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

Position: 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 this summer. Work with campers grades 4 – 10 leading costuming classes and producing costumes for the musical productions.

Camp Kaleidoscope draws creative youth interested in the arts, science, and the outdoors. Supportive, experienced counselors and teachers guide campers as they develop and build self‑confidence. Camp is fast‑paced, nurturing, and supportive, as 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 closely with the Theater Director and theater team to prepare for two fully staged musics, envisioning, designing and producing costumes and props for the shows. You’ll involve the campers in costuming classes, teaching them sewing and new skills.

Responsibilities & Duties

• 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/team
• Plan and lead Costuming Specialty Classes for campers daily; lead campers in creating costumes and props when appropriate
• Meet deadlines and keep to project budgets
• Works with inclusion coordinator to facilitate accommodations as needed for campers with special needs to be able to participate with their peers fully
• Display flexibility and a positive attitude throughout the production process

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.

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

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…