Summer Camp Counselor, Chicago - Wicker Park

Overview

Summer Camp Counselor, Chicago - Wicker Park. Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that empowers young innovators. With over 70 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and have been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work for and in other industry lists.

This is a seasonal, full-time role (Monday–Friday).

• Lead and supervise campers: supervise groups of 15+ campers weekly, creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experience.
• Foster group connection through team activities, games, and daily interactions.
• Ensure a positive, supportive environment, manage camper behavior through restorative practices, and provide individual support based on campers  diverse needs.
• Collaborate with instructors to deliver Galileo’s project-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Support instructors by preparing materials and ensuring learning spaces are ready for activities.
• Support and participate in extended care programming before and after standard camp hours.

• Collaborate with teammates to plan, set up, and run daily activities.
• Lead campers during ceremonies, activities, snack, and lunch, ensuring safety and a positive camp spirit.
• Lead and participate in camp songs, chants, and skits, contributing to opening and closing ceremonies.
• Work as part of a team to make camp experiences joyful and memorable.

• Greet campers and families with enthusiasm, ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Follow check-in/check-out procedures for efficient attendance and safety.
• Communicate with families about campers’ experiences as needed, ensuring a positive start and end to each day.

• Complete paid online training on innovation education, Galileo policies, and best practices before camp starts.
• Attend two in-person setup and training days to prepare your camp and meet your team.
• Develop professionally through feedback, supplemental training, and hands-on learning guided by camp leaders.

Galileo anticipates the following pay ranges for this position. Exact pay is determined based on factors including work location and tenure:

• New (first-year) staff: $17.66 per hour
• Returning (alumni) staff: $17.91 per hour (second year) to $18.66 per hour (fifth year)

• One free week of camp for your own child
• 15% Friends and Family Discount
• Priority scholarship nominations
• Membership in the Galileo Alumni Community of over 20,000 inspiring changemakers

• All camps operate Monday–Friday. Shifts vary by position and location and can start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m.
• Staff must complete online training and attend two pre-camp set-up days before camp opens. Set-up days may be scheduled on weekends.
• Camp set-up dates, start dates, and duration vary by location. Check your location on the Camp Finder page for site-specific dates.
• Experience supervising groups of 10+ children and at least 1 year (or a camp season) in related fields is preferred; college coursework in Education or Child Development is a plus but not required.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks with urgency and enthusiasm; bilingual ability is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to access web-based tools on a personal smart device and complete pre-camp tasks including background checks, state-mandated certifications, and onboarding paperwork prior to start.
• Availability to work 8-hour shifts daily, Monday–Friday, for the duration of camp. Priority is given to those who can commit to the full duration (4–8 continuous weeks, depending on location).
• Must be at least 18 years of age by May 1, 2026.

At Galileo Camps, we value diverse experiences and strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply. This job description summarizes typical functions and does not exhaustively list all responsibilities. We comply with the ADA and provide accommodations; to request an accommodation, contact our Human Resources team.…