Summer Camp Employment

Ready for the best summer ever?

As a camp staff member, you will practice real-world skills that are transferable to all career paths, including leadership, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. You will make a positive difference in hundreds of lives and you get to have fun at summer camp while you do it!

Employment Dates

Camp Butternut Springs	Employment Dates – 2026
Leadership Team	June 5 - August 2
Program Specialist Staff	June 5 - August 2
All Staff Positions	June 9 - August 2
*Note: Camp is closed June 19 and July 4-6. These days will be unpaid.
Camp Greene Wood	Employment Dates – 2026
Leadership Team	June 2 - August 1; optional work available until August 7
All Staff Positions	June 4 - August 1; optional work available until August 7
*Note: Camp is closed June 19 and July 3-5. These days will be unpaid.
Camp Juniper Knoll	Employment Dates – 2026
Leadership Team	June 5 - August 2
Program Specialist Staff	June 5 - August 2
All Staff Positions	June 9 - August 2
*Note: Camp is closed June 19 and July 4-6. These days will be unpaid.

Come join the team at one of our camp locations in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin. Working at camp this summer will leave you with a sense of empowerment, a positive outlook on life, and skills that will benefit you for years to come! So, what are you waiting for? Apply today!

Know somebody that would be a perfect fit? We’d love to have them! Pass on the word to those you know.

Camp Butternut Springs

650 N 175 W, Valparaiso, IN
46385

Camp Greene Wood

3125 71st Street, Woodridge, IL
60640

Camp Juniper Knoll

W5095 State Road 20, East Troy,
WI 53120

View available positions

Application Process

Take a look at our camp properties and their corresponding positions to find the best staff experience for you.
Apply to our open camp positions. In addition to your resume, please have contact information for your references and any previous employers ready. If your skills and qualifications match what we seek, we will call you to schedule a phone and/or video/in-person interview.
Job offers are made after we hear back from your references. Once hired, you will receive information from GSGCNWI’s Human Resources Team to complete the hiring process. Please be sure to check your email and complete the required documents.

Camp FAQs

Camp Life FAQ toggle arrow

Do I have to wear a uniform?

All camp staff will be provided with a camp staff shirt to be worn on opening day.

What if I need an internship this summer?

We are happy to work with you and your degree program to fulfill your internship requirements!

Do I need to be a Girl Scout?

No. Many of our staff have never been a Girl Scout or been to camp.

Can my friends come to work with me at camp?

Yes! If you recommend someone for a job and they complete the camp season, you will receive a $200 referral bonus.

How much will I get paid?

Camp staff pay starts at $525 per week. Salary depends on position and prior experience.

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When do I work?

Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., with an extended day on Thursdays until 9 p.m.

Where do we work?

Programs will be assigned to a unit, a communal space that may be shared with other programs. These units may have a tarp or picnic shelter and access to a nearby bathroom (porta-potty, flush toilet, or pit toilet).

How much will I get paid?

Camp staff pay starts at $525 per week. Salary depends on position and prior experience.

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When do I work?

11 a.m. Sunday - 9 p.m. Friday. Camp staff receive two hours off per day, and at least 24 hours off per week (often Friday evening-Sunday morning).

Where do we work?

Programs will be assigned to a unit, a communal living space that may be shared with other programs and includes a picnic shelter, bathroom (porta-potty or flush toilet), and sleeping spaces (platform tent, yurt, small cabin, or lodge). Staff also have access to a staff lounge and laundry facilities on-site during time off.

Is room and board provided?

Yes! Three balanced meals (with dietary accommodations made as needed) and a snack are provided each day camp is in session (Sunday lunch-Friday dinner). You are welcome to store your own food in the staff lounge kitchen. Staff may live on-site during their weekly 24 hours off.

How much will I get paid?

Camp staff pay starts at $600 per week. Salary depends on position and prior experience.

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Employment Eligibility Policy

To ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, insurance requirements, supervision standards, and organizational risk-management practices, the following age requirements apply to all camp staff positions at the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI).

Minimum Age for Employment

Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years of age as of their first day of employment to be eligible for the majority of camp staff positions, particularly those that involve:

Overnight responsibilities
Direct supervision of minors
Living on-site in a residential camp environment

Day Camp Exception

Due to the non-residential structure and daily commuting model of day camp programs, applicants who are seventeen (17) years of age may be considered for certain day camp positions only if they have successfully completed:

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Level 1, and
CIT Level 2

Applicants who have not completed both CIT programs must meet the standard minimum age of 18 years to be eligible for employment in any day camp role.

Overnight Camp – Commuter Support Roles

Applicants who are seventeen (17) years of age may be considered for a limited number of commuterbased support roles at overnight camp (e.g., Lifeguard, Kitchen Assistant), provided the following conditions are met:

The employee is on-site only during scheduled work shifts.
The employee is not permitted to reside on camp property overnight.
The role does not include direct overnight supervision of minors.

