Joy Squad Intern

WHO WE ARE | The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a community-based art center transforming lives through innovative education, bold entertainment, and unexpected engagement.  We are a community asset, a collaborative partner, and are deeply committed to building a stronger, more vibrant regional arts & cultural landscape. 

WHAT WE DO |The SCA Education Team provides time and space for creativity for all ages! We believe that students benefit from our project-based, hands-on programs. We facilitate experimentation, play, and working alongside professional artists/creatives. We celebrate process over product so we aren’t afraid to make a mess, try something new, and glean new perspectives. 

The educational structure of the SCA is twofold: we aim to provide students with the utmost valuable creative touchpoints by hiring exceptional instructors, while simultaneously giving our instructors life-changing professional experiences as members of the “Joy Squad” (this is the term we use affectionately in reference to our summer team of instructors, assistant instructors, and interns). 

The edu(creators) that form the Joy Squad come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience: some may be biology majors, spanish teachers, art students, or year-round art educators.  We believe that these varied perspectives enrich the ways we teach students to approach creativity with curiosity and excitement.  Members of the Joy Squad will gain life-long professional experience when they teach with the SCA as they grow in their own leadership skills and teaching styles by leading youth through new discoveries, fresh observations, artistic growth, and personal successes.

This summer, the SCA is offering a variety of camps: 4-day camps, 2-day camps, and our Mini Makers series. We offer programs for ages 3 to 12. Many of our camps offer opportunities to travel off-site to locations in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Holland. Camps typically run in the mornings through early afternoons. 

THIS POSITION | JOY SQUAD: STUDIO INTERN

The SCA Education Team is seeking a Studio Intern to join the Joy Squad in facilitating Summer Camps and Outreach Programs. The Studio Intern will work closely with the Arts Outreach Educator, Guest Artists, and the summer instructional team to promote accessible, creative, healthy learning.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Assist instructors with lesson implementation as camp is occurring
• Be familiar with all lesson plans in advance of each camp
• Oversee the preparation of materials and set up for each camp
• Arrive 1 hour prior to each camp to assist with appropriate set up
• Ensure that the studio is tidy, organized, and ready for all onsite programming 
• Maintain the organization and inventory of supplies in the studio space
• Complete a checklist after each camp to ensure the readiness of the space for the next session
• Prepare and Clean up camp snacks
• When off-site, facilitate site preparation including preparing and organizing supplies, setting up, and cleaning up classroom/learning space 

WHAT SKILLS YOU’LL NEED TO SHINE IN THIS POSITION

• Take direction well
• Work unsupervised and take initiative
• Work both independently and collaboratively
• Organize and handle multiple tasks at once
• Show exemplary interpersonal skills 
• Have a high school diploma or educational equivalent
• Have experience (12 months or more) working with children 
• Demonstrate familiarity with art supplies and arts curriculum
• Exhibit a high level of organizational and administrative skills

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

• Valuable classroom teaching experience with a range of ages and skill levels 
• Experience overseeing day-to-day well-being and function of an art studio
• Solid communications and nonprofit administration experience 
• The opportunity to interact with other professionals in the business, community, academic and nonprofit sectors 
• A great professional recommendation for your valuable work 
• Knowledge that you are making a difference in your community and the lives of children!

POSITION IS SUPERVISED BY |  Arts Outreach Educator

COMMITMENT | 12-25 hours a week (dependent on programs scheduled) Late May - Mid August

COMPENSATION*| $12-15 hourly dependent on experience

*Education credit from a University or College is also available. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for college credit at their school. We are happy to assist by completing requested evaluations, reports, or other documentation. 

TO APPLY |  Please submit a resume, cover letter and (4) examples of your personal artwork or (1) lesson you have written. All pieces are mandatory to be considered for an interview.