Summer Camp Art Specialist

Dwight School • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Dwight Summer Camp is seeking a dedicated Art & Creative Specialist to inspire campers aged 4-12. The role involves cultivating an imaginative environment, leading counselors, and guiding campers in developing artistic skills and confidence. The camp offers a variety of facilities and focuses on creative expression, diverse media, and impactful outcomes. The specialist will be responsible for planning and leading art sessions, supporting camp-wide events, and ensuring an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

Requirements

• Teaching, childcare, or classroom experience
• Artistic ability
• Experience working with children aged 4–12 from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities
• Prior summer camp experience
• Undergraduate studies related to childcare/education/leadership/ subject area

Responsibilities

• Lead creative lessons for groups of 15–25 campers ages 4–12, maintaining a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
• Foster a positive, inclusive camp culture where all campers feel supported and respected.
• Support smooth transitions throughout the day, reinforce behavior expectations, and respond calmly and effectively to conflicts or emergencies.
• Plan and lead multiple art and creative activity sessions each day, aligned with weekly camp themes and featured media.
• Lead weekly indoor and outdoor programming utilizing camp facilities, including the indoor studio, courtyard, and Central Park.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the Camp Director during emergencies, supporting camper and staff safety at all times.
• Support and help lead large-scale, camp-wide events for up to 250 campers, including themed days, guest performances, and special celebrations.
• Thoughtfully adapt and differentiate art and design activities for 3–5 camper divisions (ages 4–12), providing inclusive instruction that supports a range of abilities and skill levels while fostering creativity, self-expression, and mastery of multiple media and materials.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and enthusiasm.
• Support staff and campers’ personal, social, and emotional growth.
• Lead by example by modeling strong community values during activities and throughout the day.
• Ensure group cohesiveness between 3–5 different divisions.
• Attend weekly meetings with the Camp Director to review programming, share planning updates, and coordinate day-to-day camp operations.
• Collaborate closely with approximately 60 camp staff members to ensure smooth, effective daily operations.
• Communicate professionally and positively with campers, families, and staff, fostering strong relationships and clear expectations.
• Design and develop an 8-week art and creative curriculum aligned with weekly camp themes and featured media, ensuring inclusive instruction that supports a wide range of abilities and skill levels.
• Provide a sample of the first two weeks of curriculum planning to share ideas and receive feedback from the Camp Director by Friday, May 29.
• Share examples of past projects, including photos or brief reflections, to highlight previous experience and creative approach.
• Document and report medical needs or concerns to the Health Director promptly to ensure camper safety and proper care.
• Enforce positive communication with parents and families, addressing questions and concerns to foster trust and engagement.
• Ensure all staff teaching spaces are maintained to a high standard by safely and neatly storing resources, completing regular stocktakes of materials, and preparing equipment that reflects weekly themes and enhances the overall camp environment.

Benefits

• Lunch provided
• $150 bonus for completing required camp orientations & training
• Staff perk: children of staff working 7–8 weeks may attend camp for $50/week per child

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree