Animation Instructor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

About the role

Camp Kaleidoscope, a JCC summer day camp in Newton, is seeking enthusiastic and experienced instructors to teach animation and cartooning classes for children entering grades 4 - 8. The camp offers a vibrant and inclusive environment where campers and staff develop lifelong friendships through various activities.

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
• Auxiliary support for overall camp operations (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)

Qualifications

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
• 1+ season instructor experience planning and leading drawing, animation or video and media related projects for children
• Portfolio or examples of projects preferred
• Customer service experience preferred

Skills and Abilities

• 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
• Ability 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

Physical Requirements

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
• Able to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors
• 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

Benefits

• JCC Fitness Center access
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability