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Camp Director Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kenilworth Park District

Summer Camp Lifeguard

Kenilworth, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Program Leader, Camp Director Camp Dates: June 9 - August 1, 2025 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 12/1:30 PM Position Purpose: Under general supervision of the Program Leaders and Camp Director, ensures the ...

Kenilworth Park District

Summer Camp Lifeguard

Kenilworth, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Program Leader, Camp Director Camp Dates: June 9 - August 1, 2025 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 12/1:30 PM Position Purpose: Under general supervision of the Program Leaders and Camp Director, ensures the ...

KESHET

Director of Camp and Recreation

Northbrook, IL

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Keshet Camp Locations / Keshet Day School Office / Keshet Recreation Programs HIGHLIGHTS: As the Director of Recreation at Keshet, you would be responsible for the strategic leadership, growth, and ...

Crystal Lake Parks

Day Camp Counselor

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Prepare daily supplies and communicate needs to the Camp Director. * Document and report incidents, accidents, or safety concerns promptly. * Communicate professionally with parents and refer ...

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Camp Director information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

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$21

$33

How much do camp director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp director in Park Ridge, IL is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a camp director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camp Director, you need strong leadership, organizational abilities, and experience in youth programming, often supported by a degree in education, recreation, or a related field. Familiarity with camp management software, safety protocols, and certifications like CPR/First Aid and ACA accreditation are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help build a positive camp culture and effectively manage staff and campers. These skills ensure safe, engaging, and well-organized camp operations that foster growth and a supportive environment for all participants.

What is the difference between Camp Director vs Camp Counselor?

AspectCamp DirectorCamp Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires experience in camp management, leadership skills, and sometimes certifications in first aid or child careOften requires high school diploma; certifications in first aid or child care are common but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentLeads the entire camp operation, manages staff, oversees activities, and handles administrative tasksWorks directly with campers, assists with activities, and supports camp staff under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageFound in summer camps, residential programs, and youth organizationsCommonly employed in summer camps, day camps, and youth programs

In summary, a Camp Director oversees the entire camp operation, requiring leadership experience and management skills, while a Camp Counselor focuses on working directly with campers and assisting daily activities. Both roles are essential in the camp industry but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by camp directors during the camp season, and how can they be managed?

Camp Directors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse staff teams, ensuring camper safety, and responding to unexpected situations like weather changes or medical issues. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and proactive problem-solving are essential in addressing these challenges. Building a supportive team culture and maintaining clear protocols can help Camp Directors lead with confidence and create a positive camp experience for everyone involved.

What is a camp director?

Camp Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations and management of camps, such as summer camps or day camps. Their duties typically include hiring and training staff, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers, planning activities, and managing the camp's budget and facilities. Camp Directors also handle communication with parents, enforce camp policies, and ensure programs meet regulatory standards. Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a camp director?

To be a camp director, candidates typically need prior experience in camp or youth program management, strong leadership and organizational skills, and often a background in education, recreation, or related fields. Certifications such as CPR and first aid are usually required, and a bachelor's degree is often preferred. Some positions may also require background checks and relevant administrative experience.

What does a camp director do?

Camp directors manage the daily operations of a camp or recreation facility. As a camp director, you work year-round, so your duties vary between camp season and the off season. During camp season—usually in the summer—you create the schedules for camp counselors and other staff, assign campers to counselors, and order necessary supplies and goods. During the off-season, your primary job is to plan for the upcoming camp season, which includes designing curricula for camp activities, hiring and training staff, managing budgets, and running marketing campaigns to recruit campers.

More about Camp Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Camp jobs in Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Camp jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Camp Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Camp Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Camp Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Camp Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Camp Director jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Camp Director job openings:
Camp Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Director job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,934 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

SPOT Camp Director

Park Dist of Highland Park

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $23.13/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Camp Director plays a key role in shaping an unforgettable camp experience, ensuring the well-being and success of both campers and staff. As the heart of the camp, the Camp Director will lead with energy and creativity, overseeing daily operations, coordinating exciting activities, and building strong connections with campers, parents, and staff. This role offers a dynamic mix of administrative duties, leadership opportunities, and hands-on involvement in programming. If you're passionate about creating a vibrant, safe, and fun environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The Camp Director reports directly to the Program Manager.
Qualifications: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Must be 18 years old or more. One to three months related experience working with youth in a recreational camp setting. Experience supervising staff and/or directing daily work tasks is preferred but not required. Must display a positive and energetic attitude when working with campers. Must be able to get in the water (pool or lake) for recreational swim time with campers.
Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt
Wage Range: $18.50-$23.13 an hour, depending on experience.
Benefits:
• Health & Fitness Membership
• Outdoor Pool Membership and Seasonal Beach Access
• Program and Facility Discounts on a variety of recreational activities including Golf and Racquet Sports.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly outside and exposed to outside weather conditions including hot and humid weather and cold and rainy weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The Park District of Highland Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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