Cooking Instructor, School Break Camps

JCC Greater Boston; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness facility access

Discounted camp programs for employees

Job summary

JCC Greater Boston is seeking enthusiastic Cooking Instructors to design and lead engaging culinary activities for K–5 campers during school breaks. You will teach basic cooking skills, guide campers through recipes, and explore food science while ensuring safety and inclusion.

Responsibilities include planning age-appropriate activities, collaborating with camp staff, and maintaining supplies. The role offers meaningful leadership growth in a joyful camp setting.

Qualifications

• High-school degree preferred.
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in cooking, nutrition, or a related field preferred.
• 1+ season of instructor experience planning and leading activities for children.
• Customer-service experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead age-appropriate activities in your specialty area.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during activities.
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill-building.
• Work with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive camper experience.
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment.
• Adapt activities to meet diverse campers' needs and abilities.
• Support camp-wide events and large-group programming as assigned.
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop-off/pick-up, transitions, lunch, supervision).

Skills

Child engagement

Cooking passion

Activity planning

Group management

Communication

Safety awareness

Creativity

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school preferred

Cooking or related field preferred

1+ season teaching/leadership

Customer service experience

Job description

Job Summary

Be a role model. Share your passion! If you love cooking, experimenting with flavors, and want to inspire kids in the kitchen, JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Cooking Instructors. You will design and lead engaging culinary activities for children in grades K‑5 during our School Break Camps in December, February, Passover, and April.

What you will do each day

• Bring the kitchen to life by teaching basic cooking skills, guiding campers through recipes, exploring fun food science experiments, and helping them create delicious dishes.
• Plan age‑appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun.
• Support the camp team with transitions, special events, and ensure every camper feels included and inspired.

Example Recipes Include

• Smoothies
• Cookies
• Salsa
• Salads
• And more

Why work with us

Our camps are built around the campers. Staff describe the experience as fun, dynamic, and inclusive. You’ll gain leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences for both campers and yourself.

Available Dates

• December Camp: December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2
• February Camp: February 16‑20
• Passover Camp: April 3‑10
• Spring Break Camp: April 20‑24

Available Shifts Each Day

• Full Day: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (8 hours)
• Morning Shift: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm (8 hours)
• Afternoon Shift: 10 am – 6 pm (8 hours)

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead age‑appropriate activities in your specialty area.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of campers during activities.
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill‑building and exploration.
• Work in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experience.
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campers.
• Support camp‑wide special events and large‑group programming as assigned.
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop‑off/pick‑up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.).

Staff Expectations

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that values each individual.
• Participate as an essential team member.
• Support JCC Greater Boston's mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation through role modeling.
• Represent the organization enthusiastically and model excellence.
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Details

Hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday‑Friday. Competitive starting pay of $20 per hour, with final rate determined by qualifications and experience.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since 1983, JCC Greater Boston has nurtured meaningful relationships through early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes. JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High‑school degree preferred.
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in cooking, nutrition, or a related field preferred.
• 1+ season of instructor experience planning and leading activities for children.
• Customer‑service experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills and Abilities

• Enjoy working with children and helping them grow.
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area.
• Ability to plan and lead age‑appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities.
• Excellent group‑management skills.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staff.
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities.
• Creativity, flexibility, and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needs.
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment.
• Proactive problem‑solving and willingness to seek guidance when needed.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative.
• Ability to work well with others, building sustaining collaborative relationships.
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically.
• Commitment to building strong relationships with campers, co‑workers, and leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Work in a busy, dynamic, sometimes noisy environment requiring multiple tasks and priorities.
• Work in varying weather conditions for extended periods to ensure supervision and safety of campers.
• Lift and carry objects weighing 30‑40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.).
• Sit and kneel; get down to eye level with children regularly.
• Swim and supervise children in the pool (stand in pool).

ADA Statement

Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Seasonal employees are eligible for access to JCC Greater Boston’s top‑class fitness, recreation, and wellness facility in Newton. Seasonal access includes:

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal‑Sidman JCC during active seasonal employment.
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for employees’ children based on availability.

Benefits are subject to review and change by the organization; plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work. In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of staff gave top ratings on supportive colleagues, team camaraderie, manager treatment, autonomy, impact, pride in working for the JCC, program quality, and accountability.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristic.