Costumer​/Theater Costume Designer, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

Be a role model. Share your passion!

Share your love of musical theater and costume design with children this summer! Camp Kaleidoscope, the JCC performing arts day camp in Newton, is seeking a creative and enthusiastic costumer to work with the Theater Director to design, create, and modify costumes for two fully-staged musical theater productions. You will work with campers in grades 4‑10 in costuming classes and produce costumes for the productions.

Camp Kaleidoscope draws creative youth interested in the arts, science, and the outdoors. Supportive, experienced counselors and teachers guide campers as they develop self‑confidence.

You’ll work closely with the Theater Director and theater team to prepare for two fully staged shows, envision, design, and produce costumes and props, and involve campers in costuming classes where you teach sewing and related skills.

• Produce costumes and props for two fully‑staged musical theater productions each summer, one every four weeks
• Modify existing costumes and props to fit campers as needed
• Work under the direction of the Theater Director and collaborate closely with the camp theater production staff
• Plan and lead costuming specialty classes daily for campers, and lead them in creating costumes and props when appropriate
• Meet deadlines and keep to project budgets
• Work with the inclusion coordinator to facilitate accommodations for campers with special needs
• Display flexibility and a positive attitude throughout the production process

• 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.)

• 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

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in musical theater, costume or fashion design 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

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in sewing and costume design and production
• 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