Cooking Instructor, School Break Camps

Job Summary

Be a role model. Share your passion! If you love cooking, experimenting with flavors, and want to inspire kids in the kitchen, JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Cooking Instructors. You will design and lead engaging culinary activities for children in grades K‑5 during our School Break Camps in December, February, Passover, and April.

• Bring the kitchen to life by teaching basic cooking skills, guiding campers through recipes, exploring fun food science experiments, and helping them create delicious dishes.
• Plan age‑appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun.
• Support the camp team with transitions, special events, and ensure every camper feels included and inspired.

• Smoothies
• Cookies
• Salsa
• Salads
• And more

Our camps are built around the campers. Staff describe the experience as fun, dynamic, and inclusive. You’ll gain leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences for both campers and yourself.

• December Camp:
  December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2
• February Camp:
  February 16‑20
• Passover Camp:
  April 3‑10
• Spring Break Camp:
  April 20‑24

• Full Day: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (8 hours)
• Morning Shift: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm (8 hours)
• Afternoon Shift: 10 am – 6 pm (8 hours)

• 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 values each individual.
• Participate as an essential team member.
• Support JCC Greater Boston's mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation through role modeling.
• Represent the organization enthusiastically and model excellence.
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday‑Friday. Competitive starting pay of $20 per hour, with final rate determined by qualifications and experience.

Since 1983, JCC Greater Boston has nurtured meaningful relationships through early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes. JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

• High‑school degree preferred.
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in cooking, nutrition, or a related field preferred.
• 1+ season of instructor experience planning and leading activities for children.
• Customer‑service experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.

• Enjoy working with children and helping them grow.
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area.
• 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 seek guidance when needed.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative.
• Ability to work well with others, building sustaining collaborative…