Camp O Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Make a difference this summer while gaining meaningful, hands-on experience working with children.

The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School is seeking enthusiastic, compassionate, and dependable individuals to join our team as Camp Counselors for Camp O . Camp Counselors play a vital role in creating a fun, supportive, and structured summer experience for campers while helping them grow socially, emotionally, and creatively.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in education, psychology, social work, counseling, or youth development to build real-world skills at a nationally recognized institution.

SCHEDULE

• Camp Dates: Monday through Friday, August 3-14, 2026
• Camp Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Staff Training: Full week, July 27-31, 2026

COMPENSATION

• $20 per hour

WHY JOIN CAMP O
As a Camp Counselor , you will be part of a collaborative and mission-driven team dedicated to creating a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment for children ages 6-14. You will receive training and ongoing support while developing valuable skills in communication, behavior support, teamwork, and leadership.

ABOUT THE SONIA SHANKMAN ORTHOGENIC SCHOOL
The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School) is a private, independent school located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, just blocks from the University of Chicago. For more than a century, O-School has provided a culture of care, a safe haven, and a path to hope for students with mental health challenges, students on the autism spectrum, or both.

Serving students ages 8-22, the O-School delivers individualized educational and therapeutic services in a supportive school environment designed to help every student reach their full potential.

EDUCATION AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma required
• Preference may be given to applicants with college or graduate-level coursework in mental health, early childhood or elementary education, psychology, social work, or a related field
• Experience working with children, especially children on the autism spectrum or with social or emotional challenges, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated kindness, patience, and a positive attitude
• Genuine interest in supporting and teaching young people
• Ability to pass a background screening and provide proof of required immunizations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a positive role model by actively participating in and leading camp activities
• Build professional, collaborative relationships with Camp Leadership and fellow Camp Counselors
• Support campers in navigating social and emotional challenges using strategies learned during staff training
• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all campers
• Foster a positive group culture that emphasizes cooperation, inclusion, and group learning
• Reinforce Camp O behavioral expectations to ensure camper safety and success
• Assist with pre-camp setup, post-camp cleanup, and daily activity setup and cleanup
• Support daily activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, and structured group programming
• Collaborate with Co-Counselors to guide campers through daily schedules and transitions
• Facilitate healthy relationships and appropriate boundaries among campers
• Immediately notify Camp Leadership of any significant incidents, medical issues, or emergencies
• Attend required staff meetings before and after the camp day
• Complete required documentation related to Camp O outcomes projects
• Meet with Camp Leadership as needed to discuss procedures, expectations, and work-related concerns

HOW TO APPLY
If you are kind, patient, energetic, and excited about creating a positive summer experience for children, we encourage you to apply.

Complete our mobile-friendly application at:

The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.