Camp Counselors Filmmaking and Camp Counselors Animation
Job Title: Camp Counselor Filmmaking and Camp Counselor Animation, 2025 Summer Camps
Report To: Director of Education
About Us:
The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) gathers audiences, students, and filmmakers to experience the joy of film, and to learn about the craft, ourselves, and each other. As a nonprofit cultural and educational institution located in Pleasantville, NY, the JBFC is dedicated to presenting the best of independent narrative, documentary, and world cinema, promoting visual literacy, and making film a vibrant part of the community. Learn more about the organization at burnsfilmcenter.org
Position Objectives:
The Jacob Burns Film Center is seeking Camp Counselors to be part of the team of educators at its Media Arts Lab Summer Camps. The Camp Counselor is a role that supports the Camp Instructor and works closely with campers grades 4-12 on a daily basis, leading them through collaborative film and stop-motion animation projects. These creative projects will be 1–5 minutes long with a strong emphasis on storytelling, peer feedback, and collaboration.
Days are structured with two short 10-minute breaks and a 1-hour camper lunch break that counselors are responsible for monitoring. Counselors will also help lead small groups in brainstorming, filming (onsite and offsite), animating, and editing their short projects, while simultaneously fostering a fun, collaborative, and empathetic environment. There will be some additional training hours required prior to the start of Camp.
For more information about each camp section, please click on Filmmaking Camp and Animation Camp.
Responsibilities:
- Guide and lead creative media-making projects (storyboarding, filming/animating, editing) under the supervision of the Camp Instructor.
- Coordinate class equipment, space, and material needs.
- Support campers’ creative use of equipment and software.
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment for campers.
- Monitor campers during lunches and break times, as necessary.
- Set up and break down classroom studios.
- Administer attendance and student sign-outs.
- Communicate daily with Camp Instructors and the Camp Coordinator regarding individual student needs, weekly plans, and the maintenance of a safe, fun, and educational camp environment.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Experience working with children or young adults.
- Experience in filmmaking or animation production.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
Applicants Should Demonstrate the Following:
- Leadership and initiative in guiding students to create group success.
- Interest in film and/or arts education.
- Flexibility to work as a member of a creative team.
- Comfort working with different learning styles and personalities.
- Ability to multitask and problem-solve.
- An outgoing and energetic personality.
Ideal Applicants Would Have:
- Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Basic technical knowledge of cameras and computers.
- Experience working in a day camp structure.
- Love of teaching and film.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm, 30-minute unpaid lunch break, 32.5 hours/week
Orientation: Orientation will take place at the JBFC Media Arts Lab and over Zoom, is required, and will include training in:
- Equipment, software, and educational goals
- General Camp Information and Structure
- First Aid/CPR
First Aid/CPR Training is mandatory for all camp staff and will be held in the months leading up to camp. Please note that there will be an on-line portion of the course that needs to be completed before this date.
Staff will be compensated for this training time.