Lead Camp Counselor

• Position Title: Lead Camp Counselor
• Department: Parks & Recreation
• Closing Date: Position is open until filled.

Description:

The Lead Day Camp Counselor plays a key leadership role in delivering a safe, engaging, and enriching summer camp experience. Under the direction of the Day Camp Coordinator, the Lead Counselor oversees daily group operations, supports counselors, coordinates program activities, and ensures a positive environment where campers can learn, explore, and thrive. The program meets at the Villa Park Recreation Center.

Working Hours:

• Required training will begin the week of May 27
• 20-35 hours a week during the summer.
• Monday-Friday, June 1-August 7. (10 weeks). Hours vary weekly from 7:30 am-6:00 pm.

Examples of Duties:

• Under the direction and supervision of the Camp Coordinator; the lead camp counselor is responsible for helping with the day-to-day planning, organizing, and implementing all aspects of the program.
• Plan and administer diversified camp activities including nature lore, arts and crafts, games, sports, music, drama, and special events appropriate to the campers’ age group.
• Participate in staff training and planning sessions and other staff meetings.
• Able to be organized, yet flexible enough to meet the needs of the children, both mentally and physically.
• Demonstrate a mature and professional attitude through dependability, punctuality and genuine awareness.
• Conduct daily check-ins with the Camp Coordinator, sharing observations, concerns, and recommendations for program improvement.
• Report and correct unsafe program conditions.
• Administer medication and document all medical interactions in conjunction with the Camp Coordinator.
• Motivate campers and encourage positive peer relationships.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of activity areas, ensuring spaces are well-prepared and maintained.
• Provide team leadership, must be able to function effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Carry out additional supervisory duties and special assignments as directed by the Camp Coordinator or Program Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Camp Counselors should be outgoing, energetic, creative, organized, and have some experience working with children.
• Counselors must become certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively and support other members of the team.
• Ability to maintain strong working relationships with children, parents, employees, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively apply written and oral English language skills, additional Spanish language skills is advantageous but not required.
• Advanced organization skills, maintaining multiple projects and schedules.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing individually or in a group setting.
• Ability to work under stressful situations.
• Knowledge of various behavior patterns of children as well as basic concepts of development in children.
• Knowledge of methods of instruction, care, supervision, and practices of children in a camp setting.

Salary:

• $16.50/per hour

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Must possess:

• Mobility to conduct activities that involve substantial walking, standing, and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Ability to work with and above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work with arms extended shoulder height with a weight of up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, bend, and kneel on the floor without assistance.
• Ability to push and pull items such as playground and outdoor equipment.

Work is primarily performed in an outdoor setting with constant interruptions. Exposure to outdoor elements and inclement weather such as rain, sleet, excessive heat, and cold are expected. Moderate to high levels of noise consistent with an outdoor camp environment are expected.

To Apply:

Any questions related to the position can be directed to Ashley Jusk, Program Supervisor at [email protected]

The Village of Villa Park provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Villa Park Parks & Recreation Department is required by state statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23) to obtain criminal conviction information concerning applicants and shall perform a criminal background check for applicants for all positions. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of convictions. Conviction of offenses enumerated in subsection (c) of said statute shall automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration for working for the district. All other convictions shall not automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration, but rather, the conviction will be considered in relationship to the specific job.