Age Requirement Verification

All applicants must meet the applicable minimum age requirement no later than their first day of employment. Verification of age and work permit will be required for anyone under the age of 18.

Camp Staff Positions

Position titles and openings subject to change.

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Unit Counselor

Locations: Butternut Springs, Greene Wood, Juniper Knoll
The Unit Counselor is the primary caregiver and program facilitator for individual campers in their unit. The Unit Counselor is responsible for supervision of campers in the delivery of progressive learning experiences.
Reiquirments: Must be 18+ years old and have graduated high school
Day Camp Salary: $105/day
Overnight Camp Salary: $115/day

Unit Leader

Locations: Butternut Springs, Juniper Knoll
The Unit Leader assists with development and leads delivery and supervision of all programs within their assigned living unit. The Unit Leader is responsible for supervision and delivery of progressive learning experiences for the campers, development of Unit Counselor camper care skills and program skills, and management of the physical aspects of delivering program.
Requirements: Must be 19+ years old and have graduated high school; 21+ preferred. 1-3 years experience working with children in a camp setting.
Salary: $135/day

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Aquatics Director

Location: Butternut Springs
The Aquatics Director is responsible for all aquatics facilities (pool, shower house, and boating pond) and aquatic activities that occur as part of the camp program, including but not limited to swimming, canoeing, and water safety lessons.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, 23+ with a valid driver’s license preferred. First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certifications. Waterfront Skills certification is strongly preferred. Training is available through GSGCNWI.
Salary: $140/day, $130/day if commuting

Waterfront Director

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Waterfront Director is responsible for all aquatics facilities (waterfront and shower house) and aquatic activities that occur as part of the camp program, including but not limited to swimming, canoeing, and water safety lessons.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, 23+ with a valid driver’s license preferred. First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certifications. Waterfront Skills certification is required. Training is available through GSGCNWI.
Salary: $140/day, $130/day if commuting

Lifeguard

Location: Butternut Springs, Juniper Knoll
The Lifeguard is responsible for providing supervision of campers and staff ensuring a safe environment at the camp’s aquatics facilities (pool or lakefront) and during aquatic activities.
Requirements: Must be 16+ years old. Lifeguarding certification. Training is available through GSGCNWI.
Salary: $120/day, $110 if commuting

Sailing Instructor

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Sailing Instructor is responsible for providing supervision of campers and staff ensuring a safe environment for the camp’s aquatic activities at the waterfront. They will take primary responsibility for all sailing activities and will supervise and guide campers through on-site sailing instruction and progressive learning experiences.
Requirements: Must be 18+ years old and have graduated high school. First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certifications. Waterfront Lifeguard certification is strongly preferred. Training is available through GSGCNWI.
Salary: $125/day, $115/day if commuting

Boating Instructor

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Boating Instructor is responsible for providing supervision of campers and staff and ensuring a safe environment for the camp’s aquatic activities at the waterfront. They will take primary responsibility for all boating activities and will supervise and guide campers through on-site canoe, kayak, and rowboat instruction and progressive learning experiences.
Requirements: Must be 18+ years old and have graduated high school. First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certifications. Waterfront Lifeguard certification is strongly preferred. Training is available through GSGCNWI.
Salary: $125/day, $115/day if commuting

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Program Leader

Location: Greene Wood
The Program Leader assists with development and leads delivery and supervision of all programs within an assigned specialty area as decided by the Camp Director. Specialty areas include: Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Education, Trip & Transportation, and Food & Equipment.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school. 1-3 years experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent.
Salary: $112/day

Trip Leader

Location: Camp Juniper Knoll
The Trip Leader assists with development and leads delivery and supervision of all programs that involve campers traveling off-site for activities, with a specialty in an area such as backpacking, canoe tripping, or road cycling.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, candidates that are 23+ with a valid driver’s license are strongly preferred.
Experience and ability to instruct campers and staff in one or more of the following skill areas: backpacking, primitive camping, overnight travel with canoes or bicycles.
Salary: $135/day

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Program Director

Location: Butternut Springs, Greene Wood, Juniper Knoll
The Program Director leads the planning and delivery of program activities and events that occur at camp. The Program Director is responsible for supervision of the program leaders or specialists and unit staff in the delivery of progressive learning experiences for campers through activities and events.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, candidates that are 23+ with a valid driver’s license are preferred. 1-3 years experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent. Previous experience in a leadership role at GSGCNWI camps or equivalent.
Day Camp Salary: $128/day
Overnight Camp Salary: $145/day

Trip Director

Location: Butternut Springs, Juniper Knoll
The Trip Director leads the planning and delivery of program activities and events that occur off-site. The Trip Director is responsible for supervision of Trip Leaders and other unit staff in the delivery of progressive learning experiences and problem-solving specifically on field trips, backcountry, and adventure-based activities.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, candidates that are 23+ with a valid driver’s license are strongly preferred. 2 or more years of experience facilitating and/or supervising youth primitive or backcountry camping. Previous experience in a leadership role at GSGCNWI camps or equivalent.
Salary: $140/day

