Trip Leader

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 Leader leads and supervises off-site camper programs such as backpacking, canoe/kayak trips, or road cycling. This role teaches trip and outdoor skills, manages logistics and equipment, supervises Unit Counselors, and serves as a first-line resource for camper and staff problem-solving.

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: $135 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:

• Develop and lead age-appropriate off-site and adventure-based programs.

• Teach campers and staff trip skills including health and safety, outdoor cooking, camping, travel methods, equipment care, and emergency procedures.

• Prepare groups for safe travel and ensure established safety and educational procedures are followed.

• Coordinate trip logistics, including food pack-outs, first-aid supplies, camper medications, vendors, transportation, and vehicle checks as assigned.

• Maintain trip equipment, inventories, supply requests, and safe storage; report safety or maintenance concerns.

• Supervise and mentor Unit Counselors and support camper behavior, wellbeing, and group management.

• Assume Unit Leader responsibilities when off-site travel is limited or not scheduled.

• Maintain communication with camp leadership during trips and respond appropriately to illness, injury, weather, or other changing conditions.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

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

• Experience and ability to instruct campers and staff in backpacking, primitive camping, canoe/kayak tripping, or a comparable specialty.

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

• Strong organization, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work outdoors, navigate uneven terrain, participate in strenuous outdoor activities, and safely lift/carry up to 25 pounds.

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

Preferred

• Valid driver’s license.

• Wilderness First Aid certification; required for Trip Leaders assigned to Camp Juniper Knoll.

• Previous experience leading wilderness or backcountry trips.

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.