Program Assistant - Camps and Programs

Deadline to apply: December 9, 2025.

Average of 16 hours/week. This will consist of set office hours. Supervisors will work with your schedule to build a schedule. Must be available to work weekday hours; some nights and weekends will be required.

Program Assistants create, lead and organize nature camps, community recreation and outdoor education programs for all ages and assist full-time staff with program or event needs.

The Camps and Programs Assistant will be tasked with the following seasonal responsibilities:

• September – April: Craft-based, Community Recreation, Outdoor Education and Special Event programming
• Fall and Winter Day Camps - the focus will be assisting with camp planning and implementation
• May – August: the focus will be assisting with Nature Day Camp planning and implementation

Goals and Objectives

• Fulfill CWPD mission through camp and program offerings
• Assist in planning and facilitating community, outdoor, special event and/or recreation programs (September – April)
• Assist in the planning, facilitation and implementation of Nature Day Camps, Fall Camps and Winter Camps for children ages 3-12
• Create brand new programs that meet needs and desires of the community (September – April)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Create “fun, healthy and outstanding park experience that connects the community with the outdoors”
• Assist in planning and leading various park programs
• Assist in the success of our Nature Day Camps, Fall Camps and Winter Camps
• Project professionalism at programs to continue a positive public response toward the Park District
• Research industry trends and apply when appropriate
• Offer new program ideas, and improvements to existing programs
• Obtain/prepare all items necessary for each program
• Set-up and clean-up of program locations
• Represent CWPD in a professional manner with residents, customers, etc.
• Make recommendations and purchases of program equipment and supplies
• Follow CWPD brand guidelines

Key Technical Skills and Knowledge Required

• Proven experience working with children, especially ages 3 – 12 years old
• Knowledge of how to effectively manage and create a program
• Group and program leadership skills
• Communicate with staff, partners, and the public through verbal and electronic means
• Experience with arts and crafts, nature education, or recreation programming
• Prepare periodic reports, maintain files and records using standard office software
• Maintain First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen certifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• Be able to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions
• Pass a pre-employment drug test, physical examination and background check
• Possess either a High School or General Education Diploma

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years experience facilitating recreation or outdoor programming
• Undergraduate degree completed or in progress in a related field, such as education, outdoor recreation, arts, or similar fields

Salary : $16