Summer Camp Counselor

Summer Camp Counselor

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.

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 Unit Counselor is the primary caregiver and program facilitator for campers in an assigned living unit. This role supervises campers throughout the camp day, supports progressive Girl Scout experiences, and helps create a safe, welcoming environment where campers can build confidence, friendships, and independence. The Unit Counselor lives on-site during the camp season and reports to the Unit Leader.

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: $115 per day
• Included room and board for staff 18+ if living on-site
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Optional Archery, Lifeguard, and Aquatic Small Craft training available if interested
• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise campers throughout daily activities, meals, transitions, rest periods, and overnight routines.
• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate outdoor and Girl Scout programming using girl-led planning principles.
• Support camper health, safety, hygiene, hydration, nutrition, rest, and emotional well-being.
• Follow the camp health management plan, basic first aid procedures, and all safety requirements.
• Build positive relationships with campers and help create an inclusive environment where each camper can succeed.
• Complete assigned unit documentation and communicate camper needs or concerns promptly to the Unit Leader.
• Assist with care of camp equipment, unit housekeeping, sanitation, and maintaining a clean camp environment.
• Participate in staff training, camp opening and closing activities, and other camp responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children of various ages preferred.
• Comfort working and living in an outdoor camp environment with rustic facilities and changing weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, stay organized, and participate actively in camp programs.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, perform camp activities, and safely lift/carry up to 25 pounds.
• First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporter training required by the start of employment; training is provided by GSGCNWI.

Preferred:

• Experience in camps, education, outdoor recreation, environmental studies, or another youth-serving setting.
• Prior experience working or volunteering in an outdoor setting.

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.