Summer Camp Art Specialist

Dwight Summer Camp 2026 – Art & Creative Specialist

Are you ready to inspire, energize, and make a lasting impact this summer? Join the Dwight Summer Camp team, where for over a decade we’ve been creating unforgettable experiences for campers aged 4–12. Our beautiful facilities—including a six-lane pool, visual and performing arts studios, pickleball courts, gyms, design and science labs, and close proximity to Central Park—provide the perfect backdrop for summer adventures. But what truly makes Dwight special is our people.

We’re excited to welcome a dedicated Art & Creative Specialist to Dwight Summer Camp—someone who believes in the power of creative expression, exploring a diverse range of media, messy play, and producing breathtaking outcomes. In this role, you’ll cultivate an imaginative and inspiring environment, lead a dynamic team of counselors, and guide campers in developing confidence and artistic skills. If you’re driven to inspire, teach with heart, and positively impact children’s lives, we’d love for you to join us. Help make this summer one to remember—for our campers, our staff, and yourself.

Dates & Schedule:

• Camp Duration: Monday–Friday, June 15 – August 7, 2026 (Closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth & Friday, July 3, for Independence Day)

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: 94th Street Campus : 705 Columbus Avenue

Compensation & Benefits:

• $20–$28/hour, commensurate with experience
• Lunch provided
• $150 bonus for completing required camp orientations & training
• Staff perk: children of staff working 7–8 weeks may attend camp for $50/week per child

What You’ll Do:

Camper Supervision & Safety:

• Lead creative lessons for groups of 15–25 campers ages 4–12, maintaining a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
• Foster a positive, inclusive camp culture where all campers feel supported and respected.
• Support smooth transitions throughout the day, reinforce behavior expectations, and respond calmly and effectively to conflicts or emergencies.

Activity Leadership & Thematic Programming:

• Plan and lead multiple art and creative activity sessions each day, aligned with weekly camp themes and featured media
• Lead weekly indoor and outdoor programming utilizing camp facilities, including the indoor studio, courtyard, and Central Park.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the Camp Director during emergencies, supporting camper and staff safety at all times.
• Support and help lead large-scale, camp-wide events for up to 250 campers, including themed days, guest performances, and special celebrations.
• Thoughtfully adapt and differentiate art and design activities for 3–5 camper divisions (ages 4–12), providing inclusive instruction that supports a range of abilities and skill levels while fostering creativity, self-expression, and mastery of multiple media and materials.

Role Modeling & Mentorship:

• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and enthusiasm.
• Support staff and campers’ personal, social, and emotional growth.
• Lead by example by modeling strong community values during activities and throughout the day.
• Ensure group cohesiveness between 3–5 different divisions

Team Collaboration & Communication:

• Attend weekly meetings with the Camp Director to review programming, share planning updates, and coordinate day-to-day camp operations.
• Collaborate closely with approximately 60 camp staff members to ensure smooth, effective daily operations.
• Communicate professionally and positively with campers, families, and staff, fostering strong relationships and clear expectations.

Thoughtful Planning & Curriculum Design:

• Design and develop an 8-week art and creative curriculum aligned with weekly camp themes and featured media, ensuring inclusive instruction that supports a wide range of abilities and skill levels.
• Provide a sample of the first two weeks of curriculum planning to share ideas and receive feedback from the Camp Director by Friday, May 29.
• Share examples of past projects, including photos or brief reflections, to highlight previous experience and creative approach.

Administrative & Logistical Support:

• Document and report medical needs or concerns to the Health Director promptly to ensure camper safety and proper care.
• Enforce positive communication with parents and families, addressing questions and concerns to foster trust and engagement.
• Ensure all staff teaching spaces are maintained to a high standard by safely and neatly storing resources, completing regular stocktakes of materials, and preparing equipment that reflects weekly themes and enhances the overall camp environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Teaching, childcare, or classroom experience
• Artistic ability
• Experience working with children aged 4–12 from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities
• Prior summer camp experience
• Undergraduate studies related to childcare/education/leadership/ subject area

Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a 15-minute interview, followed by a 30-minute demonstration lesson as part of the selection process.

Required Training (provided by Dwight):

• Online Sexual Harassment & Mandated Reporter training
• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification (if required)
• Virtual Summer Camp Staff Training
• Two in-person staff site trainings (late May–early June)
• Mandatory Swim Test
• First Day Orientation: Monday, June 15, 7:15–8:30 AM

Our Commitment:

Dwight School is dedicated to barrier-free recruitment and providing equal employment opportunities. We welcome and accommodate applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. We are committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination of any kind.

Our Motto: WE BELIEVE IN SUMMER!

Bring your energy, creativity, and heart to Dwight Summer Day Camp and make a difference this summer. Apply today!