Summer Art Camp Opportunities

Each summer, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers high-quality in-person art camps for students ages 5–18. Our Kids Camp is for ages 5–9, our Tween Camp is for ages 10–12, and our Teen Camp is for ages 13–18. Every camp program teaches knowledge of, and appreciation for, the visual arts through hands-on activities. Kids explore a variety of media, including: drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking under the guidance of our highly-qualified instructors. Tween and teen campers explore specific art media in depth of the course of a week to develop and refine art skills.

Summer Art Camp Counselor
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers high-quality in-person art camps for students ages 5-18. The position of Summer Camp Counselor covers many responsibilities and plays a crucial role in the success of our camp. Applicants must be patient, enjoy working with children, have confidence in their ability to motivate and assist campers, and have an interest in or appreciation for art. A counselor’s role includes being an extra set of hands and eyes for teachers before, during, and after each camp session, as well as supervising the campers in assigned groups. While each teacher will provide direction, the main duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Setting up classrooms
  • Gathering and preparing art materials before each camp session
  • Assisting students with projects during camp
  • Helping teachers during camp as needed (making copies, getting supplies from other rooms, escorting students to restrooms, etc.)
  • Helping students and teacher clean up and sanitize after each camp session
  • Supervising campers
  • Returning supplies to the appropriate place
  • Making sure storage areas are kept well maintained and orderly
  • Serving as a positive role model for students
  • Other duties as requested

Physical and Mental Demands
This position frequently requires mental demands of making decisions, problem solving, and supervising students. This position requires the ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, squat, and climb stairs. These positions occasionally require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

As part of VACNJ’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, we aim to amplify traditionally underrepresented voices. Although not required in the application, VACNJ encourages applicants to share their experience with DEAI initiatives. VACNJ is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Work Environment
This position is frequently indoors in a studio environment and are occasionally exposed to potentially hazardous art materials. This position will work both indoors and outdoors in summer weather.

To be considered, applicants must be 16 years of age or older and will need to complete this Google form no later than Monday, March 17.

Applications will be reviewed after submission deadline; those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. This position pays $15.49 per hour. Candidates offered a position must submit paperwork and clear a background check if over 18 before beginning work.

Summer Art Camp Volunteer
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers high-quality in-person art camps for students ages 5-18. Volunteers must be patient, enjoy working with children, have confidence in their ability to motivate and assist campers, and have an interest in or appreciation for art. A volunteer’s role includes being an extra set of hands and eyes for teachers before, during, and after each camp session, as well as supervising the campers in assigned groups. While each teacher will provide direction, the main duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Setting up classrooms
  • Gathering and preparing art materials before each camp session
  • Assisting students with projects during camp
  • Helping teachers during camp as needed (making copies, getting supplies from other rooms, escorting students to restrooms, etc.)
  • Helping students and teacher clean up and sanitize after each camp session
  • Supervising campers
  • Returning supplies to the appropriate place
  • Making sure storage areas are kept well maintained and orderly
  • Serving as a positive role model for students
  • Other duties as requested

Physical and Mental Demands
This position frequently requires mental demands of making decisions, problem solving, and supervising students. This position requires the ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, squat, and climb stairs. These positions occasionally require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment
This position is frequently indoors in a studio environment and are occasionally exposed to potentially hazardous art materials. This position will work both indoors and outdoors in summer weather.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and will need to complete a Google form that will be posted on our website on Monday, April 14th.

Summer Art Camp Internship

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers Summer Art Camp Internships for students interested in gaining hands-on experience with an accredited arts organization. The Art Center is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving exhibitions and programming schedule, the Art Center engages the community in visual learning, interpretive programs, and hands-on art making experiences.

Each summer, the Art Center offers a variety of Summer Art Camps. Our Kids Camp is for ages 5–9, our Tween Camp is for ages 10–12, and our Teen Camp is for ages 13–18. Every camp program teaches knowledge of, and appreciation for, the visual arts through hands-on activities. Kids explore a variety of media, including: drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking under the guidance of our highly-qualified instructors. Tween and teen campers explore specific art media in depth of the course of a week to develop and refine art skills. At the end of each week, there is a culminating exhibition of artwork created by campers.

Responsibilities of the Summer Camp Intern include administrative prep work, checking-in students during arrival, supporting camp counselors and instructors, assisting with camp projects, organizing and restocking art supplies, preparing art materials as needed, supervising lunchtime, and other administrative duties as assigned. Interns also spend time in the classroom with students and instructors, and have an opportunity to observe different teaching styles while interacting with students.

Applicants must have excellent writing and communication skills, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Knowledge of or passion for the visual arts and experience working with children is preferred. Interns are expected to dress appropriately for working with children and art projects. Essential computer skills include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Google Docs. Knowledge of photography is also helpful.

The internship schedule is flexible. The Summer Art Camps run from June 16–August 22. Daily schedule of camp is from 9 AM–3:30 PM, including optional early drop off and late pick up. The internship is unpaid, but hours can be applied towards college credit.

Please submit applications by completing this google application form here.

Applications will be accepted for the summer internship positions until are filled.

If you have questions, please email Chelsea Valderas at cvalderas@artcenternj.org. No phone calls, please.

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