Art Instructor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

JCC Greater Boston’s Camp Kaleidoscope is looking for an energetic and creative Art Specialist to inspire young artists this summer in Newton, MA. The Arts & Crafts Specialist leads daily visual arts activities for campers, encouraging exploration, self-expression, and joy through a variety of media. From jewelry and collage to sculpture, painting, and more, you’ll help campers bring their ideas to life while building confidence and having fun. Age groups include: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8. Each day, you’ll bring art to life, inspiring campers, empowered them with new skills, sparking their creativity, and contributing to a colorful and vibrant camp culture. You’ll lead hands-on art activities and help campers explore projects in jewelry making, painting, clay, sewing, and more. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.

Requirements

• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children

Nice To Haves

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
• Portfolio or examples of projects preferred
• Customer service experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.
• 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

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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED