Unit Leader - Camp Butternut Springs

Join to apply for the Unit Leader - Camp Butternut Springs role at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana

Looking for a summer job that makes a difference? Join the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 2026 camp staff today! Our Camp Butternut Springs overnight camp is a place where energetic and passionate staff come together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for campers ages 5-17.

As a Unit Leader, you will be critical to the success of the summer as part of the leadership team and the first-line resource for problem solving for campers and counselors. In this role you will supervise and guide campers and counselors through progressive learning experiences and live on site in a camper unit.

• Dates:
  June 5—August 2, including staff training beginning June
  5. Option to start as early as May 26 for lifeguarding training.
• Camp is closed June 19 and July 4‑6; these days are unpaid.

Weekly

Schedule:

11:00 a.m. Sunday‑7:00 p.m. Friday.

• Daily 2‑hour break Monday‑Thursday.
• Staff are expected to live on‑site during the work week.
• Staff are required to work Saturday, August 1;
  Saturday work opportunities are also available on July 11 and July 25.

• Pay: $135 per day.
• Included room and board.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Optional archery, lifeguard, and aquatic small craft training available if interested.
• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program.

• Loves to interact with children and has prior experience working with children of various ages.
• Enjoys spending time outdoors and has prior experience working in an outdoor setting.
• Must be 19+ years old and possess a high school diploma or GED; 21+ preferred.
• 1‑3 years experience working with children in a camp or similar setting.
• Prior experience in a leadership role.
• Willingness to work and live in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and daily exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

• Provide fun, positive, and active leadership to campers.
• Help build a supportive environment where campers can grow, make new friends, and try new things.
• Role model problem‑solving, collaboration, and initiative to campers and other staff.
• Supervise and participate in first‑night camper planning, scheduling, and provide assistance as appropriate.
• Know the schedule, activities, and needs of the campers’ programs, and be capable of taking over as primary facilitator for the program. Expected to participate enthusiastically in activities.
• Be present with camper group(s) throughout the camp day and night, including living in the unit. Cover breaks and absences of Unit Counselors, including duties assigned to that counselor by the camp office (e.g., swimming “watcher” duty).
• Assume responsibility for the physical health and safety and the mental welfare of the campers, especially regarding appropriate and diligent use of sunscreen and bug spray; washing hands before every meal; getting enough food, water, and rest; daily brushing of teeth and showers; and awareness of sniffles, coughs, rashes, sores, blisters, and scratching.
• Act as first‑level advisor for counselors who have camper challenges and concerns.
• Listen to and advise staff members regarding personal issues as needed, serving as their advocate and mentor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Apply today to join our summer camp team!