Costumed Characters (Mascot) - Guest Experience Host

CAMP; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

20% employee discount

1.5x holiday pay

Job summary

CAMP is seeking a lively Mascot & Guest Experience Host in Charlotte, NC. This hybdrid role blends full-costume mascot performance with immersive storytelling and frontline retail support to create memorable guest experiences.

You will engage families, lead play activities, and help drive product sales while maintaining high energy and safety standards in a dynamic store environment.

Qualifications

• Energetic and guest‑centric personality required.
• Experience in retail or guest services is a plus.
• Ability to engage multiple ages with warmth and humor.
• Experience or interest in costumed mascot performance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mascot performance in full costume for meets, shows, and events.
• Deliver scripted and improvised dialogue within immersive experiences.
• Lead guided play activities and craft demonstrations.
• Host/Handler duties to manage guest flow and lines.
• Tailor programming for different ages and group sizes.
• Drive sales by recommending products and programs.
• Provide magical service with signature entrances and interactions.
• Assist at checkout and share information on upcoming events.

Skills

High energy

Guest focus

Retail experience

Customer service

Improv skills

Mascot performance

Job description

Costumed Characters (Mascot) - Guest Experience Host

Charlotte, NC (Southpark)

About CAMP

Launched in 2018, CAMP is a Family Experience Company known for pioneering a unique shop-and-play hybrid model. Our physical locations across the country serve as a dynamic destination where retail meets entertainment. Each store features rotating immersive experiences designed to inspire families to play, explore, and create unforgettable memories together. We believe that play connects us all, and at CAMP, we ensure it's bigger, bubblier, and sillier than anywhere else.

What is the Role?

CAMP is seeking a highly energetic, charismatic, and multi-talented individual to join our team as a Mascot & Guest Experience Host!

This hybrid role serves as a crucial frontline representative, seamlessly blending full-costume mascot performance and immersive storytelling with driving retail sales and providing magical guest service across the entire store. Whether bringing a beloved character to life in a full-body mascot suite or guiding families through interactive play and personal shopping, you will create unforgettable moments for every guest who walks through our doors.

Core Responsibilities

Mascot & Immersive Performance

• Mascot Performance: Suit up as a full-body costumed character (head to toe, including headpiece and inner bodysuit) to bring CAMP’s featured characters to life during meet-and-greets, shows, and special events.
• Deliver Performance: Confidently learn, memorize, and deliver scripted dialogue as well as improvised material within the immersive experience space.
• Facilitate Play: Lead guided programming and play-based experiences (including Toy Demos, Guided Play, Crafts, and Slime-making), maintaining high energy and enthusiasm while interacting with guests of all ages.
• Host & Direct: Serve as a Character Host/Handler when not in costume to direct and supervise guest flow, manage lines for meet-and-greets, and ensure character safety and efficiency.
• Adapt & Engage: Tailor programming to different age groups and party sizes, modeling playfulness and fun to encourage complete guest immersion.
• Drive Sales: Achieve sales targets and KPIs by providing best‑in‑class selling experiences. Engage with families to introduce relevant products and unique items that complement their experience.
• Magical Service: Welcome every guest with a custom greeting and bring the CAMP brand to life by performing signature magic door entrances.
• Personal Shopping: Customize personal shopping experiences based on family interests, assist at checkout, and share information on upcoming programs and events.
• Build Loyalty: Foster a repeat customer base by contributing to an approachable, unique, and tailored sales culture.

Operations, Maintenance, & Team Support

• Setup & Breakdown: Open and close experience and store spaces, executing daily setup, safety checks, and end‑of‑day resets.
• Store Readiness: Assist in merchandising and replenishing the sales floor to ensure the store is fully stocked and visually customer‑ready.
• Back of House: Support stock room tasks and inventory organization to maintain smooth store operations.
• Cleanliness & Safety: Uphold safety protocols and perform ongoing cleaning, sanitizing, and resetting of play areas and mascot gear.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate store and customer needs to leadership, collaborate with teammates, and foster a positive, flexible, and solution‑oriented work environment.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

• Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States.
• Location: Must be local to the store area.
• Mascot Costume Fit: Due to strict character costume specifications, candidates must be between 5'0\" and 5'4\" in height and capable of comfortably wearing a size XS/S bodysuit underneath a full-headpiece costume. Wearing the mascot costume is an essential function of this role.

Required Skills & Mindset

• High energy, enthusiasm, and a guest‑first attitude.
• Passion for selling, customer service, and engaging with adults and children alike.
• Background or prior experience in retail, child‑care, child development/education, or performing arts/costumed mascot performance.
• Patience, warmth, joy, humor, and strong improvisational skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to wear a full-body mascot costume (head to toe) for scheduled performance sets.
• Ability to stand, walk, and continuously move around the store for up to 8 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift and place merchandise weighing up to 45 pounds on shelving at various heights (which may involve climbing ladders).
• Compensation: $TBD / hour
• Position Type: Non‑exempt, Part‑Time (approx. 5 to 25 hours per week)
• Shifts: 4 to 8‑hour daily shifts across mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Must be available to work at least one weekend day per week (both days preferred).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 20% employee discount on merchandise
• 1.5x holiday pay on six designated holidays