Seasonal Science Lead Counselor - Chicago - (Lincoln Park, IL)

As a Science Lead Counselor at Science Factory Camp , you will guide campers ages 6–12 through hands‑on, curiosity‑driven experiments that spark wonder and those “whoa, that’s cool!” moments. You will use prepared activity plans, then bring them to life with energy, questions, storytelling, and strong group management that keeps kids engaged and included. You don’t need a formal science background, but a middle‑school level understanding (or above) helps. What matters most is passion, confidence leading groups, and a genuine excitement for discovery.

This in-person summer day camp counselor role is for people who enjoy being active and working with kids. You are not just supervising activities, you are sparking curiosity, building confidence, and creating a fun, inclusive environment. This role is a great fit for patient, energetic leaders who stay calm, connect with kids, and support positive group dynamics.

This camp will move in June 5th-June 7th, with the camp in session June 8th-August7th, and moving out August 8th.

Responsibilities:

• Lead engaging, developmentally appropriate activities within your specialty area, creating a positive and inclusive experience for all campers

• Supervise and guide groups of campers, and support other counselors as needed, using strong group management and positive guidance techniques

• Build meaningful connections with campers, adapt quickly to changing group dynamics, and support both returning and drop‑in campers

• Maintain camper safety, wellness, and engagement, including awareness of allergies, dietary needs, and individual camper needs

• Communicate with families and the camp team by sharing updates, documenting incidents or achievements, and supporting smooth daily operations

Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• 6+ months of experience working with camp-age children required (1 year preferred), ideally in a summer camp setting

• 6+ months of experience or demonstrated interest in leading hands-on activities related to the specialty area

• First Aid and CPR certification required prior to the first day of camp; certification will be provided for those working in New York

About Science Factory Camp

Science Factory Camp is part of the Bright Horizons family, sharing a commitment to creating meaningful, confidence building experiences for children. Campers ages 6–12 explore science, art, and movement through hands on projects that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and imagination. Each week features a new theme such as space, animals, or the ocean, with activities that blend science concepts and creative thinking. With intentionally low screen time, campers learn through trial and error, embrace the mess, and build confidence as they create, explore, and discover.

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training.

If hired, you will work in person in a day camp setting to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee. This will include the following physical demands:

• Frequently lift, carry, or hold items weighing up to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds

• Supervise and interact daily with children both indoors and outdoors (for extended periods in varied weather conditions).

• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities

• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies

• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

• Ability, with or without accommodation, to hear, understand, and respond to spoken communication, emergency signals, and alarms

• Ability to communicate clearly with managers, coworkers, children, and families

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

This position requires in-person work in the Chicago (Lincoln Park, IL) area.

Compensation:
The hourly position for this position is between $17.75– $19.75 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Spring Health Employee Assistance Program

• Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

• Learn more at

Also, depending on hire date and subject to applicable eligibility requirements and accrual schedules, new employees in this role are eligible for 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.

Deadline to Apply:
Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference . Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.