Trip Director

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, (GSCNWI) is an organization that focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We pride ourselves on collaboration, communication, and teamwork. If you are looking for an organization with a mission that impacts the hearts and minds of girls in a meaningful way, then look no further. We’re committed to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community-based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their families in the 245 communities we cover. We are the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Position Overview:

Our Camp Juniper Knoll overnight camp is a place where energetic and passionate staff come together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for girls ages 5-17.

The Trip Director leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of off-site, backcountry, and adventure-based programs. This leadership role supervises Trip Leaders and assigned staff, manages trip logistics and safety, and supports progressive outdoor experiences for campers.

For more information about the seasonal camp schedule and what to expect when working at camp, please visit Summer Camp Employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay: $140 per day

• Included room and board for staff 18 if living on-site

• Lifeguard, Wilderness First Aid, and basic First Aid and CPR certifications

• Aquatic Small Craft training

• Optional Archery training available if interested

• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and oversee off-site, primitive camping, backcountry, and adventure-based programs.

• Supervise, coach, and support Trip Leaders and other assigned staff.

• Coordinate weekly trip schedules, logistics, transportation, supplies, equipment, and program needs.

• Ensure campers and staff are prepared with the skills and information necessary for safe off-site experiences.

• Support pre-camp training and ongoing staff development in outdoor and trip-related skills.

• Monitor program delivery and provide coaching, feedback, and problem-solving support.

• Maintain communication with the Camp Director, Health Supervisor, and other leaders regarding trip safety, illness, injury, or operational concerns.

• Oversee backcountry equipment, inventories, supply requests, maintenance, and safe storage.

• Support overall camp operations and opening/closing responsibilities as assigned.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

• 1-3 years of experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent.

• At least 2 years of primitive or backcountry camping experience.

• Experience facilitating or supervising youth in primitive, backcountry, or adventure-based activities.

• Experience supervising staff in primitive, backcountry, or adventure-based activities.

• Strong planning, communication, organization, and staff leadership skills.

• Ability to work outdoors, navigate uneven terrain, participate in strenuous outdoor activities, and safely lift/carry program equipment.

• First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporter training required by the first day of camp; additional program certifications may be required.

Preferred

• Age 23 with a valid driver’s license.

• Wilderness First Aid or higher-level wilderness medical certification.

• Experience with backpacking, canoe/kayak tripping, cycling, or other adventure programming.

Work Environment:
Candidates should be willing to 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 exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.