Behavioral and Wellness Specialist for Overnight Camp
Looking for a summer job that makes a difference, join our 2024 camp staff today! Our overnight camp is a place where energetic and passionate staff come together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for campers ages 5-17. At Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana camps we have a wide variety of opportunities for you. Campers and staff alike spend the summer living outdoors, trying new activities, gaining independence, and building long-lasting relationships.

As camp’s Behavioral and Wellness Specialist you will be critical to the success of the summer. In your role you are responsible for overall health and safety of campers and staff during the camp season with a focus on mental health, behavior management, and self-care.

Work Commitment:

Our summer season runs from early June through early August, including staff training and excluding our fourth of July break. Our overnight camp staff work from 11 a.m. Sunday morning until 10 p.m. Friday evening every week.

Camp Staff Benefits:

The nitty-gritties: Paid summer camp position with 24 hours off each week and breaks every day. Includes room and board (yes that’s right you will live on camp and get all your food provided for free!), First Aid & CPR certifications, and a rocking camp staff shirt! 

The real perks & career benefits: At camp you will quickly discover that the more you put into the experience, the more rewarding it will be. Develop your outdoor skills and leadership to help build your resume away from the pressures of your typical everyday routine. You will be a valuable member of this camp community, where your voice will be heard and you will receive the support you need to have a fun and successful summer. 

Pay range: $1,020 a week; dependent on qualifications and experience. 

Behavioral and Wellness Specialist Qualifications:

• Loves to interact with children and has prior experience working with children of various ages
• Enjoys spending time outdoors and has prior experience working in an outdoor setting
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, candidates that are 23 are strongly preferred.
• Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid or a similar MESH training (CAN, LPN, RN, EMT, PA, or Licensed Paramedic with credentials to work in state where camp is located may also be considered). 
• 3 years of relevant experience in related field (Ideal candidate is in third or fourth year of, or has graduated with, a degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Nursing; and/or is a Licensed Clinical Social Work, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or RN). 
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications required at minimum; training for these is provided by GSGCNWI.
• Proof of health physical clearing the candidate for work in a camp setting
• Willingness to live and work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and daily exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions

Behavioral and Wellness Specialist Responsibilities:

• Help build a supportive environment where campers can grow, make new friends, and try new things. 

• Assist in developing behavior management guidelines and positive behavioral intervention strategies appropriate for our camp environment. 

• Support campers and staff with empathy, open communication, guidance, and encouragement while providing strategies and activities for behavior management as desired, including stress-relief, self-esteem growth, and de-escalation. 

• Provide support to campers and staff in individual and group settings to examine and assist with pertinent issues or behaviors, including anxiety, anger, depression, conflict, group morale, homesickness, peer pressure, relationships, self-care, self-image, stress, and more. 

• Role model problem-solving, collaboration, and initiative to campers and staff, especially as it pertains to mental/emotional health and self-care. 

• Be available to debrief campers and staff following the use of an emergency action plan or in other notable situations as advised. 

• Provide support and guidance to staff as they manage camper behavior while also staying informed and prepared to directly step in to help resolve when appropriate. 

• Maintain health records, health screenings, and health care on site for campers and staff. 

• Other duties as assigned

Apply today to join our summer camp team! (Your future self will thank you!)