Ceramics jobs at summer camps are some of the most beloved arts roles in the camp world. There’s something timeless about a kid’s first time on the wheel or pulling a slab of clay into something they’re proud of. Whether you’re a working potter, a ceramics MFA student, or a longtime teacher, summer camp ceramics offers a uniquely creative environment to share your craft with eager young makers all season long.
As a ceramics instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing, and firing, while managing studio supplies, kilns, and clay inventory. You’ll run group lessons, support individual projects, and often contribute to gallery showcases at the end of each session. Many co-ed and arts-focused residential camps run full-scale ceramics programs with multiple wheels and kilns, giving instructors the kind of studio environment that’s hard to find anywhere else during the summer.
What does a ceramics instructor at summer camp do?
You’ll teach wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing, and firing across age groups, while managing studio supplies and kilns. Most sleepaway camps run ceramics as a daily elective with rotating projects throughout the summer camp season.
What background works best for summer camp ceramics jobs?
Studio art, ceramics, art education, or sculpture degrees are ideal. Working potters, MFA students, and experienced ceramicists all fit naturally at residential camps. Prior teaching or studio assistant experience is a strong plus.
Do summer camps have wheels and kilns onsite?
Most overnight camps with ceramics programs have multiple wheels, slab rollers, and electric kilns. Some specialty arts residential camps also run gas kilns and raku firings. Equipment varies by camp size and program depth.
What does the pay look like for ceramics jobs at summer camps?
Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and credentials. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base salary alone.
Are ceramics roles typically full-summer?
Most are full-season roles spanning 7–9 weeks including staff training. Some specialty arts-focused residential camps offer shorter session-based contracts. Always confirm dates and curriculum expectations during your interview.
Ceramics, Photography, Painting and Drawing, Cartooning, Jewelry Making, and more!
Being a staff member at Laurel South is far more than a summer job… it’s an unforgettable experience in beautiful surroundings… and a rare opportunity to reach your full potential as you help others reach theirs. Laurel South is a down-to-earth place where you will meet and make friends of all ages – from all over the world – and form bonds that will last a lifetime. Most of all, it’s a place where a family feeling is encouraged and both campers and staff are urged to be themselves.
We are seeking college students and teachers to lead and instruct a wide variety of activities. Our staff are caring and fun individuals who have a desire to make a difference in a child’s life.
Laurel South is among the most well-respected camps in the country. We offer quality instruction designed to allow children to participate in activities they love, while also allowing them to explore new and exciting opportunities.
We are looking for a two-month commitment June 10th – August 11th. We offer room and board for the time you are working at camp. Interested applicants, please send a cover letter detailing your interest in working with children and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Ceramics/Pottery instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped ceramics studio provides campers unlimited creativity. Campers can create sculptures and busts, make tiles, pour molds, and learn how to use our many pottery wheels to take their projects to the next level. You would help guide campers as they learn about clay, glazing, firing, and the production of finished pieces. We encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Enameling instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5 campers. With special kilns housed in the studio, campers use copper or silver bases to apply colored designs and produce pieces that highlight the luminosity, depth, and variety of color rare in such pieces of fine metal. Classes include champlevé, cloisonné, etching, and many other techniques. We encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Starlight 151 Starlight Lake Road Starlight, Pennsylvania18461 United States
Posted 07-15-2024
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…
Camp Wayne For Girls is hiring for summer ! We truly believe that Camp Wayne for Girls has the BEST STAFF! It isn’t a coincidence, it’s our mission. We consider the selection of our counselors to be our most important responsibility. We dedicate the time and energy to find the most loving and enthusiastic individuals…
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp 593 Bryn Mawr Road Honesdale, Pennsylvania18431 United States
Posted 12-22-2022
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp is hiring for summer ! Camp Bryn Mawr is one of the most prominent and well-respected all-girls summer camps in the America. We provide high-quality instruction that encourages girls to take part in the activities they enjoy while also giving them the chance to discover new things and grow as girls…
Camp Weequahic 210 Woods Road Lakewood, Pennsylvania18439 United States
Posted 11-23-2022
Camp Weequahic is hiring for summer ! Thank you for your interest in working at Camp Weequahic. A summer job here is more than a job. It is an adventure, a leadership opportunity, and a chance to become part of a close-knit camp community. Each day brings something new. You will build friendships with fellow…
