2026 Summer Camp Director

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 2025  

Job Summary: The Camp Director is responsible for the overall success of their camp programs. The Camp Director is also responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all campers and staff during the summer camp season, while ensuring that all programs and services are delivered according to the Wilmette Park District personnel policy. This includes all aspects of supervision, administration, management of facilities and activities, included but not limited to, sports and games, arts and crafts, free swim, beach, other outside activities and chaperoning field trips. Candidate must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED by the start date. Two years of experience preferred.

Recreation Programs Division summer camps include full-day childcare, general interest day camp, and specialty (art, theatre, dance, sports) day camps. Based on the needs, supervisory staff will assign camp placement based on director preference and availability. Additional questions during the application process will be used to assist with camp placement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Plan and oversee daily operations of the camp

• Oversee approximately 15-20 part time counselors

• Work closely with NSSRA companions

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main contact to camp staff, parents, Recreation Supervisor and Park District staff

• Plan and implement camp curriculum including a variety of recreational activities

• Organize camp groups and distribute materials at the start of each session

• Monitor the learn/play environment for safety hazards

• Supervise, schedule, evaluate and hold weekly meetings/trainings with camp staff

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

• Become familiar with safety procedures, including, but not limited to, fire, severe weather and evacuation procedures

• Responsible for the care and upkeep of all camp equipment 

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

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

• 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 area of responsibility with supervisor

• Responsible for administering minor first aid if needed

• Monitor the learn/play environment for safety hazards

• Maintain 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 18 years of age or older

• Two (2) years experience with children or in a camp setting preferred

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Ability to work in all climate weather

• 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

Required Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

• CPR/AED Certification or obtain upon hire

Salary : $19 - $21