Arts and Crafts Jobs at Summer Camps Across the USA
Arts and crafts jobs at summer camps are at the very heart of the classic camp experience. From friendship bracelets and tie-dye to leatherwork, beading, and seasonal craft projects, the arts and crafts studio is a hub of creativity that campers visit all summer long. Whether you’re running a craft cabin at a small sleepaway camp or leading a full schedule of activities at a large co-ed residential camp, arts and crafts staff make daily camp life vibrant and memorable.
As an arts and crafts instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll plan age-appropriate projects, manage supplies, demonstrate techniques, and run open-studio time where campers explore their own ideas. Many sleepaway camps blend traditional camp crafts with broader visual arts programming, giving instructors flexibility to teach in their style. If you love hands-on creativity, easy laughter, and helping kids discover the joy of making, this is one of the most rewarding camp roles you can find.
What does an arts and crafts counselor at summer camp do?You’ll plan and run daily craft activities, manage supplies, teach techniques, and support campers through individual projects. Classic camp crafts like friendship bracelets, tie-dye, and beading anchor the program at most overnight camps.
Do I need formal art training for arts and crafts jobs at camp?No formal training is required for most arts and crafts roles, though hobbyist craft experience and a willingness to teach kids are essential. Education majors, art students, and creative hobbyists are all excellent fits at sleepaway camps.
What kinds of projects are typical at summer camps?Friendship bracelets, tie-dye, lanyards, leather stamping, painted canvas, ceramic decoration, beading, and seasonal themed crafts are all common. Many co-ed camps also incorporate upcycled or eco-friendly materials into their programs.
What does the pay look like for arts and crafts jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience. Overnight and residential camps include room, board, and laundry in addition to salary, which makes the overall summer camp package noticeably more valuable than the base salary alone.
Are arts and crafts roles good for first-time camp staff?Absolutely. Arts and crafts roles are one of the friendliest entry points into the camp world — easy to learn, deeply social, and a great way to build relationships with campers across all age groups at any sleepaway camp.
Browse Summer Camp Arts & Crafts Jobs for 2027
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2027
End Date: August 31, 2027
Our extensive activity program at Birchmont is run by an incredible team of coaches, athletes, and artists. Depending on the area, our specialists will either run a program on their own or as part of a team of instructors – helping the campers to learn new skills, have fun and develop their confidence and ability in particular areas. Our specialists also play an important role with their assigned group, assisting as general counselors when not running their own activity area. This role is suited to someone with expertise or experience in a particular activity – previous coaching or teaching experience is preferred, but our Area Heads and Athletic Director are on hand to ‘teach the teachers’, and help talented athletes and specialists develop their own delivery style – so enthusiastic amateurs are welcome also! Current specialty areas which we are recruiting for include: Archery, Arts and Crafts, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Fitness/Personal Training, Mountain Biking, Games (Physical Education), Performing Arts & Music, High Ropes, Horseback Riding, Tennis, and Soccer. Our Activity Specialists typically will spend about half their day delivering their activity area, and the other half of the day acting as General Counselors, so they get to have the full camp experience, while honing and sharing their skills in a particular program area. These roles are suited to current college students or graduates with a passion for their chosen activity.
Camp Starlight is hiring for summer ! Ready to work at Camp Starlight in summer 2026? If you are looking for a meaningful summer camp job, Starlight offers the perfect mix of work, friendship, adventure, and fun. Camp Starlight is a seven-week, traditional sleepaway camp for boys and girls ages 7 to 15. Located in…
Staff must be completing high school in or older to apply for a position at camp. KenMont for Boys and KenWood for Girls is hiring for summer ! KenMont and KenWood Camp is looking for staff members who have a love for working with children, enjoy being part of a team, and believe that mutual…
