2026 Summer Camp Counselor

The Wilmette Park District offers Summer Short-term staff the following benefits: Individual Seasonal Beach and Pool Pass, One (1) parking decal for Gillson Beach (over 16 years of age only), Individual Center Fitness Club Membership for June – August the current year of employment. 

Job Summary: The Camp Counselor role is responsible for overseeing an assigned group of children each day to create projects, lead games, and supervise campers in scheduled weekly activities. Weekly activities may include, but are not limited to, sports and games, free swim, beach visits, other outside activities, and chaperoning field trips. Based on the needs, supervisory staff will assign camp placement based on counselor preference, availability, and the needs of the Park District. Additional questions within the application process will be used to assist with the camp placement process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain good communication with parents, children, and Park District staff

• Prepare incident reports when needed

• Responsible for the care and upkeep of all camp equipment

• Supervise campers at the camp site, create and implement weekly lesson plans, attend field trips or outings, and prepare materials for distribution

• Attend all camp orientation sessions and work the full nine weeks of the camp session

• Responsible for the safe arrival and dismissal of campers

• Adhere to a complete curriculum set by the camp director

• Follow through with all other duties as assigned by the Camp Supervisor

• Maintain close supervision of children when assisting in programs

• Actively contribute to the Park District's sustainability goals

Safety Responsibilities:

• Actively support the safety program that will effectively control and reduce accidents

• Obey all Park District and departmental safety rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District safety program that are pertinent to the activities conducted at the facility and property

• Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices, or conditions to the immediate supervisor

• Attend and participate in required safety training

• Review all accident and incident reports that occur under the area of responsibility and send to Human Resources/Risk Management division

• Responsible for administering minor first aid if needed

• Monitor the learn/play environment for safety hazards

• Maintain the safety of campers at all times, including pool, bus, and field trips

Required Skills/Abilities (Technology, Mathematical, Language):

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Excellent verbal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with parents/guardians and other Park District staff

• Possess sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with a variety of personality types

• Ability to work independently and as a team member

• Skilled in problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling emergencies

• Organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and independence

Education and/or Experience:

• At least 16 years of age or older

• A minimum of one year of related experience

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Ability to work in all weather conditions

• Must be comfortable getting into a large body of water if applicable

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at any given time

• Tolerate a moderate to high noise level at times

• Frequently required to stand, walk and sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and push/pull and carry objects

Salary : $16