Seasonal Art and Nature Camp Instructor

The Trustees of Reservations • Lincoln, MA

6d • $21 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to imagine, play and enthusiastically foster an inclusive collective of makers? Are you an artist, educator, tinkerer, or maker who thrives thinking outside the box and relishes the freedom to explore materials and ideas? The summer camps at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA are process/maker focused and inspired by the 30-acre Sculpture Park, nature on campus, and each participant’s unique interests and imagination. THE HIVE, July 6-August 7, is designed for fifty-six campers ages 5-12 who are curious about the world around them and interested in exploring nature and contemporary artistic ideas through energizing and emergent collaborations culminating each week in large-scale installations in the Sculpture Park. SUMMER STUDIO FOR TEENS, June 29-July 3 and August 10-14, offers opportunities for small cohort of 13–16-year-olds to refine and expand artistic techniques, create meaningful connections, and develop confidence in their unique artistic voice. For more information about this summer’s exciting weekly themes and projects, please visit: deCordova Camps . As a Camp Instructor, you’ll have a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience that also comes with real responsibility. You’ll be trusted to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported throughout the day, a big responsibility but one that you won’t be navigating alone. With thorough training, clear expectations, and a supportive leadership team, you’ll grow as a leader while making an impact that truly matters. As a Seasonal Art and Nature Camp Instructor, you could be part of The Hive, Summer Studio for Teens, or both. Both camps channel inspiration from art on view and the natural landscape, while authentically connecting with colleagues, campers, and families. The Hive is highly collaborative with all sixty campers working toward a dynamic installation in the Sculpture Park that follows each week’s theme. Pre-camp training sessions provide opportunities for readings & reflection, a Park and Studio tour, guidance and support on best practices to successfully meet the behavioral, intellectual, and safety needs of campers. Instructors are further responsible for working both individually and in collaboration with each other leading up to camp to develop curriculum and the initial concept design based on each week’s theme. This includes artist, exhibition, theme, and material research, lesson and project planning, remote and/or in-person team meetings, and studio set up. Hourly compensation covers all time spent during trainings, meetings, preparation, instruction, set up, and clean up. Instructors are responsible for a group of 10-14 campers. Hive Instructors mentor a high school age Junior Instructor, their group’s assistant.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in education, art, the sciences, the humanities, or other relevant course of study is required; graduate work in art and/or education a plus
• At least 3 years of experience working as an art educator, classroom teacher, or informal educator with ages 5-16
• A special interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary, place-based, progressive education and the intersections of art, nature, and science
• The physical and mental wherewithal to teach indoors, outdoors, and in the Sculpture Park setting in all summer weather conditions
• Hold or willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification; training provided if needed
• Must be 18+ years of age by the time camp starts
• Full availability for camp staff training in June (dates TBD) and assigned camp weeks, Mondays-Fridays, 9:00AM-4:00PM (Wednesdays until 5:00 and Fridays until 5:30)
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop curriculum in connection with exhibited artworks and the Hive weekly themes to prepare for an emergent curriculum approach to eliciting campers’ interests
• Implement lessons and extended projects designed to encourage campers to investigate, discover, express themselves, and work together while immersed in art and nature to generate collaborative large-scale park installations
• Be comfortable and facile in working with and modeling both traditional and unconventional art-making materials
• Collectively establish group agreements that ensure respect, inclusivity, and connection for all campers.
• Observe and regularly evaluate social/emotional/intellectual needs of campers to ensure participation, growth, and belonging.
• Work with Camp Director and Camp Behavior Specialist as needed to support campers.
• Supervise and mentor Junior Instructors (aged 15-18)
• Directly supervise and manage the safety and well-being of campers
• Communicate on-site with parents around camper safety, discipline, interests, passions, and needs.

Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees