Animation Instructor, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Day Camp

Overview

Be a role model. Share your passion! Share your love of film, video, animation, comics, cartooning and other multi‑media by teaching animation & cartooning 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 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.

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

• 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.

This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Hiring will provide competitive pay starting at $18 per hour, with final rate determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The 8‑week camp program runs from June 22 to August 21, including staff training.

• High school degree preferred.
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in your specialty area preferred.
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading drawing, animation or video and media related projects 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 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 and sustaining collaborative 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.

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time to ensure the supervision and safety of campers.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30‑40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s…