Arts & Crafts Specialist

Congo Camp; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Congo Camp is seeking an Arts & Crafts Specialist to design and lead engaging, age-appropriate art projects. You’ll own the planning, prep, and execution of daily art blocks, manage supplies and workspace, and collaborate with group counselors as needed.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, leading art activities for multiple groups, and ensuring safety and accessibility in all projects. You’ll document incidents per protocols and uphold ACA practices and Virginia licensing standards.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading art activities (camp, classroom, studio, or community programs).
• Strong lesson planning skills: design projects engaging, scalable by age, feasible within time/material constraints.
• Confident with a range of media: drawing/painting, collage, sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, ceramics/sewing a plus.
• Clear communicator and collaborative teammate; supportive of inclusive practices and behavior expectations.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR (or able to obtain before season and maintain throughout employment).

Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate arts & crafts activities for the summer: create lesson plans, project samples, and supply lists aligned to camp themes.
• Prepare materials and spaces for each activity.
• Lead art activities for multiple groups daily; model techniques and differentiation for varied abilities and needs.
• Integrate safety and accessibility in all projects (non-toxic materials, tool rules, allergy awareness, ventilation, PPE as needed).
• Maintain inventory; track usage; request/organize supply orders within budget and approval processes.
• Care for tools/equipment (e.g., glue guns, paper cutters, sewing tools) and keep SDS/labels current where applicable.
• Showcase camper work (bulletin boards, hallways, pop-up displays).
• Accurately complete incident/accident reports and follow communication protocols with camp leadership.
• Meet or exceed ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; be punctual, prepared, and flexible; perform other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or designee.

Skills

Art instruction

Lesson planning

Communication

Inclusive practices

Education

Pediatric First Aid/CPR

Job description

About the role

The Arts & Crafts Specialist designs and leads engaging, age-appropriate art projects that bring camp themes to life. You’ll own the planning, prep, and execution of daily art blocks; manage supplies and workspace; and collaborate with group counselors as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate arts & crafts activities for the summer: create lesson plans, project samples, and supply lists aligned to camp themes.
• Prepare materials and spaces for each activity.
• Lead art activities for multiple groups daily; model techniques and differentiation for varied abilities and needs.
• Integrate safety and accessibility in all projects (non-toxic materials, tool rules, allergy awareness, ventilation, PPE as needed).
• Maintain inventory; track usage; request/organize supply orders within budget and approval processes.
• Care for tools/equipment (e.g., glue guns, paper cutters, sewing tools) and keep SDS/labels current where applicable.
• Showcase camper work (bulletin boards, hallways, pop-up displays).
• Accurately complete incident/accident reports and follow communication protocols with camp leadership.
• Meet or exceed ACA practices and Virginia child day program licensing standards.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; be punctual, prepared, and flexible; perform other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or designee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading art activities (camp, classroom, studio, or community programs).
• Strong lesson planning skills: able to design projects that are engaging, scalable by age, and feasible within time and material constraints.
• Confident with a range of media (drawing/painting, collage, sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, ceramics/sewing a plus).
• Clear communicator and collaborative teammate; supportive of inclusive practices and behavior expectations.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR (or able to obtain before the season and maintain throughout employment).

Eligibility:

Must be at least 18 years old by the first day of employment and able to pass required background checks per Virginia regulations.