Art Director at California Summer Camp

Fine Arts Director
Location: Camp Augusta, Northern California (onsite housing provided)
Compensation: $6,000 - $11,000 (based on experience and responsibilities)
Benefits: Organic meals, housing, additional pre-and post-season work opportunities

Do you live and breathe creativity?
Are you passionate about designing magical spaces and inspiring youth through art? Ready to lead a vibrant team of staff and campers in a community focused on personal and professional growth?

As Arts Director at Camp Augusta, you'll oversee a diverse range of over 30 art activities, from traditional crafts like ceramics and tie-dye to more intensive arts such as blacksmithing, lampworking, and jewelry smithing. Your role will be to guide staff in developing their facilitation skills, manage the systems and logistics of the arts program, and ensure that creativity flourishes in all corners of camp.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a Creative Team: Mentor and train a dedicated team of staff members, helping them develop their teaching skills in a variety of art forms. You’ll guide them to lead clinics that engage campers with imagination and creativity.
• Program Development: Continuously innovate and improve arts programming. Take existing activities and transform them into new and exciting experiences that captivate the camp community.
• Manage Art Clinic Operations: Oversee supply ordering, clinic scheduling, and the maintenance of materials. You’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and that the art spaces are organized and ready for daily use.
• Work with Area Leads: Collaborate with the trained leads of each art activity, supporting them in bringing each craft to life. While you may not need to be an expert in every medium, your leadership and organizational skills will ensure the program runs seamlessly.
• Create Magical Art Experiences: Develop new ideas and projects that add whimsy and creativity to the camp experience. Your vision will play a key role in keeping the arts program fresh and engaging.
• Maintain Art Program Systems: Ensure that camp staff and the larger community have access to supplies for arts activities, all while maintaining an organized, clean, and well-communicated space.

Ideal Candidate:

• Creative Leadership: You thrive in a creative environment and have the ability to inspire and lead others in that realm. You’re excited to help develop and expand a dynamic arts program.
• Organized & Detail-Oriented: Strong logistical and organizational skills are essential. You’ll manage budgets, inventory, and systems to keep everything running smoothly.
• Passionate About Arts Education: You have a love for teaching children and helping them explore their creativity. You’re excited to share your passion for art and crafting with others.
• Flexible & Big-Picture Focused: You understand the importance of the messy, spontaneous nature of camp life and are able to keep a positive, solution-oriented mindset while managing the details of the arts program.
• Collaborative: You are willing to engage with the larger camp community and contribute to fun and memorable experiences that extend beyond the arts program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Art Clinic Management: Ensure that clinics are well-stocked, organized, and run smoothly. This includes ordering supplies and ensuring everything is set up for success.
• Staff Training & Development: Lead arts training for counselors and provide ongoing coaching throughout the summer. Create opportunities for feedback and growth.
• Creative Program Development: Bring fresh ideas and innovations to the art program, ensuring that activities are constantly evolving and engaging for campers.
• Supply & Inventory Management: Maintain the craft shack and ensure all materials are accounted for, clean, and organized. You’ll also manage the budget for arts supplies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other program leaders to ensure that arts activities integrate well into the larger camp experience, from themed events to evening programs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 19 years old by June 1st, 2025
• Available for the full summer, May 13th to August 9th, 2025
• Willing to commit to 5-8 hours per week of pre-camp onboarding work
• Must be able to show proof of a positive COVID test or booster within a month of arriving at camp

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth in a meaningful, creative capacity
• A diverse range of hobbies, passions, and life experiences you’re excited to share
• Ability to return for a second summer
• A deep love for arts and creativity, with a desire to build and expand an arts program

Why Camp Augusta?

At Camp Augusta, we offer a truly unique camp experience that goes beyond what you’d find at most summer camps. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Selective Hiring Process: We are committed to hiring top-tier staff. Our in-depth application process ensures we bring on individuals who are passionate, skilled, and ready for a transformative experience.
• Professional Development: With 300+ hours of training before the campers arrive, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of camp life.
• Creative Freedom: With 150+ types of activities to choose from, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new arts clinics and put your creative stamp on the entire program.
• Compensation & Perks: You’ll receive a summer salary of $6,000-$11,000, along with housing, organic meals, and multiple certifications (CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding) provided by us.
• Growth-Oriented Environment: Our approach is rooted in psychology-based philosophies that emphasize personal growth, behavior management, and child development. Many of our staff report that the training and experiences here have been pivotal in their personal and professional journeys.
  
   

About Camp Augusta:

Camp Augusta is a nonprofit residential summer camp in northern California that offers a truly unique summer camp experience for campers and staff alike. We are focused on counseling skills, creativity, excellent programming, and camper choice - see more about the vision of our camp here.

Do you have any questions?

Send us a message on Handshake, and we'll get back to you by the end of the next day! You can also send any questions you have to applications@campaugusta.org.

Feeling ready to apply?

1. Take 5 minutes to fill out our interest form. 

2. Someone from our hiring team will reach out to you within 24 hours.

3. Schedule an Intro Chat with us, and complete a full application!

Craft up an Interest Form and start imagining your own Artistic Adventures!