Cooking Instructor, Vacation Camp​/School Break Camp

Share your love of cooking by leading school break enrichment activities and cooking classes for children. JCC Greater Boston, located in Newton, runs school break Vacation Camps for December break, February break, Passover break, and spring break in April for children grades K – 8. Camp Counselors and activity specialists guide campers in sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and much more as they develop and build self-confidence and have a blast with friends.

The energy of the camp is lively, playful, and warm, and we are looking for fun, responsible role models to plan and lead activities for the campers.

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.

Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during activities
• Create a fun/joyful dynamic
• Work in partnership with peers and Camp Leadership to provide a happy, safe, and memorable day for the children
• Lead or co-lead activities
• Prepare and manage supplies
• Plan and implement fun and engaging activities for children in grades K – 8
• Participate in and support supervision of the children during special events and large group activities

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 4 – 8 hour shifts available. Offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access, a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment, and a competitive starting pay rate of $18 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Available Dates:

December Camp:
December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30
February Camp:
February 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Passover Camp:
April 15, 16, 17, 18
Spring Break Camp:
April 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Please note – candidates do not need to commit to all the above dates. We schedule staff by the day and the below shift options.

Available Shifts Each Day:

Full Day 8:30am – 4:30pm, 8 hours
Morning Shift 8:30am – 12:30pm, 4 hours
Afternoon Shift 12:30pm - 4:30pm, 4 hours

Education and Experience:

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in cooking, nutrition, or related field preferred
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading cooking activities for children
• Customer service experience preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent group management skills
• Flexibility in plans and positive attitude
• Ability to work with a variety of cooking supplies and equipment
• Ability to work with allergy and dietary restrictions as needed
• Enjoy working with children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
• Safety awareness and ability to communicate any issues and concerns with supervisors
• Ability to ensure safety of participants when working with cooking supplies, tools, and variety of ingredients and food
• Exhibits leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
• Demonstrates positive attitude at all times
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Must be able to work well with others,…