JCC Greater Boston
Activity Instructor, School Break Camps
JCC Greater Boston, Newton, Massachusetts, United States, 02165
About the Role
JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Activity Specialists to lead engaging activities for children in grades K-5 at our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). Specialists serve as role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, grow, and build confidence.
What you will do each day You'll spend your day bringing your specialty area to life — whether that's teaching new soccer skills, leading an improv game, experimenting with slime in science, or guiding kids through a cooking project. You will plan age‑appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you also will be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.
Example Activity Areas
Sports Specialist
Art Specialist
Drama Specialist
Music Specialist
Science Specialist
3D Printing Specialist
Video/Film/Media Specialist
Custom Specialty: what skill do you have to share with our camp?
Why work with us At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the campers. Staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests. Here you will gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences for campers and yourself.
Available Dates
December Camp: December 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 and January 2
February Camp: February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Passover Camp: April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Spring Break Camp: April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Available Shifts Each Day
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
Primary Responsibilities
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
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
Job Details Position type Hourly, non‑exempt position offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access during employment. Competitive starting pay rate of $17 per hour, determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
About JCC Greater Boston Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
Requirements Education and Experience:
High school degree preferred
College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
Customer service experience preferred
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.
Skills and Abilities
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 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
Physical Requirements
Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30–40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)
ADA Statement Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Benefits JCCGB Perks!
Each employee is eligible for a free individual access to JCC Greater Boston's top‑class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton — offering virtual and in‑person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more.
Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal‑Sidman
Access to group fitness classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
Discounts on a variety of JCCGB fitness/wellness programs and services
Free wellness events
All benefits are subject to review and change by the organization. For the most current information, visit https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
What you will do each day You'll spend your day bringing your specialty area to life — whether that's teaching new soccer skills, leading an improv game, experimenting with slime in science, or guiding kids through a cooking project. You will plan age‑appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you also will be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring campers feel included and connected.
Example Activity Areas
Sports Specialist
Art Specialist
Drama Specialist
Music Specialist
Science Specialist
3D Printing Specialist
Video/Film/Media Specialist
Custom Specialty: what skill do you have to share with our camp?
Why work with us At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the campers. Staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests. Here you will gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences for campers and yourself.
Available Dates
December Camp: December 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 and January 2
February Camp: February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Passover Camp: April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Spring Break Camp: April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Available Shifts Each Day
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
Primary Responsibilities
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
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
Job Details Position type Hourly, non‑exempt position offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access during employment. Competitive starting pay rate of $17 per hour, determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
About JCC Greater Boston Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
Requirements Education and Experience:
High school degree preferred
College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in specialty area preferred
1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
Customer service experience preferred
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.
Skills and Abilities
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 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
Physical Requirements
Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities
Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30–40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)
ADA Statement Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Benefits JCCGB Perks!
Each employee is eligible for a free individual access to JCC Greater Boston's top‑class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton — offering virtual and in‑person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more.
Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal‑Sidman
Access to group fitness classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
Discounts on a variety of JCCGB fitness/wellness programs and services
Free wellness events
All benefits are subject to review and change by the organization. For the most current information, visit https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr