Sew Crafty Camp Counselor

Description

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: Sew Crafty Camp Counselor helps lead a creative, hands-on summer camp focused on advanced arts and crafts. Under the camp director’s guidance, counselors support daily activities, supervise campers, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Responsibilities include helping with setup and cleanup, guiding campers through projects, assisting with drop-off and pick-up, and sharing camper updates with the leadership team. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with youth and have a passion for crafting and creativity. This is a half-day camp that requires weekly registration and runs for nine consecutive weeks, from June 9th to August 8th. Candidates must be available to work Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for the duration of the camp.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement a camp curriculum that includes a wide variety of advanced crafts aimed at preteens and teens of varying experience and abilities.

• Plan one weekly mini-project that gives back to the community (e.g., preemie hats, shelter pet blankets, etc)

• Organize camp groups by project and distribute materials and PPE as needed

• Responsible for the care and upkeep of the camp room, supplies, and equipment

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

• Actively contribute to the Park District's sustainability goals

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

Safety Responsibilities:

• Manage attendance records and ensure accountability for all campers at all times

• Submit purchase requests for any required Personal Protective Equipment

• Monitor campers for appropriate use of PPE and contact parents/send home campers who do not comply with PPE requirements

• Maintain extra close supervision and directly assist as needed all campers using blades, chemicals, high-heat equipment, or other tools or supplies requiring caution and/or PPE.

• Responsible for administering minor first aid if needed

• Trained in CPR and emergency first aid (certification provided)

• Complete accident and incident reports that occur under the area of responsibility and review promptly with the supervisor

• Monitor the camp environment for safety hazards

• Maintain the safety of campers at all times

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

• Attend and participate in required safety training

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

• 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

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

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

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

• A variety of crafting skills, including but not limited to sewing, electronic cutting, and heat transfer methods, are required

• Additional skills, including polymer and/or stoneware clay, glass/metal etching, craft jewelry creation (beading, wire wrap, metal stamping, etc.), fiber arts (knitting, crochet, felting, etc.), epoxy resin, sublimation, etc., preferred

• Highly skilled with and able to teach the use of Cricut Design Space via Android tablet

• Excellent proficiency with/ability to teach Cricut Maker electronic cutters and accessories

• Ability to use and teach with a variety of basic sewing machines

• Skill differentiating projects and activities for various ages and abilities

• Comfort leading multiple projects at once to maximize equipment usage

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

• Possesses 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

• Experience working with pre-teens and teens (grades 4-9) with a wide range of social-emotional development

• Experience in art or craft education, general or special education, camp management, or professional childcare preferred

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

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

• Camp takes place entirely indoors in a controlled environment

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at any given time (50 pounds if using stoneware clay)

• 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

• Must be comfortable working with common crafting chemicals and tools requiring caution, including but not limited to citrus paint stripper, epoxy resin, fabric dye, heat presses, etc

• Must work in PPE as projects require, including but not limited to masks or heatproof gloves (PPE provided)

Required Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

• CPR/AED Certification or obtain upon hire

Qualifications

Salary : $16