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Activity Leader Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Soccer Shots

Children's Activity Leader

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Training & development Children's Activity Leader Schaumburg, IL | Part-time | Flexible Schedule Soccer Shots is looking for an energetic and engaging Children's Activity Leader to lead fun soccer ...

Peoria Park District

STEAM Activity Leader

Peoria, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Under the supervision of the Education Manager - Proctor and the STEAM Instructor, the STEAM activity leader will be responsible for the following: • The STEAM Lab features activities in Science ...

Peoria Park District

STEAM Activity Leader

Peoria, IL

$15.50 - $17/hr

Under the supervision of the Education Manager - Proctor and the STEAM Instructor, the STEAM activity leader will be responsible for the following: The STEAM Lab features activities in Science ...

Accolade Healthcare of Savoy

Activity Aide

Savoy, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Leading interactive activity programs that consistently strive to enhance residents' quality of life. * Conducting daily activities on schedules that may vary. * Performing other related duties as ...

Accolade Healthcare of Peoria

Activity Aide

Peoria, IL

$15 - $17/hr

Leading interactive activity programs that consistently strive to enhance residents' quality of life. * Conducting daily activities on schedules that may vary. * Performing other related duties as ...

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Activity Leader information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do activity leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity leader in Illinois is $17.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity leader?

Activity Leaders are professionals who plan, organize, and supervise recreational, educational, or social activities for groups of people, often in settings such as schools, camps, community centers, or senior living facilities. Their main goal is to ensure participants are engaged, safe, and having a positive experience. They may also be responsible for setting up equipment, guiding group interactions, and fostering an inclusive and enjoyable environment. Activity Leaders often work with children, teens, or adults, adapting activities to suit the needs and interests of their group.

What are some common challenges activity leaders face when planning and running group activities?

Activity Leaders often encounter challenges such as engaging participants with diverse interests and abilities, managing group dynamics, and adapting activities on the fly due to unexpected changes in attendance or resources. Successful Activity Leaders continuously assess participant engagement and are ready to modify plans to ensure everyone is included and safe. Building strong communication skills and being flexible are key to overcoming these challenges and creating positive, memorable experiences for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activity leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activity Leader, you need strong organizational skills, creativity, and experience in planning group activities, often supported by a background in education, recreation, or a related field. Familiarity with safety protocols, scheduling software, and first aid certification are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills help engage participants and foster a positive environment. These abilities ensure activities are safe, enjoyable, and tailored to participants' needs, contributing to successful program outcomes.

What is the difference between Activity Leader vs Camp Counselor?

AspectActivity LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, activity-specific certificationsCPR/First Aid, general camp training
Work EnvironmentOrganized activities, outdoor/indoor settingsCampgrounds, recreational areas, outdoor settings
Employer & IndustrySummer camps, youth programs, recreation centersSummer camps, youth residential programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Activity Leaders focus on organizing and leading specific activities or programs, often requiring specialized certifications. Camp Counselors provide general supervision and support to campers, handling a variety of camp activities. While both roles work in camp environments and require CPR/First Aid, Activity Leaders typically have more specialized credentials related to their activities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity Leader jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Activity Leader jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Activity Leader jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Activity Leader job openings:

Activity Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Leader job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,395 per year, or $17 per hour.

CAP Activity Leader

Arlington Heights Park District

Arlington Heights, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Arlington Heights Park District rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Come join our Recreation Department staff as a CAP Activity Leader! Activity Leaders are responsible for leading and supervising the participants through the activities of the Children at Play before and after school program in the assigned school site within School Districts 25, 59, and 21. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with various shifts available in the morning and afternoon. Additional hours may be required when school is not in session or is only in session for half of the day.


Part-Time Wages


CAP Activity Leader Job Description


JOB SPECIFIC INFORMATION

  • Works directly with the participants by leading or supervising them in small or large group activities
  • Assists with planning age-appropriate activities
  • Responsible for the set-up and clean-up after each activity, game, or craft
  • Prepares and serves snacks, as required, and assists the participants in cleaning up after snack times
  • Greets participants and their parents upon arriving and leaving the site
  • Notifies the CAP Site Director or Assistant CAP Site Director of any problems that may arise
  • Help implement the daily activities


SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school student or G.E.D.
  • A minimum of one to two years' experience in a childcare role or managing children's activities or programs is desirable.
  • Or, any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
  • Must pass Illinois state background checks (ISP fingerprint and DCFS CANTS) and TB testing upon hire.
  • Strong ability to work effectively with school-aged children and maintain positive relationships with coworkers, families, and the public.
  • Demonstrates leadership, initiative, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written; able to follow directions and complete tasks.
  • Capable of handling high activity levels, emergencies, and difficult situations with composure and professionalism.


BENEFITS WE OFFER

  • PTAC Membership to ARC
  • Discounts on some programming
  • KinderCare Discount


AHPD OVERVIEW

The Arlington Heights Park District (AHPD) is a public park and recreation agency located in Arlington Heights, Illinois-one of the largest communities in Chicago's prestigious northwest suburban corridor. Our mission is to enrich the community by providing fun, accessible and impactful recreation and facilities for every age and season. However you choose to recreate, we have something for you. We aim to serve everyone equally and fairly across our 29 facilities-including five community centers with outdoor pools, Arlington Ridge Center, two tennis clubs, two public golf clubs, Lake Arlington, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Senior Center-and 58 parks across 716 acres of land. In our 100-year history, we have earned multiple distinctions recognizing our high-quality standards of excellence, including three National Gold Medal Awards, maintaining a Moody's AAA bond rating for nine years, and receiving multiple awards for fiscal responsibility.


The Arlington Heights Park District commits itself to a cohesive environment to create a mutually respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment.

What Arlington Heights Park District employees say

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