Cooking Instructor, School Break Camps

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

76d • $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Be a role model. Share your passion! Do you love cooking, experimenting with flavors, and sharing your passion for food — and want to inspire kids in the kitchen? JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Cooking Specialists to design and lead engaging culinary activities for children in grades K–5 at our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). Specialists are role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, learn, and build confidence through hands-on cooking experiences. What you will do each day: You’ll spend your day bringing the kitchen to life — whether that’s teaching basic cooking skills, guiding campers through recipes, exploring fun food science experiments, or helping them create delicious dishes. You’ll plan age-appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring every camper feels included, supported, and inspired. Example Recipes Include: Smoothies Cookies Salsa Salads And More! Why work with us? At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the campers. Our staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests. Staff describe camp as fun, dynamic, and inclusive. Here, you’ll gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences – for campers and yourself. JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish. This is what our staff say are the best parts of working at JCC Camps: Bonding with the campers The activities Free swim Leadership opportunities Making close friends with co-counselors Available Dates: December Camp: December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2 February Camp: February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Passover Camp: April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Spring Break Camp: April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Candidates do not need to commit to all dates. Staff are scheduled by the day and shift. Available Shifts Each Day: Full Day 8:30am – 4:30pm, 8 hours Morning Shift 7:30am – 3:30pm, 8 hours Afternoon Shift 10am - 6pm, 8 hours

Requirements

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
• 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
• 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.
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

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

• JCC Health & Fitness center access during employment
• a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment
• JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more, including:
• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates,
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees