Summer Camp Counselor (Part-Time)

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 counselors are creative, energetic, and positive individuals who assist in providing instruction and supervision to children ages 5-14 at Cheekwood’s summer day camp program. Counselors ensure that campers are always safe, having fun, and engaging in camp activities such as painting, gardening or exploring the gardens and museum.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Encourage and help foster a positive learning environment in the classroom.
• Assist in classroom management with campers.
• Assist campers in daily activities.
• Assisting instructors with preparation and execution of projects and art activities.
• Assisting with camp check-in, including assisting with daily carpool line.
• Preparing supplies and materials for classes.
• Responsible for cleaning up after camp session including changing/replacing paper on tables, returning supplies to the designated areas, cleaning supplies (brushes, paint containers, etc.).
• Providing excellent customer service for parents & children enrolled in classes.
• Assist in running extended care programs with Assistant Camp Coordinators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Activities and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of Cheekwood's Education Department and the mission of the institution as a whole.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience supervising children.
• Public speaking
• Customer service
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must work well without direct supervision.
• Must enjoy and have a desire to work with children.
• Background or interest in studio arts, nature and/or gardening.

Required Work Schedule and Hours

• Cheekwood Summer Camp runs from June 2 – July 25, 2025.
• Applicants must be available Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 1 PM or 12 – 5 PM or both.
• Must commit to at least 4 weeks of camp, ideally available all 8 weeks of camp.
• 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.