Camp Counselor at EASTERSEALS CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Hudson Township, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Mar, 26

Salary

450.0

Posted On

20 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication, Supervision, Adaptability, Teamwork, Leadership, Patience, Inclusivity, Problem Solving, First Aid, Recreation, Emotional Resilience, Personal Care, Safety Awareness, Activity Facilitation, Community Living, Behavior Management

Industry

Individual and Family Services

Description

Position Title: Camp Counselor Position Location: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748 ---------------------------------------- Looking for a summer where you make a real difference? As a Camp Counselor at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, you’ll help campers build confidence, independence, and unforgettable memories — all while spending your days outdoors. Watch the video below to see what a day at camp really looks like. About Timber Pointe Outdoor Center Nestled on 170 beautifully wooded acres along Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation and summer camp experience operated by Easterseals Central Illinois. As the premier accessible outdoor center in Illinois, Timber Pointe offers specialized, inclusive, and adaptive lodging, programming, and activities designed to empower campers of all abilities — from traditional day and overnight camps to weekend retreats and partner group experiences. At Timber Pointe, everyone gets to explore, learn, and grow. Campers enjoy classic summer adventures like zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, arts & crafts, fishing, target sports, and more, with adaptive supports that ensure everyone feels included and capable. What truly sets Timber Pointe apart is its mission: to provide a safe, joyful, and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities or life-altering illnesses — as well as campers of all abilities — can build independence, confidence, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories. Why Work at Camp — More Than Just a Summer Job Working at Timber Pointe isn’t just employment — it’s an experience that transforms you. * Make a real impact - You’ll create meaningful moments and positive change in the lives of campers who look forward to camp as a place of joy, empowerment, and friendships. Your role matters — whether you’re helping a camper try something new, cheering them on, or simply being a friendly face they trust. * Be part of a community - Camp becomes a family. You’ll build deep connections with fellow staff and campers alike — creating memories that go far beyond summertime. Many past staff describe their experience as life-changing — full of personal growth, laughter, and shared adventure. * Grow personally and professionally - This is a place to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and grow your confidence. You’ll receive training in adaptive recreation and activity facilitation, build leadership and teamwork skills, and gain invaluable experience working with diverse populations. * Adventure every day - From campfires to waterfront activities, from high ropes and giant swings to quiet moments in nature — your workday will be filled with energy, fun, and outdoor exploration. * A place that matters - If you’re passionate about helping others, love the outdoors, and want a summer that pushes you, inspires you, and connects you to something bigger than yourself — Timber Pointe is the place to be. ---------------------------------------- Position Objective: Counselors set the tone for how great a camper’s experience will be as they accompany, encourage, and support them throughout camp adventures with enthusiasm and unconditional love. Counselors will be assigned 1-4 campers, depending on their individual needs, and will be by their campers’ sides, guiding them throughout their day, providing direct care, and utilizing strategies to promote positive behaviors and choices. They foster the development of life skills, independence, confidence, and a love of the outdoors as they encourage campers to create meaningful friendships and try new things. Counselors further the mission of Timber Pointe Outdoor Center by nurturing a culture of safety and inclusion, maintaining a physically and emotionally supportive environment for campers and other team members. Counselors will be cross trained in activity areas, including canoeing, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, nature, and more! Counselors will adapt and modify activities based on individual camper needs so that everything is accessible for each and every participant, making them feel 100% included and 100% empowered. Counselors will spend the majority of camp weeks working overnight camp sessions, which include sessions of our own Timber Pointe campers as well as sessions of partner camps with mission-adjacent organizations. All counselors will work at least one week of day camp (will be assigned on a rotational basis). Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed. Employment Dates: The employment dates for Camp Counselors run from May 28, 2026 - July 17, 2026. Counselors are required to attend mandatory training prior to camp season: All Staff/CIT Development held on May 28, 2026 - June 5, 2026 (break day June 2). The campers begin their Camp Season on June 7, 2026. Counselors must begin on the training start date listed above and be available for the entirety of the dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.) outside of the Staff Development training week, please state during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate. Counselors will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off specific to which program they are supporting that week (TPOC Day Camp, Partner Camp, TPOC Overnight Camp). There is an option to extend the contract to work any or all of the following weeks: * July 19, 2026 – July 24, 2026: Camp MDA for children with muscular dystrophy * July 26, 2026 – July 31, 2026: Camp Horizon for adults with physical disabilities * August 2, 2026 – August 7, 2026: Family Camps + Special Recreation Association partner camp These weeks are primarily partner camps that do not utilize our counselors. Therefore, counselors can “opt-in” to extend their contract to work these weeks (dependent on bed capacity and number of staff needed). During these weeks, Counselors may serve in an activities capacity, assist in the kitchen, or help with other duties as assigned. Position Pay: Counselors will be paid a rate of $450/week. Returning Counselors will receive increased compensation, dependent on the number of previous summers on staff, as recognition of their valuable experience and contributions. Job Functions: * Familiarizes self with campers’ individual backgrounds, abilities, interests, and support needs by reading camper information before their arrival. Holds knowledge of allergies and dietary restrictions. * Communicate orally and in writing with campers, coworkers, and supervisors. * Participates in and provides supervision to active/outdoor activities that are spread out over many acres. * Identifies and responds to environmental hazards at camp; responds to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assists campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies. * Provides constant supervision of campers (except for off-times) with limited breaks, including wake-up, cabin clean-up, meals, rest time duty (as assigned), daily activities, bedtime routines, and nighttime duty (as assigned). Sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers, if necessary. Assists campers as needed with personal care, feeding, transferring, toileting, showering, dressing, and other activities of daily living. Know the location of assigned campers at all times when under your responsibility. * Nurtures campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation. * Monitors camper health, hygiene, and safety daily, promptly communicating any unusual physical symptoms, changes in dietary patterns, incidents of injury, seizure activity, psychosocial concerns, etc. to nursing and/or support staff. * Completes required paperwork, including weekly “Camp-unications”, incident/accident reports, etc. Marginal Responsibilities: * Attends and participates fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible care. * Assists with set-up, decorating, and clean-up of camp. * All other duties as assigned to best ensure the success of camp. General Expectations: * Live with campers of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers and the dynamics of community living. * Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and coworkers where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers up for success, recognizing that success looks different for each individual. * Participate fully in the camp program, including but not limited to: leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, camper awards, songs/cheers, etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!) * Possibility of mentoring/coaching volunteers, Counselors-in-Training, or other camp staff. Education/Experience Requirements: * High School Diploma or GED required. * College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Speech Pathology, or a related field is preferred, but not required. * CPR and First Aid Certification is preferred but not required. Competency Requirements: * Demonstrates the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role. * Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 8-11 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment. * Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control. * Ability to understand, role model, and follow Timber Pointe Outdoor Center policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance. * Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly, regardless of background/preferences. Physical Requirements: Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed: * Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, transferring campers, climbing, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more. * Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 8-11 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment. Work Environment: * Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.) * Reside in camp cabins in a bunkbed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.). ---------------------------------------- *Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2026 Summer Team, please be prepared to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp that serves immunocompromised populations, 2026 Summer Team members will be expected to practice intentional communicable illness (COVID-19, etc.) safety throughout the entirety of their summer agreement. Staff will be tested if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if there is any known exposure within the camp community, and additional testing protocols may be implemented as needed. Masks may be required during periods of exposure, outbreak, or high community transmission levels, and they may also be required during close-contact tasks such as providing personal care to campers. While vaccination is not currently required, it continues to be highly recommended for all staff. ---------------------------------------- Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.

Responsibilities

Counselors support and guide campers throughout their activities, fostering independence and confidence. They are responsible for maintaining a safe and inclusive environment while adapting activities to meet individual camper needs.