Health Supervisor

Location: Butternut Springs, Greene Wood, Juniper Knoll
The Health Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of medical care for campers and staff during the camp season. They will operate the camp health center, dispense medications, maintain medical records and first aid record keeping, and follow the medical treatment procedures approved by a licensed physician in the state where the camp is located.
Requirements: Experience in a medical or health care setting. RN, EMT, PA, or Licensed Paramedic preferred. Current First Aid and CPR certifications required at minimum; training for these is provided by GSGCNWI.
Day Camp Salary: $20/an hour
Overnight Camp Salary: $175/day

Behavioral and Wellness Specialist

Location: Butternut Springs, Greene Wood, Juniper Knoll
The Behavioral and Wellness Specialist is responsible for overall health and safety of campers and staff during the camp season with a focus on mental health, behavior management, and self-care. They will provide behavioral, mental, and emotional support to campers and staff and assist individuals to eliminate or replace ineffective or negative interactions with appropriate and positive interactions.
Requirements: 3+ years of relevant experience in related field (Ideal candidate is in third or fourth year of, or has graduated with, a degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Nursing; and/or is a Licensed Clinical Social Work, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or RN).
Day Camp Salary: $18/an hour
Overnight Camp Salary: $170/day

Business & Communications Program Specialist

Location: Butternut Springs, Greene Wood, Juniper Knoll
The Office Administrator is responsible for the overall business operation of the camp during the camp season, including purchasing, camper record keeping, customer service, and financial records. This includes communication with camper families before, during, and after their camper’s session via email, phone, social media, and in-person customer service.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, candidates that are 23+ with a valid driver’s license and good driving record are strongly preferred. Experience in a business or office setting delivering exceptional customer service.
Overnight Camp Salary: $125/day, $115/day if commuting

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Food Service Manager

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Food Service Manager is responsible for the planning, organization, and implementation of providing well-balanced meals to campers and staff. They will supervise, training, and monitor all aspects of the kitchen and food service staff. The Food Service Manager is responsible for planning meals that meet all dietary needs of campers and staff, including making reasonable accommodations for allergies and other dietary restrictions.
Requirements: Must be 21+ years old and have graduated high school, candidates that are 23+ with a valid driver’s license are strongly preferred. ServSafe Certification.
Salary: $20/an hour

Cook

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Cook is responsible for assisting the Food Service Manager in all aspects of kitchen management and function as the general all around cook for all meals. The Cook is expected to provide well-balanced nutritional meals that meet all dietary needs of campers and staff, including making reasonable accommodations for allergies and other dietary restrictions.
Requirements: Must be 18+ years old and have graduated high school. Experience cooking for large groups or in a commercial kitchen setting preferred. ServSafe Certification.
Salary: $18/an hour

Alternate Dietary Cook

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Alternate Dietary Cook is responsible for assisting the Food Service Manager in all aspects of kitchen management and function as the general all around cook for all meals. The Alternate Dietary Cook is expected to provide well-balanced nutritional meals that meet all dietary needs of campers and staff, with a focus on making reasonable accommodations for allergies and other dietary restrictions.
Requirements: Must be 18+ years old and have graduated high school. Experience cooking for large groups or in a commercial kitchen setting preferred. ServSafe Certification.
Salary: $18/an hour

Kitchen Assistant

Location: Juniper Knoll
The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the Food Service Manager and Cook in all aspects of kitchen operation. The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for helping prepare and serve meals and maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining hall.
Requirements: Must be 18+ years old and high school graduate or equivalent. Previous experience in food service in a camp or equivalent food service setting preferred. ServSafe Certification.
Salary: $15/an hour

Ready for the best summer ever?

Employment Dates

Camp Butternut Springs

650 N 175 W, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Camp Greene Wood

3125 71st Street, Woodridge, IL 60640

Camp Juniper Knoll

W5095 State Road 20, East Troy, WI 53120

View available positions

Application Process

Camp FAQs

Employment Eligibility Policy

Minimum Age for Employment

Day Camp Exception

Overnight Camp – Commuter Support Roles

Age Requirement Verification

Camp Staff Positions

Position titles and openings subject to change.

Unit Counselor

Unit Leader

Aquatics Director

Waterfront Director

Lifeguard

Sailing Instructor

Boating Instructor

Program Leader

Trip Leader

Program Director

Trip Director

Health Supervisor

Behavioral and Wellness Specialist

Business & Communications Program Specialist

Food Service Manager

Cook

Alternate Dietary Cook

Kitchen Assistant

650 N 175 W, Valparaiso, IN
46385

3125 71st Street, Woodridge, IL
60640

W5095 State Road 20, East Troy,
WI 53120