogmatic approach to Jewish education that emphasizes the humanist, progressive, and universalist aspects of our heritage.