Early Childhood Summer Camp Counselor

Summer Camp Counselor - Early Childhood Camps (Pee Wee Camp, Exploration Station)

About us: The Downers Grove Park District offers quality parks, facilities and programs for people of all ages to enjoy and explore. Home to 48 parks, a recreation center, history museum, nature center, golf course, community center and more, there's something for everyone at the Downers Grove Park District! Learn more at dgparks.org.

The Opportunity: Have fun all summer long with preschool-age camps! Early Childhood Camps include Exploration Station (turning 4 or 5 by Sept. 1) and Pee Wee Camp (turning 3 by Sept. 1). Camp takes place in our preschool classrooms as well as trips to play in the gym and outside on the playground! Help our youngest campers develop skills and have fun by playing parachute games, drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing water games, reading stories, exploring sensory bins, and making art projects!

Interviews: All interested applicants should plan to attend ONE of the open interview dates below. Applicants are welcome to drop in anytime on the following dates during the designated times. Applicants can expect an approximately 10-minute individual interview with the hiring supervisor(s).

Open interviews are scheduled:

• Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 4:00pm-6:30pm
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Open Interviews will be held at the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Pay:

This seasonal position pays $16.00/hr for newly hired staff and $16.50-$17.00/hr for returning staff.

Benefits:

• Free Fitness Membership at 4500 Fitness
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training

When you'll work:

• Exploration Station (ages 3-5): 9:15am-12:15pm, M-F OR Tu-W-Th
• Pee Wee Camp (ages 2.75-3): 9:15am-11:15am, Tu-W-Th
• Summer Camp is scheduled for 6/8-7/31, with training scheduled during the last week of May and the first week of June.
• No camp on 6/19 and 7/3.
• Interested in cross-training? Opportunities exist for Early Childhood Camp staff to also work in other Summer Camp Counselor positions! Early Childhood Camp Counselors may also work Before Care for Traditional Day Camps (~7:00am-8:45/9:00am) or pick up afternoon shifts or shifts on off days. Check out the Summer Camp Counselor job posting for more info.

Role Expectations:

• Greet guardians and campers as they arrive for drop-off and pick-up, ensuring sign-in and -out procedures are done properly
• Assist in monitoring and always maintaining the safety of all campers
• Communicate with guardians about daily activities and camper experience
• Understand, communicate, and assist in enforcing camp and Park District rules or policies
• Implement daily schedule and activities to keep campers excited, safe, and engaged
• Initiate spontaneous activities to accommodate agenda conflicts/changes
• Work collaboratively with camp staff and supervisors
• Assist in addressing camper behavior/disciplinary issues
• Maintain program supplies, equipment, and facility space
• Opportunities to assist in other areas of the park district including but not limited to special events, birthday parties, concessions, etc.

About you:

• 16 years of age or older
• Ideal candidates have previous experience working in a daycare or preschool setting, have participated in their high school's early childhood programs, or are studying early childhood development/education
• Team-orientated
• Responsible and reliable
• Able to multi-task
• Strong problem-solving, judgement, and communication skills
• Can confidently lead a group of children of varying ages

What sets us apart:

• Flexible hours
• Supportive and friendly coworkers
• Collaborative and connected management