Summer Camp Instructor/Culinary and Cartoon (Part-Time)

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You'll find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

What does the Cheekwood Summer Camp Team do?

At Cheekwood, the Summer Camp Team is responsible for creating a safe and engaging environment for campers. Their duties typically include supervising children, ensuring their safety, throughout daily camp activities such as arts and crafts, nature exploration and daily carpool. Staff members also act as role models, providing guidance and support to campers, resolving conflicts, and fostering positive social interactions. The overall goal is to ensure that campers have a fun, educational, and memorable experience.

What will you be doing?

Our Summer Camp Instructors are responsible for planning, teaching, and guiding campers between the ages of 5-14 that are enrolled in their camps through age-appropriate lessons and activities. Cheekwood camp offers a variety of camp topics for instructors to choose from to teach including painting, sculpture, drawing, nature, gardening, culinary arts, and more.

Beginner Culinary Arts (8-10) Camp Description

Food is not just something you eat but a journey of discovery and learning! In this introduction to culinary arts, campers will learn food and kitchen tool safety, reading and understanding recipes, and teamwork. Campers will also have the opportunity to explore a wide range of flavor palettes and culinary history. All recipes are plant focused, and snack sized in portion.

Beginner Culinary Arts camp instructors will guide campers aged 8 – 10 through activities that teach them about the value of teamwork, growing their own produce and how they can turn that produce into something spectacular. Instructors may also lead outdoor exploration and art activities throughout the day.

Cartoon Creations (8-10) Camp Description

Explore the ever growing and creative world of visual storytelling! Illustrated storybooks, comics, and Animation inspire many imaginations. Campers will learn how to bring stories to life by experimenting with different cartoon styles, thumbnail sketching, storyboarding, and writing. At the end of the week campers will have their own mini portfolio to take home.

Cartoon Creations instructors will lead campers aged 8 – 10 through a week of imaginative play and art making. Inspired by the grand stories found in picture books, comics, or movies and tv shows children will learn to draw and paint and make exciting projects that spark the imagination. Instructors may also incorporate outdoor exploration into their daily activities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Instruct summer camps utilizing age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games in assigned studio arts, nature and/or gardening or other camps.
• Provide a written curriculum for approval upon class assignment. Curriculum must clearly outline projects and material lists. Adapt when materials available differ from those requested. The curriculum must match the camp descriptions and guidelines provided.
• Responsible for set up and clean up after each session including changing/replacing paper, returning supplies to the designated areas, cleaning supplies (brushes, paint containers, etc.), and clearing tables and countertops.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes before class begins.
• Acts as the primary supervisor of campers during class hours.
• Provide instruction to counselors assisting in the classroom.
• Administers basic first aid when necessary.
• Create a positive environment that encourages active learning for campers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Activities and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of Cheekwood’s Education Department and the mission of the institution.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Training in studio arts, art education, culinary education, garden education or horticulture

Preferred Education

• Teaching Certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts, Horticulture, Science or related educational field

Required Skills

• Knowledge of basic teaching methods, as well as non-traditional techniques for early childhood development.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must work well without direct supervision.
• Must have excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Must enjoy and have a desire to work with children.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols.
• A responsible attitude and professionalism toward career are essential.

Preferred Skills

• Previous teaching experience or summer camp experience is desired.
• Experience conducting educational programming is also desired.
• Experience creating lesson plans.

Required Work Schedule and Hours

• Cheekwood Summer Camp runs from June 2 – July 25, 2025
• Must commit to a Monday through Friday schedule which may consist of either morning (9 am – 12 pm), afternoon (1-4 pm), or full-day (9 am – 4 pm) camp sessions.
• Instructors are scheduled based on their weekly availability and area of expertise. Not all areas of camp are offered every week.
• A half day mandatory orientation will be held the week before camp begins.

Part-time Benefits

• Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts on classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society.
• Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to many local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Statement

Cheekwood is committed to embracing, pursuing, and celebrating inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility among our board, staff, leadership, partners, vendors, volunteers, members, supporters, and visitors. We will be steadfast in our efforts to welcome people of all races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, political affiliations, ages, and abilities. We recognize we have much work to do and pledge to pursue new and previously underrepresented ideas, artists, advisors, partners, instructors, innovators, and audiences so that all voices can be heard, respected, and supported.

**Cheekwood employees have an opportunity to participate in an active and ongoing IDEA Committee promoting inclusivity and engagement.