Meet The New J Day Camps Director: Mat DeWinters!
I am so excited to take on this new role as the Director of Sports, Recreation, and J Day Camps. I started working as a counselor when I was just 16, and have only gathered more and more experience working with summer camps and kids programming since then.
We are eager to introduce some new activities for our campers next summer, especially at the Chesterfield location, as well as digging into some more hands-on training with our counselors.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you and having an amazing Summer of 2024!
Mat DeWinters
Director, Sports, Recreation, and J Day CampsYear-Round Staff
Mat DeWinters
Director of Sports, Recreation, and J Day Camps
314-442-3104
Jess Bauer
Director of Youth Services, Chesterfield
314-442-3431
Ashley Stockman
Director, Life Enrichment & Adult Day Services
314-442-3295
Debi Porfidio
Administrator, Camp Katon
314-442-3456
Ellen Scholten
Administrator, Camp Koplar
314-442-3220
Become A Camp Counselor
The J Summer Day Camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Camp runs 11 weeks, June 3- August 16, providing activities that help campers Play, Connect and Grow throughout each camp day: swimming, arts/crafts, climbing, team building, sports and much more. The J is currently hiring for Camp staff for both Camp locations, Creve Coeur, and Chesterfield. All camp staff must attend mandatory staff orientation on May 28 – June 2.
For more information, contact Stephanie Rhea, 314-442-3164.
A Camp Counsellor is responsible for the well-being and safety of children at camp. Their duties include coordinating engaging activities for the campers, developing new programs, and supervising campers to make sure they are safe and happy.
Counselors will follow general direction and perform other duties as assigned of by the Day Camp Site Director, Unit Heads, and/or the Director of Sports, Recreation, and J Day Camps. Utilize sound judgment and discretionary skills in accordance with The J policies. Maintain positive relationships with many diverse people, including staff, parents, volunteers, and program site administration. Ensure The J policies and guidelines are always followed. Maintain an environment that ensures children’s safety and well-being. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities. May serve as support staff based on needs of program participants, ensuring approved levels of support, assistance, and record keeping. Counselors organizing team games such as soccer, softball, and basketball, explaining the rules and acting as referee or umpire throughout the game. Leading activities such as crafts and art, demonstrating various techniques and encouraging children to produce ideas. Communicating with parents, providing updates where required and answering questions about the camp. Providing guidance, motivation and support all camp visitors.
Counselors work daily form 8:45AM – 3:15PM. Counselors will be scheduled for pre-care and post care shift weekly but will not be daily.