Summer Camp Counselor

Company Description

The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka. Our properties cover nearly five square miles and include 26 parks, five beaches, a boat launch, two golf courses, a tennis center, an ice arena, platform tennis courts, and athletic fields. We provide a full range of year-round recreation programs, including athletics, fitness programs, education programs, camps, and special events.

Job Description

Pay: $16-$18/hour, this is a non-exempt seasonal position

Qualifications: Prefer at least 16 years of age. Will consider 15 year old applicants that have completed the Winnetka Park District's Counselor-In-Training program, and have the ability to obtain a work permit issued by their school upon hire. Candidates should be dependable, responsible, energetic, and have the ability to supervise a group of children in a safe, and age-appropriate manner. The ability to communicate with parents, campers, and the community while maintaining effective relationships with co-workers is also necessary. Past babysitting or childcare experience is desirable.

Position Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Camp Director and Recreation Manager, the Camp Counselor will be responsible for supervising, leading, and planning age-appropriate activities while maintaining a safe and fun environment for a group of campers (children range from three years old to 9th grader depending on the campsite). Activities may include but are not limited to sports and games, beach visits, arts and crafts, field trips, and other activities specific to the theme of the summer camp program. Duties also include:

• Arrive at camp energized and prepared to initiate daily activities; camp counselors are active participants in the activities that take place at camp.
• Responsible for signing campers in at the start of the camp day, and signing campers out at the end of the camp day.
• Assist in the set-up and break-down of camp each day.
• Each counselor will be responsible for the supervision of a group of assigned campers.
• Follow the direction of the Camp Director and Recreation Manager.
• Treat parents, campers, and co-workers with enthusiasm and respect every day.
• Ensure the safety of all participants in indoor, outdoor, and lakefront environments; administer basic first aid if necessary.
• Clean and keep order to the campsite in general.
• Complete all tasks in compliance with Park District policies, safety rules, and the employee manual.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Hours and Training: 2025 camps generally run for eight (8) weeks beginning June 23 through August 8. Camps are a mix of full-day and half-day. Training takes place the weeks before camp begins, training session times and days TBD. Counselors must be able to attend all mandatory staff training days and it is preferred that they commit to the entire duration of camp, including the Fourth of July. Please apply even if you cannot commit to the entire length of camp as some camp positions do not work a full day and some programs conclude in early or late July. Any availability conflicts with attending pre-camp training or working the full camp schedule must be discussed ahead of time with the Recreation Manager during the application and interview process.

To Apply: Apply online by completing employment application. Please provide at least one reference letter when applying. Suggestions of possible references may be a coach, teacher, neighbor, or any other person that you think knows you well enough to serve as an employment reference. Please apply early as interviewing will begin promptly.

Contact: Applicant questions may be directed to Toby Ross, Recreation Manager at TRoss@winpark.org.

Click here to view the full job description: Camp Counselor

Benefits

Use of Park District Facilities and Programs: some use is free or offered at a discount.

EEO Statement

Winnetka Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Winnetka Park District is governed based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.