Summer Camp Supervisor (Seasonal Contract Position)

Summer Camp Supervisor (Seasonal Contract Position)

• Reports To: Director of Community Engagement

Organization Overview Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements: people - trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships; environment - girls-only, physically and emotionally safe, where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming - research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate, meeting the needs of today’s girls. Informed by girls and their families, we also advocate for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls and address the systemic barriers that impede girls’ success, particularly girls in low-income communities and girls of color.

Position Summary The Summer Camp Supervisor provides leadership, oversight, and hands-on support to ensure the successful planning and implementation of a safe, high-quality summer camp experience for girls participating in Girls Inc. of Chicago’s summer programming. Grounded in the Girls Inc. mission and Strong, Smart, Bold® framework, this role ensures that camp experiences are empowering, inclusive, culturally responsive, and aligned with positive youth development best practices. This role is responsible for supervising camp staff, supporting program delivery, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and safety standards, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and empowering environment for campers and staff.

The Camp Supervisor serves as the primary on-site leader during camp operations and works closely with the Director of Community Engagement, Director of Programs, Manager of Programs, program staff, site partners, and People and Operations Department to ensure smooth daily execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Camp Operations & Program Implementation

• Oversee daily camp operations, including attendance tracking, transitions, meals/snacks, transportation coordination, and site logistics.
• Ensure camp schedules, expectations, and activity plans are clearly communicated to staff in advance and reiterated daily.
• Ensure programs are delivered with fidelity to Girls Inc. curriculum, Strong, Smart, Bold® outcomes, and youth development best practices.
• Coordinate smooth transitions between activities, partner-led sessions, and field trips to minimize downtime and confusion.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day challenges and respond promptly to emergencies, incidents, or behavioral concerns using established protocols.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and well-organized environment that supports both camper engagement and staff success.

Staff Supervision & Support Supervise, coach, and support camp staff (e.g., counselors, instructors, interns, volunteers) to ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability.

• Lead daily staff huddles to review schedules, roles, expectations, and anticipated challenges.
• Provide on-the-spot problem solving and decision-making support so staff feel supported during the camp day.

Model positive youth development, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive leadership, and professional boundaries.

• Provide real-time feedback, redirection, and encouragement to staff; document concerns and escalate to the Director of Community Engagement as needed.
• Support staff coverage, scheduling adjustments, break management, and wellness to prevent burnout and ensure safe ratios.
• Training & Onboarding
• Support and reinforce pre-camp training and onboarding of camp staff.
• Ensure staff have a strong understanding of behavior management strategies, safety protocols, and daily routines prior to working with campers.

Reinforce expectations related to professionalism, communication, supervision, and engagement.

• Identify additional training or coaching needs during camp and communicate recommendations to program leadership.

Youth Safety, Engagement & Behavior Support

• Ensure consistent and active supervision of campers at all times.
• Support staff in managing challenging behaviors using clear expectations, restorative practices, and developmentally appropriate interventions.

Step in to de-escalate situations when additional leadership support is needed.

• Communicate recurring behavior trends, safety concerns, or incidents to the Director of Community Engagement and Director of Programs.

Promote positive relationships, engagement, belonging, and inclusion among campers. Communication & Collaboration Serve as the primary on-site liaison between camp staff, Girls Inc. of Chicago leadership, and site partners.

• Support coordination with external partners and guest facilitators to ensure they are prepared, aligned, and aware of camp expectations.
• Communicate professionally and proactively with families when needed, in partnership with program leadership.
• Collaborate with operations staff on supplies, transportation logistics, meals, field trips, and facility needs.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure accurate daily attendance, incident reports, and required documentation are completed consistently and on time.
• Support compliance with licensing, funder, and Girls Inc. of Chicago requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical, professional standards at all times.

Qualifications:

Required Minimum of 5 years of experience working with children or youth in an out-of-school-time, camp, or educational setting. Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising staff or leading teams. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to remain calm, organized, and responsive in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to youth development, equity, inclusion, and positive behavior support. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain prior to camp start). Preferred Bachelor’s degree or coursework in education, social work, youth development, recreation, or related field.

Experience working in nonprofit, community-based, or school-partnered programs.:

Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management

Youth Engagement & Behavior Support Organization & Attention to Detail Communication & Relationship-Building Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Commitment to Safety & Quality Position Details, Schedule & Work Environment Position Type: Seasonal; Contract Compensation: $25-35/hr. (compensated based on experience)

Employee Status: 1099 Duration: Summer camp session(s) will take place June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026, this includes required training and planning days. Location: Primarily on-site at Girls Inc. of Chicago camp locations and partner sites.

• Schedule/Hours: Monday – Friday

Friday hours may vary based on program needs. Reliability and consistent attendance are required. Work Environment: Requires standing, walking, lifting supplies, and supervising both indoor and outdoor activities. Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and value a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Location Chicago, Illinois Employment Type Temporary Minimum Experience Experienced

Compensation:

$25-$35/hr 1099