Creative Arts at Summer Camp
Do you live for creativity? Whether you’re happiest with a paintbrush in hand, behind the camera lens, or whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen, a Creative Arts role at an American summer camp is your chance to turn passion into purpose.
You’ll spend your summer inspiring the next generation of artists, photographers, filmmakers, and foodies – helping campers express themselves, try new things, and develop confidence in their own creative talents. From colourful crafts and culinary creations to capturing the magic of camp on film, this is your chance to share your skills, embrace camp life, and create something unforgettable.
What is it like Working in Creative Arts at Camp?
As a Creative Arts Specialist, you’ll run exciting, hands-on sessions in your area of expertise – leading activities in arts and crafts, cookery, photography, or videography throughout the day. You’ll work with campers of all ages and skill levels, guiding them through projects, teaching them new techniques, and encouraging their creativity to flourish.
Whether you’re in the art studio, the kitchen, or out on camp snapping photos, your role is to create a safe, supportive, and seriously fun environment where kids can explore and express themselves.
You don’t need to be a professional – just passionate about your craft and ready to share it with others.
Key Creative Arts Roles
We’ve highlighted three popular Creative Arts roles below, but camps offer many more, including fashion design, ceramics, graffiti, woodwork, sculpting, and mural painting. If you’ve got a creative talent, there’s a place for it at camp.
Arts & Crafts Instructor
Unleash the inner artist in every camper! As an Arts & Crafts instructor, you’ll lead hands-on creative sessions using everything from glue and glitter to paint, clay, and recycled materials. You’ll help campers express themselves through fun, imaginative projects – from friendship bracelets and tie-dye shirts to sculptures and murals.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Creativity and artistic flair
- Ability to teach and demonstrate techniques clearly
- Organised and encouraging with all age groups
- Patience and flexibility
Qualifications That Help
- Experience in art, design, or education
- Youth work or classroom assistant experience
- Craft workshop leadership or volunteering
- A strong portfolio (include photos/videos if you can!)
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Experience planning and delivering creative sessions
- Confidence working with young people
- A portfolio of art created by your campers
- Fun, friendship, and a whole lot of glitter
Photography &
Videography Specialist
Camp is packed with magical moments – and you’ll be the one capturing them. As part of the Media Team, you’ll document every smile, adventure, big smile, and goofy dance move through daily photos and videos. You’ll build your portfolio, gain real-world media experience, and tell the story of camp one frame at a time.
What Skills Do You Need?
- A keen eye for photography or video
- Confidence with editing software and digital tools
- Creativity and storytelling through visuals
- Self-motivation and time management
Qualifications That Help
- University/college studies in photography, film or media
- A strong portfolio or social media channel
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, etc.
- A drone licence or social content creation is a big bonus!
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Real-world photo and video production experience
- A powerful portfolio of work
- All-access pass to every camp activity
- The chance to make memories and capture them too
Cookery Instructor
Whisk, stir, and roll your way through a summer full of flavour! As a Cookery Instructor, you’ll teach campers essential life skills in the kitchen – from simple bakes to tasty meals. Your sessions will be fun, practical, and confidence-boosting, helping kids explore ingredients, kitchen safety, teamwork, and the joy of cooking.
What Skills Do You Need?
- A love for food and cooking
- Basic knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene
- Able to adapt recipes for different age groups
- Great communication and a patient teaching style
Qualifications That Help
- Any food safety certifications or culinary training
- Experience baking or cooking with children
- Hospitality, catering, or home cooking background
- Personal cooking blogs or videos are a great touch!
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Teaching experience in a fun and rewarding setting
- Skills in planning and delivering cooking sessions
- A creative culinary portfolio
- The chance to inspire healthy habits and happy eaters
Why Creative Arts is Amazing
Working in Creative Arts is about more than just painting or plating up – it’s about inspiring confidence, sparking imagination, and helping campers find their voice. You’ll develop your leadership, patience, and communication skills while working in a vibrant, collaborative team.
Camps are looking for people who are:
- Passionate and positive
- Great with kids and communication
- Creative and adaptable
- Ready to lead by example and have fun doing it
Even if you’re not professionally qualified, your experience, passion,
and willingness to share your craft is what truly counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always! A strong personal passion, previous experience, and the ability to lead creative sessions confidently can be just as valuable as formal training.
Absolutely – especially if you prefer your own camera or favourite art tools. But don’t worry – camps are well-stocked with supplies and gear.
Mostly, yes – but you’ll also join in with other camp activities, meals, and evening programmes as a counsellor, making every day varied and exciting.
That’s okay! If you have the skills, camps will support you with training and guidance so you can lead sessions confidently.
Definitely! You’ll have free periods, time off, and the chance to get involved with all sorts of camp activities outside your specialist role.
Apply Now!
Turn your adventure into an unforgettable summer job.
Apply now and get ready to coach in the USA!
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