early childhood teacher

camp counselor

swim instructor

community care worker

front desk agent

JCC Chicago

I joined this organization because I believed in its mission of values and community. However, I quickly realized that the goal was not to serve as a central hub for the diverse Jewish community of Chicago, but rather to funnel families into our specific programs, camps, and events. Efforts to be a broader resource or to collaborate with other Jewish groups were often discouraged. I was explicitly told not to create programs for certain populations or to invite specific groups to partner with us, which was disappointing and disheartening.

While the staff and families were generally kind, and the environment outwardly warm and welcoming, the internal culture felt toxic. The focus seemed more on revenue and maintaining the image of select individuals rather than genuinely supporting community growth.

One of the most frustrating patterns was watching energetic, forward-thinking staff be pushed out, while long-term employees who resisted change were kept on. Innovation was often stifled in favor of maintaining the status quo. It was a discouraging experience for anyone hoping to make a real impact.

This is quite possibly the worst job I’ve ever had. Apachi Evanston Day Camp does not care about its employees  in the slightest. The camp is extremely unorganized, inconsistent, and unprofessional in every regard. The leadership team has no idea what they’re doing, but still likes to blame their shortcomings on the staff. I would not recommend working here to anyone. The main focus seems to be money, not community. Leadership likes to put on a smiling face at the beginning, but once you start to deviate from their narrow path, you are ostracized and judged. As an Inclusion Aide, the pay is abysmal (you get paid the same as regular counselors). The inclusion program is not fully realized, so you really are no different from the other counselors, you just have more menial work to do. All in all, save yourself your summer and don’t work here. I’m not sure about the other Apachi camps, but I know that Apachi Evanston is not it.

I work for the J at School program and have enjoyed my time with JCC, however the pay is low and the hours are few at a time in shifts, so you get very little if you only work one shift but if you work more than one and at different sites its rather inconvenient. Only benefit is accrued sick time. The program is run through contracts with the Chicago public school district and they just told all of us 3 weeks before the end of the school year that the program is not running next year so we are all out of a job in 3 weeks. It's hard to feel like a valued employee when you're not paid well and treated like an expenditure. The students make it worthwhile. 

Management was unreliable, sporadic, and verbally abusive. Hired under-qualified lifeguards which risked children's lives on a weekly basis. Did not attempt flexible schedules for colleges students. Got a second degree burn on their property, but absolutely nothing no medical assistance. Continued to work in unsanitary conditions with my open wound - no paid time off. I would highly suggest looking somewhere with benefits, or workers comp, or even a decent supervisor that doesn't use inappropriate language and humiliation tactics.

Absolutely not a Jewish organization, their values have nothing to do with family or community. It’s abundantly clear JCC Chicago is trying to make as much money as possible while ignoring their hardworking employees needs.

I highly recommend NOT WORKING HERE as you will want to quit as I guarantee your hourly/salary pay will l be grossly under market value. 



I loved the culture, but I firmly believe somebody in upper management did not like me and my position was eliminated. I had a fabulous manager, but there was too much influence from others and they were unable to save my position. There has been a tremendous amount of turnover the past few years.

Unfortunately, this company is no longer what it used to be. Sadly, it has become a train wreak.  A majority of the programs have been outsourced and they removed any compassionate employees that used to help organize, run and maintain programming and operations.  The human resource department lacks confidentiality and ethics.

A lot of management is outside hires who don’t ever step foot in the schools and because of that they manage on textbook knowledge alone. 
No support, lack of communication, always confusion going on, everything is last minute planning. 

Coworkers are great and direct site leads but everyone above that doesn’t know what they are doing and because of that the schools look at the staff as if we are the problem.

Everyone who was a part of the JCC community was always very welcoming and inviting. The staff were energetic, positive, motivated and always willing to lend a helping hand. I loved interacting with all of the students. I also enjoyed being in a leadership position for the first time. My time as a site coordinator was a huge learning experience and I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to work for such a wonderful organization.

I went to JCC Camp Chi for 5 years and loved it. I also worked at JCC Apachi Day Camp and highly enjoyed being a camp counselor, however there were several issues with my paycheck. I was not alone as many other employees were experiencing very late payments or incorrect amounts. Compared to JCC Camp Chi, I found JCC Apachi to be less organized and professional. Overall wonderful company and place to work or go to camp. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Early childhood teacher 14 salaries reported	$22.20 per hour
Camp counselor 1 salary reported	$5,659 per month
Swim instructor 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour
Community care worker 3 salaries reported	$27.50 per hour
Front desk agent 1 salary reported	$17.10 per hour

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