Leather, Strings & Things Specialist

Step into an empowering creative leadership role as the Leather Specialist at Willow Lake Day Camp this summer. Based in our dedicated Art Corral, you will guide campers ages 3 through 15 through hands-on leather crafting projects including stamping, tooling, lace braiding, and custom design. You will inspire young makers to develop patience, fine motor coordination, and artistic confidence while running dynamic daily sessions. Working closely with enthusiastic group counselors, you will sharpen your classroom management and workshop leadership skills in a collaborative environment. Join our tight-knit staff team and make your summer count by helping campers create meaningful keepsakes they will cherish for years.

- Design and lead interactive, age-appropriate leather crafting projects—including personalized wristbands, key fobs, luggage tags, pouches, and coasters—for campers ages 3 through 15.- Teach beginner-friendly leather working techniques such as mallet stamping, edge beveling, decorative tooling, hole punching, and lace stitching in a safe, structured setting.- Manage and organize the leather workshop within the Art Corral, maintaining tool safety standards, supply inventories, and prep stations.- Partner with group counselors each period, delegating hands-on assistance and modeling positive coaching methods to support all skill levels.- Tailor project complexity across age divisions, offering simple tactile stamping for younger campers and multi-step designs for older campers during elective periods.- Foster an encouraging, growth-oriented environment where campers embrace healthy creative risks and celebrate their accomplishments.

- Background or active personal interest in hands-on crafting, leather working, DIY design, studio art, or visual arts education.- Prior experience working with or mentoring children in camp, school, youth club, after-school, or community recreation settings.- Practical ability to break down step-by-step craft techniques into clear, easy-to-follow demonstrations for young learners.

- High-energy, patient, and positive leadership mindset with a passion for inspiring kids and teens.- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate smoothly with group counselors and camp leadership.- Creative problem-solving abilities and readiness to adapt projects to fit different age groups and ability levels.- Availability to work Monday through Friday for the full eight-week camp season from June 21 through August 13, 2027, plus pre-camp orientation.

- Bachelor’s degree (completed) or equivalent professional experience as an adult educator or creative arts professional.- Degree, coursework, or background in Art Education, Fine Arts, Elementary Education, Recreation, Child Development, or a related field is strongly preferred.

- Ability to safely demonstrate and supervise the use of hand mallets, stamps, rotary punches, and lacing tools in a studio setting.- Stamina to remain active, bend, reach, and navigate our 35-acre outdoor campus throughout standard camp hours.- Visual and physical coordination to assist campers with fine motor crafting tasks, knotting, and detail work.- Capability to lift and move bins of craft materials, leather hides, and studio supplies.

- Competitive seasonal compensation with all nights and weekends completely free.- Comprehensive pre-camp training.- Daily complimentary hot and cold lunch provided.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- A vibrant, supportive staff culture on 35 scenic acres where you form lifelong friendships and professional connections.- The rewarding opportunity to be a daily role model and champion creative confidence in children.

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 Dream Big philosophy has provided children ages 3 through 15 with transformative summers filled with skill-building, lasting friendships, and character growth. We cultivate an inclusive, high-energy staff community where educators and emerging leaders receive unmatched mentorship and real-world career preparation.

The role takes place entirely on-site across the shaded 35-acre campus of Willow Lake Day Camp in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Specialists teach in modern, dedicated open-air craft studios located within the central Art Corral complex.