Up-Cycle Fashion Design Instructor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Camp

Be a role model. Share your passion!

Do you love hands-on arts projects and working with children? JCC Greater Boston’s Camp Kaleidoscope is looking for an energetic and creative Sneaker & Streetwear Design Instructor to inspire young artists this summer in Newton, MA.

Share your love of t shirt design, hoodies, fashion design, up-cycling, customization and more by teaching fashion design and costuming classes for children entering grades 4 - 8 this summer. Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC summer day camp in Newton, draws creative campers interested in the arts, science and the outdoors. Camp Counselors and activity specialists guide campers in drama, art, science, sports, swimming and much more as they develop and build self-confidence. The energy of the camp is lively, playful and warm, as both campers and staff develop lifelong friendships.

JCC Greater Boston offers free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton and Wellesley during the summer season.

What you will do each day:

You'll work with our camp team and lead 4 or 5 Sneaker & Streetwear design classes each day. Topics can vary from t shirts, sneakers, hoodies, sweats, socks, and accessories to tie dye, up-cycling and more! We have a variety of equipment, including sewing machines, cricut, heat presses, 3D printers and more waiting to inspire.

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 and camp staff

Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

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.)

Standard staff expectations include and are not limited to:

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

This is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing!

JOB DETAILS: This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday. Offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access, a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment, and a competitive starting pay rate of $20 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

This 8 week camp program is June 22 - August 21, including staff training. While we prefer candidates who are available all summer, we recognize that candidates may have other obligations and are happy to work with your schedule.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC 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 we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

Education and Experience:

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

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.

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

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

Physical Requirements:

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.

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

In addition to offering rewarding work and great career opportunities within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment, JCC Greater Boston proudly offers employees the generous benefits listed below.

JCCGB Perks! Each seasonal employee is eligible for access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton! Seasonal access to the JCC Fitness Center includes:

Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman JCC during active seasonal employment

Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

Supportive colleagues

Team camaraderie

How their managers treat them

Individual autonomy

Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others

Pride in working for the JCC

Program and service quality

Holding ourselves accountable

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.