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

Greater Boston, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, United States


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.

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 represent the organization, model excellence and achievement

Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned

Other duties as assigned

JOB DETAILS
This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 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.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement
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.

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