Basketry Specialist

Step into our open-air Art Corral and lead our creative weaving and basketry activity for campers. As the Basketry Specialist, you will inspire young artists to explore tactile crafts, teaching hands-on weaving techniques that build fine motor skills, patience, and creative confidence. You will design fun, age-appropriate projects ranging from simple beginner weaves to intricate decorative baskets that campers take pride in bringing home. Working alongside dedicated group counselors, you will cultivate a welcoming, encouraging studio environment where every child feels empowered to create at their own pace. This is your opportunity to build meaningful leadership and instructional experience while making a lasting impact as part of our supportive camp family.

- Design and instruct engaging, age-appropriate basketry and weaving projects for campers of varying skill levels.- Guide campers through tactile crafting techniques, including reed weaving, yarn craft, and decorative patterns.- Partner with group counselors to provide individualized support, encouragement, and attention to every child.- Maintain studio materials, tools, and work stations within the Art Corral, ensuring a clean, safe, and organized creative space.- Foster an inclusive, positive atmosphere that celebrates camper creativity, perseverance, and personal accomplishment.

- Experience with crafting, weaving, basketry, textiles, or general fine arts in a personal, school, or community setting.- Prior experience working with, teaching, or mentoring children in camps, schools, youth groups, or recreational programs.- Demonstrated ability to explain step-by-step hands-on processes in a clear, patient, and encouraging manner.

- Energetic, warm, and patient approach with a passion for creative mentorship and youth development.- Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage supplies and studio time effectively.- Enthusiastic team player eager to collaborate with counselors and camp leadership.- Ability to adapt crafting projects to suit different age groups and developmental stages.- Availability to work Monday through Friday for the full 8-week camp season from June 21 through August 13, 2027.

- High school diploma or equivalent required.- College coursework or degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, Elementary Education, Recreational Therapy, or a related field preferred.

- Ability to demonstrate hand weaving techniques, manipulate craft materials, and assist campers with fine motor tasks.- Ability to stand, bend, and move around an open-air art studio pavilion for extended periods throughout the camp day.- Ability to lift and organize craft supplies, bins, and project materials.- Ability to work outdoors on our shaded 35-acre camp campus in typical summer weather conditions.

- Gain valuable, resume-building leadership, teaching, and studio management experience.- Complimentary daily hot and cold lunch.- Full weekends and evenings off with a Monday through Friday daytime schedule.- Comprehensive pre-camp orientation and ongoing staff development training.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- Join a close-knit, supportive staff community with lasting professional and personal connections.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier, family-owned day camp situated on 35 shaded acres along the shores of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. For over 40 years, our mission has centered around our Dream Big philosophy, fostering discovery, respect, and self-confidence in campers ages 3 through 15. Through our dynamic mix of athletics, arts, outdoor adventure, and aquatics, we create an unforgettable summer environment where both campers and staff thrive.

Willow Lake Day Camp is located on a scenic 35-acre wooded campus on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. The property features modern outdoor and indoor activity facilities, including our dedicated Art Corral, athletic fields, heated pools, and private lakefront areas.