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 5-12 on a daily basis, leading them through collaborative film and stop-motion animation projects. These creative projects will be 1–3 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 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 our summer camps, please explore our Filmmaking Camp and Animation Camp pages.

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 and 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

Terms:

Camp Sessions (six weeks in total):
July 7–18, 2025
July 21–August 1, 2025
August 4–15, 2025

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm, 30-minute unpaid lunch break, 32.5 hours a week

Compensation: $16.50–$18.50/hour

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 will be held in the months leading up to camp. Please note that there will be an online portion of the course that needs to be completed before this date.

Staff will be compensated for this training time.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org with “Camp Counselor 25” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline:

Applications are due by Sunday, April 6, 2025.  Candidates who are being considered will be contacted and requested to have a follow-up interview. Notification and schedule confirmation by early May.

Unsure if you should apply? Research indicates that some candidates are less likely to apply if they do not meet 100 percent of the listed qualifications. If this is you, and you believe you would excel in this position, we strongly encourage you to submit your application. We are actively recruiting candidates with diverse work experiences, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, and abilities. We believe all work experience has value, and are fully considering all applicants with a strong desire to help us fulfill our mission, including candidates who are making career-focus shifts or returning from employment gaps. Please use your cover letter as an opportunity to express your interest in JBFC’s mission and programs, and how you envision yourself contributing as a member of our team.

Our organization participates in the E-Verify Program.

The Jacob Burns Film Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring and employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, sex, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic predisposition and/or carrier status, disability, age, religion, marital status, national origin or citizenship status, veteran status, or any other classification as protected by law. We hire and promote individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions to be filled. Please inform the JBFC if you need any assistance with the instructions provided to participate in our application process. Questions and concerns may be directed to jobs@burnsfilmcenter.org

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.