2024 Camp Counselor

Are you looking for a Fun Summer Job where you can create extraordinary experiences and memories to last a lifetime for Summer Campers? The Park District of Highland Park is looking for you to work as a Camp Counselor! 

In this position, you will assist a Camp Director at your assigned camp program with supervision of a group of campers, ensuring their safety and fulfilling the goals of the camp. You will be responsible for guiding campers through daily recreational activities like art projects, sports play and games, free swimming, visiting the beach, and chaperoning field trips. You will take attendance/headcount of campers’ multiple times a day, maintain the cleanliness of camp areas, assist with setup and takedown of activities and keeping track of supplies. You may distribute medication when directed to specific camp participants, as approved, and may provide guidance and work alongside a Counselor-In-Training. You are expected to act positively and professionally when working with coworkers, campers, and parents. The camp location will be at a Park District or School site in Highland Park. 

Start application in the “apply now” section to the right.

You will be given the option to specify your camp preferences in the application.

Camp Title

Description

After Camp at West Ridge

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Before Camp at West Ridge

Make friends with campers of a wide variety of ages and interests while enjoying indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting).  After Camp Counselors will be bused to West Ridge Center from their main camp and must plan to stay until 5:30pm. Before Camp Counselors must arrive by 7:15am and will be bused from West Ridge Center to their main camp.

Camp Sunshine

The perfect first camp opportunity for your little one! Campers follow a schedule of activities throughout their busy day including weekly swim lessons, indoor/outdoor art projects, songs, games, show and tell. Ages 4-5

CIT-Counselors in Training

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a great opportunity for pre-teens to gain confidence, independence, and leadership skills. Ages 11-14

Crew Camp

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SPOT (Summer Play at Oak Terrace) Camp

No need to choose one favorite activity; this traditional camp experience offers a little bit of everything. Ages 6-14

Dance Camp

This camp is designed for participants who love to dance and are looking to make dance friends, while learning different dance styles. Ages 6-10

Girls Play Strong Camp

Camp is filled with activities and field trips designed to create the perfect mix of a traditional camp experience with a focus on sports to help young females embrace their inner strength. Ages 8-12

High Tide Low Tide

Make new friends, explore new places, and play on the beach every day (weather permitting).

Into the Wild Lakeshore

Find your adventure out in the wild! Join us on the shores of Lake Michigan, in the woods of Heller Nature Center and off on several outdoor adventures during the summer.

Overnight Adventures Junior (5-6 grade) & Seniors (6 – 7th grade)

Overnight Adventures is just like it sounds, staff and campers enjoy weekly campouts ranging from 1-2 nights while also exploring and trying new outdoor experiences.  Junior Camp is 4 weeks, Senior Camp is 8 weeks. Pay rate is higher for overnight camp.

Spanish Immersion Camp

Learn and practice your Spanish while you search for wildlife, design art, create stories, practice archery, swim, and play games. Campers will be able to expand their Spanish vocabulary, experience culture through arts and play, and try new excursions.

Take the Stage Theater Camp

No experience is necessary for Take the Stage Theater Camp, but a love for theater is encouraged. At the end of each session, campers will perform a children's length musical for friends and family.  Ages 6-10

Tennis Camp

Instruct tennis lessons and supervisor camp participants throughout a full day of camp. Effectively communicate and demonstrate proper techniques to junior players and follow group lessons. Monitor and maintain safety during all camp field trips.

Visual Arts Camp

Experience a totally immersive artistic journey. This camp will allow young artists the ability to enhance and learn new skills and let their ideas roam freely. Ages 6-12

Minimum 16 years of age; no previous experience required. Knowledge in camp program area is strongly preferred. Comfortable with being in the water with camp participants.

What if you are not 16 years of age just yet? No worries, you can be a Junior Counselor at age 15! Starting at $14.50/hour.

Classification: Seasonal-Camps

Benefits: Individual Basic Membership to Fitness club & Recreation Center*+; Individual Seasonal Membership to Hidden Creek AquaPark*; Two (2) free rounds of Golf with cart included, Mon-Thu after 4 pm at Sunset Valley Golf Club*+; Refer a friend and receive a $100.00 bonus**.                                

*  Valid for use Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Holidays not included.

+ Valid for use during non-prime hours 

** To get bonus, friend must be hired, and you both must remain in your job at least 60 days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The Park District of Highland Park is an equal opportunity employer.