Arts and Crafts Instructor
Location: Calgary, AB
Position Type: Seasonal (7weeks, July 6, 2026 – August 28, 2026)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Compensation: $17 per hour
About Uplift Summer Camp:
Join our vibrant Uplift Summer Camp, hosted by Oasis of Grace Family and Multicultural Centre in Calgary, AB! We’re seeking a creative Arts and Crafts Instructor to inspire youth aged 9–15 through fun, hands-on workshops.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18–30, passionate about sparking imagination and personal growth.
Position Overview
The Art Instructor will lead dynamic, engaging visual arts sessions that help campers ages 10 to 15 discover and develop their creativity. This role involves designing and delivering hands-on projects that promote self-expression, confidence, cultural appreciation, and collaboration. Two Art Instructors will divide mediums between them to ensure comprehensive coverage. The instructor will also guide campers in building a personal art portfolio (physical binder for ages 10 to 12; curated digital art gallery for ages 13 to 15) over the 6-week camp program.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and lead daily art sessions for campers ages 10 to 15, divided between two instructors: Instructor #1 (Visual Arts) covers drawing and shading, acrylic and watercolour painting, mixed-media collages, printmaking (foam printing, stamps, resist techniques), cultural arts (mandalas, African patterns, Aboriginal-inspired dot art), and beginner digital art. Instructor #2 (Applied Arts) covers cartooning and character design, clay modeling and air-dry clay sculptures, tie-dye and fabric painting, recycled and eco-friendly crafts, and collaborative mural projects.
- Deliver structured, age-appropriate lessons that build fundamental and intermediate visual art skills, demonstrating techniques step by step while allowing campers room to experiment and express their individuality.
- Adapt lessons to different artistic abilities, learning styles, and group dynamics across two age groups (10 to 12 and 13 to 15).
- Guide campers in building a personal art portfolio over 6 weeks. Group A (ages 10 to 12) creates a physical portfolio binder with 6+ finished pieces and an artist statement. Group B (ages 13 to 15) creates a curated digital art gallery with 8+ works, artist statement, pricing for potential sale, and an online gallery page.
- Support Group B campers in product photography, digital shop listing mockups, and pricing their handmade goods (textile products, prints, sculptures) as part of the camp's digital business pathway.
- Organize end-of-week art showcases to display camper creations, culminating in a Grand Showcase and Exhibition in the final week with families and community guests invited.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging studio environment that promotes creativity, respect, teamwork, and perseverance.
- Manage art supplies and materials, ensuring safe and responsible use of tools and equipment. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe art space before, during, and after each session.
- Collaborate with other camp staff to align art projects with weekly camp themes and special events.
- Support daily camp operations including camper check-in and check-out, classroom setup and clean-up, and supervision during lunch, breaks, and outdoor activities.
- During pre-camp week (July 6 to 10): Participate in staff orientation and training, develop 6-week art curriculum, prepare lesson materials, set up art studio spaces, and organize supplies.
- During post-camp week (Aug 24 to 28): Complete camper progress reports, participate in program evaluation, assist with equipment inventory, and contribute ideas for Uplift Summer Camp 2027 planning.
Qualifications Required
- Strong foundation in visual arts with confidence teaching a variety of mediums.
- Experience working with children or youth ages 9 to 15 (camp, school, church, or community program settings).
- Ability to deliver clear demonstrations, structure lessons, and manage group activities.
- Skilled at maintaining structure and positive group dynamics in a classroom or studio setting.
- Clear, encouraging, and professional verbal communication skills.
- Ability to design inclusive projects that reflect cultural diversity and sensitivity.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain before camp begins.
- Clear Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
Preferred Qualifications
- Post-secondary education or coursework in visual arts, fine arts, art education, or a related field.
- Experience with beginner digital art tools (tablet-based drawing apps).
- Portfolio of personal artwork demonstrating skill across multiple mediums.
Skills You Will Develop
Adaptability, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Digital Skills, Problem Solving, Technical Skills
How to Apply
- Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to [email protected]. Include how you heard about the job posting in your application
Job Type: Seasonal
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
