Lanyard Specialist

Step into a dynamic summer leadership role as the Lanyard Specialist at Willow Lake Day Camp. In this hands-on position, you will guide campers ages 3 through 15 through classic camp craft traditions, including box stitches, spirals, cobra braids, and personalized zipper pulls. Working within our vibrant Art Corral studio, you will help campers discover patience, develop fine motor coordination, and take pride in their handmade creations. You will collaborate daily with group counselors and fellow creative arts specialists to cultivate a welcoming, high-energy workshop atmosphere. This role offers an exceptional platform to build meaningful mentorship, group facilitation, and instructional leadership skills on your resume.

- Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate lanyard and string-craft sessions for campers in Pre-K through 10th grade.- Teach fundamental and advanced stitch patterns, including square/box, barrel, spiral, cobra, and zipper weaves.- Provide encouraging step-by-step guidance to help campers troubleshoot knots and complete take-home projects.- Partner with group counselors and unit leaders to ensure every camper receives attentive support and encouragement.- Maintain an organized, fully stocked, and welcoming workspace within the Art Corral.- Celebrate camper achievements, creative milestones, and persistence throughout each camp session.

- Familiarity with classic lanyard weaving, boondoggle stitches, braiding, or general string crafts.- Previous experience working with children in camp, classroom, daycare, or community recreation settings is helpful.- Demonstrated ability to explain step-by-step tasks clearly and patiently to varying age groups.

- Warm, energetic, and patient approach to mentoring young campers.- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.- Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in an active team environment.- Passion for hands-on creativity and championing camper self-confidence.- Must understand the basic lanyard stitches and be confident in teaching and starting them. - Barrel, double barrel, triple barrel, box, double box, triple box, zipper, cobra, etc.

- Bachelor’s degree in education, art education, fine arts, child development, or related field.- Professional background as a certified teacher, educator, or adult youth instructor with proven experience teaching hands-on skills.- Continuing education or background in recreation management, studio arts, or elementary/middle school instruction is a strong plus.

- Strong fine motor dexterity for handling craft plastic lacing, cords, and small project accessories.- Ability to move comfortably across our 35-acre outdoor campus throughout the camp day.- Capability to lead interactive sessions in open-air covered studios in varied summer weather.- Ability to lift and organize craft bins and supply containers.

- Competitive seasonal salary with all tips included.- Hot and cold lunches provided every camp day.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend at discounted tuition.- Hands-on youth leadership, classroom management, and mentorship experience that strengthens your resume.- Supportive, tight-knit staff culture with ongoing mentorship and professional development.- Evenings and weekends off throughout the eight-week summer season.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp situated on 35 shaded acres in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Serving campers ages 3 through 15, we provide dynamic summer programming spanning swimming, arts, athletics, adventure, and waterfront activities. Our dedicated leadership team empowers campers and staff alike to build confidence, forge lifelong friendships, and dream big.

The camp is located on a picturesque 35-acre property on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. Facilities feature specialized creative art studios, heated pool complexes, athletic fields, and covered open-air activity pavilions.