Camp O Counselors 2025

Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School of Chicago, IL is looking for enthusiastic individuals to serve as Camp Counselors to lead, support, and motivate campers to enjoy the best that Camp O has to offer.

Camp dates are Monday-Friday, August 4th - 15th , from 8am - 4pm. A full week of mandatory staff training is held during the week of July 28th - August 1st.

You will model enthusiastic participation in camp activities while reinforcing consistent boundaries and expectations among campers (ages 6-14).

We offer a competitive wage of $20 per hour and an opportunity to obtain real-world experience working with enthusiastic campers at a world-renowned institution.

ABOUT THE SONIA SHANKMAN ORTHOGENIC SCHOOL

The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School) is a private independent school located in Woodlawn, just blocks away from the University of Chicago. For more than a century the O-School has provided a culture of support, a safe haven, and a path to hope for students with mental health challenges, those on the autism spectrum, or both. We provide extraordinary educational and therapeutic services to students aged 8-22 in a supportive school setting that provides each student with individualized treatment allowing them to reach their full potential.

Education & Skill Requirements

• High School Diploma: preference may be given to applicants with college or graduate school credits in mental health, early childhood/elementary education, or a related field.
• Experience working with children, particularly children on the autism spectrum or with other social or emotional challenges.
• Possess a kind, positive, and patient nature and have an interest in helping and teaching young people.
• Ability to pass a background screening and proof of immunizations.

Summary of Duties:

• Develop a professional and collaborative relationship with Camp Leadership and your Co-Counselors.

• Assist Camp Leadership in pre-camp set up, post-camp clean up, and activity set up/clean up throughout the camp day.

• Help campers (ages 6-14) navigate the social/emotional challenges of the camp day, by implementing techniques from staff training.

• Create a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to develop interests and skills.

• Create a group dynamic (within camp group) that emphasizes the importance of being a group learner.

• Immediately notify Camp Leadership of any significant incidents, medical issues, or other emergencies.

• Maintain safety by reinforcing Camp O behavioral expectations.

• With the support of Camp Leadership, support and staff daily camp activities, such as arts/crafts, sports, games, etc.

• Collaborate with Co-Counselors to guide campers through daily activities, as directed by Camp Leadership and informed by staff training.

• Work to facilitate healthy relationships and boundaries among campers.

• Attend staff meetings before and after the camp day with Camp Leadership. Complete documentation required for Camp O outcomes project.

• Meet with Camp Leadership, as needed, to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.

Ready to bring summer fun into the life of a young student?

If you possess a kind, positive, and patient nature and have an interest in helping and teaching young people, you may be right for this Camp Counselor position. Complete our mobile-friendly application at https://applicantpro.com/openings/orthogenicschooluchicago/jobs.

We look forward to meeting you!

Salary : $20