Summer Camp Director

Company Description

The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka. Our properties cover nearly five square miles and include 26 parks, five beaches, a boat launch, two golf courses, a tennis center, an ice arena, platform tennis courts, and athletic fields. We provide a full range of year-round recreation programs, including athletics, fitness programs, education programs, camps, and special events.

Job Description

Pay: $18-30/hour, this is a non-exempt seasonal position

Qualifications: Prefer at least 21 years of age by the start of training for possible driving situations. Must have prior experience leading campers or groups of school-aged children. Experience working at camp, in a teaching environment, or being responsible for part-time/seasonal employees preferred. Candidates should be dependable, responsible, energetic, and have the ability to supervise a staff comprised of mostly young adults while executing and maintaining a safe, but enjoyable camp experience for campers each day. The ability to communicate with parents, children, and the community while actively maintaining effective relationships with co-workers is especially valuable. 

Position Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Recreation Manager and Camp Coordinator, the Camp Director will be responsible for supervising, leading, and planning age-appropriate activities while maintaining a safe and fun environment for camp counselors and campers (children range from three years old to 9th grader depending on the campsite). Activities may include but are not limited to sports and games, beach visits, arts and crafts, field trips, and other activities specific to the theme of summer camp program. Duties also include:

• Prior to the start of camp, Directors must plan and prepare a general schedule (outline) for camp including activities, games, crafts, special days, etc.; formulate camp groups; assign staff to positions; prepare/set-up the appropriate campsite; and meet periodically with the Recreation Manager to discuss the upcoming season.
• Oversee and lead the day-to-day operations of camp.
• Approve and be responsible for all staff time cards.
• Be responsible for the daily condition of assigned campsite and its cleanliness.
• Complete/approve/submit any and all accident/incident reports to the Recreation Manager.
• Evaluate staff assigned to your campsite.
• Assist in the set-up and breakdown of camp each and every day.
• Arrive at camp energized and ready to initiate daily activities (such as crafts, games, special events, etc.); you are an active participant and the leader of camp.
• Follow the direction of the Recreation Manager.
• Treat parents, campers, and co-workers with enthusiasm and respect every day.
• Ensure the safety of all participants in indoor, outdoor, and lakefront environments; administer first aid if necessary.
• Complete all tasks in compliance with Park District policies, safety rules, and the employee manual.

Work Hours and Training: Camps generally run for eight (8) weeks from mid-June through mid-August. Training and camp dates will be shared closer to the start of the summer season.

Camps are a mix of full-day and half-day. Directors must be able to attend all mandatory staff training days and commit to the entire duration of camp, including the Fourth of July. Please apply even if you cannot commit to the entire length of camp as some camp positions do not work a full day and some programs conclude in early or late July. Any availability conflicts with attending pre-camp training or working the full camp schedule must be discussed ahead of time with the Recreation Manager during the application and interview process.

To Apply: Apply online by completing employment application. Please provide at least one reference letter when applying. Suggestions of possible references may be a current or former employer, coach, teacher, or any other person that you think knows you well enough to serve as an employment reference. Please apply early as interviewing will begin promptly.

Contact: Application questions may be directed to Toby Ross, Recreation Manager at tross@winpark.org

To view the full job description, click here: Camp Director

Benefits

Use of some Park District programs and facilities, including:

• Free skating and complimentary skate rental, if needed, at Winnetka Ice Arena Public Skate.
• 50% off the resident daily admission rate for swimming beaches and the boat launch.
• And more

EEO Statement

Winnetka Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Winnetka Park District is governed based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.

The District complies with federal and State disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Director at edostert@winpark.org, or by phone 847-501-2040.