Animation Instructor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, is seeking an Animation Instructor to teach animation & cartooning classes for children entering grades 4 - 8. This role involves sharing a passion for film, video, animation, comics, cartooning, and other multi-media. Camp Kaleidoscope serves creative campers interested in the arts, science, and the outdoors, with a lively, playful, and warm environment where both campers and staff develop lifelong friendships. The JCC offers free bus service for staff from several surrounding towns. The instructor will inspire campers, empower them with new skills, spark their creativity, and contribute to a vibrant camp culture by leading hands-on art activities in animation (paper, digital, stop motion, etc.). Beyond their specialty, they will also support camp operations, including transitions, special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.

Requirements

• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading drawing, animation or video and media related projects for children
• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area (arts, sports, music, cooking, science, etc.)
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities
• Excellent group management skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staff
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities
• Creativity, flexibility and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needs
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership
• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.

Nice To Haves

• Portfolio or examples of projects preferred
• Customer service experience preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead age-appropriate activities in your specialty area
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during activities
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill-building and exploration
• Work in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experience
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campers
• Support camp-wide special events and large-group programming as assigned
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)
• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Enthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton and Wellesley
• JCC Health & Fitness center access
• Supportive, vibrant in-person work environment
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED