Summer Camp Counselor, Chicago - Beverly

Company Description

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that empowers young innovators to change the world. Since 2002, we have served over 70 diverse communities and inspired hundreds of thousands of kids, establishing us as a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.

Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

• Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation (2023)
• Best Places to Work in the Bay Area (12+ times)
• Forbes’ Best Small Companies (2017)
• Top 100 Real Impact Company (2019)

As a Summer Camp Counselor (or Team Leader), you will be the core presence for each camper, guiding them through an impactful, safe, and engaging summer experience. You will stay with the same group all week, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional safety. This is a seasonal role; counselors work full‑time Monday‑Friday.

• 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 innovative, project‑based curriculum integrating science, technology, engineering and math.
• Support instructors by preparing materials and ensuring learning spaces are ready for each activity.
• 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, bringing energy 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 is committed to pay transparency and equity. New (first‑year) camp staff earn $17.25 per hour, determined by work location and tenure.

Returning (alumni) staff pay for this role ranges from $17.50 per hour (second‑year) to $18.25 per hour (fifth‑year). All compensation is awarded in hourly increments.

• 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. Find your location on our Camp Finder page for site‑specific dates.

• Experience supervising groups of 10+ children.
• At least 1 year (or a camp season) experience working in summer camp, school, childcare, tutoring, coaching kids, after‑school programs, or related fields.
• College coursework in Education or Child Development is a plus but not required.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks while working with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, but not…