Substitute Camp Counselor Jobs in Downers Grove, IL

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 70 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.

Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In fact, we were named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation in 2023. We have also been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, were named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies in 2017, and a Top 100 Real Impact Company in 2019.

Join us for a joy-filled summer in a mission-driven environment!

As a Substitute Camp Counselor, you’ll provide critical support to Galileo campers and teams when staff are absent.

You will be an essential presence for each camper, guiding them through an impactful, safe, and engaging summer experience. Staying with the same group throughout their daily rotations, you’ll create a supportive environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional safety. This is a seasonal role; Substitute Summer Instructors work varied schedules up to full-time.

This is a seasonal role; Substitute Camp Counselors work up to full-time. This role does not have a set schedule, as shifts are assigned based on the camp staff coverage needs throughout the summer.

Core Responsibilities

Lead and Supervise Campers:

• Supervise groups of 15+ campers weekly, creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experience.
• Foster group connection through team activities, games, and daily interactions.
• Ensure a positive, supportive environment, manage camper behavior through restorative practices, and provide individual support based on campers' diverse needs.
• Collaborated with instructors to deliver Galileo’s innovative, project-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Support instructors by preparing materials and ensuring learning spaces are ready for each activity.
• Support and participate in extended care programming before and after standard camp hours

Engage in All Camp Activities:

• Collaborate with teammates to plan, set up, and run daily activities.
• Lead campers during ceremonies, activities, snack, and lunch, ensuring safety and a positive camp spirit.
• Lead and participate in camp songs, chants, and skits, bringing energy to opening and closing ceremonies.
• Work as part of a team to make camp experiences joyful and memorable.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

• Greet campers and families with enthusiasm, ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Follow check-in/check-out procedures for efficient attendance and safety.
• Communicate with families about campers’ experiences as needed, ensuring a positive start and end to each day.

Build Your Skills with Ongoing Training and Support!

• Complete paid online training on innovation education, Galileo policies, and best practices before camp starts.
• Attend two in-person setup and training days to prepare your camp and meet your team.
• Develop professionally through feedback, supplemental training, and hands-on learning guided by camp leaders.

PAY & PERKS

• Your exact pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including work-site location and tenure:
  • Pay ranges from $15.75 to $19.53 per hour, determined based on camp location and years worked with Galileo Camps.
  • All staff receive a training pay rate for hours worked prior to the start of camp, which includes all online training and set up day; the training pay rate is the local minimum wage rate. 
• One free week of camp for your own child!
• 15% Friends and Family Discount
• Priority scholarship nominations
• Membership in the Galileo Alumni Community of over 20,000 inspiring changemakers!

SCHEDULE

• All camps operate Monday - Friday. Shifts vary by position and location and can start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m.
• This role does not have a set schedule, as shifts are assigned based on the camp staff coverage needs throughout the summer. When possible, we will provide 24-hour notice for scheduling, but substitutes should expect to be contacted to work the same day when needed.
• Staff must complete online training and attend two pre-camp set-up days before camp opens. Set-up days may be scheduled on weekends.
• Camp set-up dates, start dates, and duration vary by location - find our camp locations on our Camp Finder page to view site-specific dates

• Experience supervising groups of 10+ children
• At least 1 year (or camp season) experience working in summer camp, school, childcare, tutoring, coaching kids, after-school programs, or related fields
• College coursework in Education or Child Development is a plus but not required
• Ability to balance multiple tasks while working with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, but not required
• This role requires the ability to access and use web-based tools via a personal smart device
• Ability to complete all pre-camp tasks, including background checks, state-mandated certifications, electronic onboarding paperwork, and online training prior to the start of camp.
• Availability to work 8-hour shifts daily, Monday - Friday, for the duration of camp.
  • Required to be available to work a minimum of 4 continuous weeks overlapping with the dates of camp operation
  • Priority is given to those who are able to commit to working for the full duration of camp (4-8 continuous weeks, depending on the camp location).
• Must be at least 18 years of age by May 1st, 2026

At Galileo Camps, we value divergent thinkers who bring many different experiences and viewpoints to the table! We also strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups and people of diverse backgrounds to apply. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that our job descriptions are a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our Human Resources team.

During the onboarding process, in accordance with applicable local and state requirements, you may be required to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, background check(s), and state-mandated training(s). More details will be provided during your onboarding process.

This employer participates in E-Verify.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
• operate a computer (including typing, reading)
• Seeing, hearing, and speaking, both nearby and at a distance
• Use hand and fingers to help with classroom supplies and operate equipment
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, and sitting

Equal Opportunity Employer

Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.