SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding summer job where you can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and make life-long friends? Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) is seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated applicants for the seasonal position of Summer Day Camp Counselor. This position works in the months of June, July, and the first week of August of 2025. Hours vary based on summer camp needs, with camp times typically taking place between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Mondays through Fridays, with a few opportunities to work until 5:00 pm. This position assists with the organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities at one of the following summer camp locations:

Des Plaines     Skokie     Morton Grove

In exchange for a fulfilling and fun work environment, M-NASR is offering a starting wage of $16.00 - $16.50/hr. depending on qualifications. This position provides meaningful part-time work that is also great for college applications and future jobs! As a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you will strengthen your skills in patience, empathy, inclusive environments, and disability understanding and awareness.

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Responsible for the supervision of individuals with disabilities in recreational camp programs, including implementing behavior management plans.
• Actively and enthusiastically participate in play, water activities (if assigned), and various summer camp activities.
• Attend to personal care (restroom assistance, changing clothing, etc.), lifting and transferring, and feeding of campers, as needed.
• Assist campers with achieving their personal goals.
• Assist in self-help and daily skills for the participants, when necessary.
• Ability and desire to work with individuals with disabilities in a recreational environment.
• Maintain open communication with the Program Manager, Site Director, and other counselors concerning programming, families, and/or participants.
• Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment.
• All other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be 16 years and older on the first day of training.
• Posses a basic knowledge and understanding of recreation programming and interest in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Must be highly motivated and enthusiastic to provide quality experiences for participants.
• Must pass a criminal background check by the state of Illinois.

M-NASR is an Equal Opportunity Employer



 

JOB DESCRIPTION (Revised 1.2024)

CAMP COUNSELOR

Accountability: Program Manager and Site Director

FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt. The Camp Counselor position is a seasonal position during the summer (June – August).

General Responsibilities:

The Camp Counselor is responsible for assisting with the organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The position is part-time and includes morning and afternoon hours. Camp runs during the summer for approximately 8 weeks, and times vary depending on the specific camp. Additional hours are required for orientations and may be required for camp preparation and clean-up. Work schedules may vary weekly in number of hours, depending on the needs of the camps. The Camp Counselor will supervise and care for participants, as well as assist in providing them with the best camp experience possible.

Qualifications:

Must be 16 years of age or older. Must have a basic knowledge and understanding of recreation programming. Must be highly motivated and enthusiastic in order to provide quality experiences for our participants.

Must pass a criminal background check by the state of Illinois.

Transportation to and from M-NASR programs is the responsibility of the part-time staff.

Essential Functions:

1. Supervision of individuals with disabilities, including implementing behavior management plans and if certified, Handle with Care.

2. Participant supervision may include lifting and transferring, feeding, and other personal care (i.e. restroom assistance, changing clothing, etc.).

3. Actively and enthusiastically participate in play, water activities (if assigned), and various summer camp activities.

5. Assist with self-help and life-skills for the participants, when necessary.

4. Provide support to the Program Manager and the Site Director for camp preparation and clean-up.

5. Maintain open communication with camp families to discuss camper’s progress toward goals, activities of the day, and behaviors.

6. Maintain open communication with the Program Manager, Site Director, and other staff with information concerning camp programming, and/or participants.

7. Gather, load, transport and set up equipment.

8. Transfer and/or push individuals in wheelchairs.

9. Attend mandatory orientations.

10. Any other assigned duties needed to help support our Vision and fulfill our Mission.

Marginal Functions:

1. To maintain the program facilities in a neat and orderly manner.

2. Review and complete feedback forms, documentation, and other materials as needed, in a timely manner.

3. Maintain own schedule and submit electronic timesheets in a timely manner, as guided by the annual payroll schedule

Safety Considerations:

1. Staff will comply with all M-NASR Safety Policies and Procedures and carry out all tasks in a safe manner.

2. Attendance at various safety in-service training will be required.

Psychological Considerations:

1. Must be able to respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

3. Must be able to maintain a professional attitude with other staff, with participant family members, and with individuals in the community.

Physiological Considerations:

1. Must be able to lift and transfer participants or equipment safely.

Cognitive Considerations:

1. Must be able to demonstrate good safety awareness and judgment.

2. Must be able to follow directions, policies, and procedures.

3. Must be able to communicate effectively.

Environmental Considerations:

1. May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e. poison ivy, etc.) during activities.

2. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, heat, etc.)

Essential Physical Capabilities:

1. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, bending, stooping, walking, and running.

2. Ability to closely supervise individuals with disabilities.

3. Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying items weighing 20-50 pounds with mechanical 

    assistance or team lift.