
Job Title
Employment Type
Description
Step into the Art Corral this summer as our Beading Specialist and inspire campers to discover their creativity through hands-on jewelry making, bead weaving, and pattern design. You will lead lively, engaging daily sessions for campers ages 3 through 15, adapting projects for the varying age groups. Collaborating directly with group counselors, you will cultivate an encouraging studio environment where patience, fine motor skills, and creative self-expression flourish. Working at Willow Lake is more than just a summer job; it is a dynamic masterclass in classroom management, project planning, and youth leadership. Join the Willow Lake family and spend your weekdays making a lasting impact while building transferable leadership skills that elevate your future career.
Responsibilities
- Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate beading and jewelry-crafting projects for campers ages 3 through 15.- Introduce foundational techniques, including stringing, patterning, basic loom weaving, and specialty knotting, in an accessible and encouraging manner.- Foster a welcoming, patient, and creative studio atmosphere in the Art Corral where campers feel confident trying new designs.- Partner with group counselors to support individual camper needs, celebrate completed projects, and ensure active participation.- Manage studio materials, organize daily supplies, and maintain a safe, clean, and well-structured workspace throughout the camp day.
Experience Requirements
- Personal experience with hobby crafting, jewelry making, beading, or creative visual arts.- Previous experience working with or mentoring children, such as in schools, recreational programs, childcare, or youth organizations.- Demonstrated ability to explain step-by-step creative processes in a clear, patient, and engaging way.- Comfort adapting project difficulty to suit different age groups and fine-motor skill levels.
Qualifications
- Energetic, dependable, and enthusiastic attitude with a passion for mentoring young campers.- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.- Ability to bring creative project ideas to life while upholding camp values and traditions.- Commitment to working the full eight-week summer season from Monday through Friday.
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required; current college students, educators, and emerging creative professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.- Coursework or background in education, fine arts, art therapy, child development, or recreational leadership is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to demonstrate fine motor skills and manual dexterity when handling small beads, cords, and craft tools.- Ability to navigate a 35-acre outdoor camp campus across varied terrain in typical summer weather.- Capacity to bend, reach, lift, and organize studio craft bins and materials.- Stamina to actively engage with youth campers throughout a full camp day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Benefits
- Competitive seasonal compensation.- Complimentary daily hot and cold lunch.- Consistent Monday through Friday schedule with weeknights and weekends completely free.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- Hands-on leadership, instruction, and project management experience that enhances any resume.- A supportive, spirited staff culture with lifelong friendships and professional mentorship.
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Employer Overview
Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp located on 35 shaded acres along the shores of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. For over 40 years, our community has provided exceptional summer experiences for campers ages 3 through 15 through balanced programs in aquatics, athletics, arts, and outdoor adventure. Guided by our Dream Big philosophy, we partner with families and passionate staff to create a safe, warm, and spirited environment where everyone belongs.
Industry
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Our picturesque 35-acre campus in Lake Hopatcong features dedicated art studios, shaded outdoor pavilions, and modern facilities designed for comprehensive youth programming. Staff work on-site Monday through Friday in a vibrant, nature-rich environment that blends modern amenities with traditional summer camp charm.

