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Summer Camp Leader Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Chief Executive Officer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Camp Sokkia summer day camp * Aquatics, swim lessons, water safety, and YDSC Gators swim team ... YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years. Essential Functions ...

All JobsSummer Camp Leader JobsSummer Camp Leader Jobs in Decatur, IL

Summer Camp Leader information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do summer camp leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer camp leader in Decatur, IL is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Summer Camp Leaders face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Summer Camp Leaders often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, balancing diverse personalities, and responding to unexpected situations like homesickness or minor conflicts. To handle these effectively, leaders rely on strong communication skills, adaptability, and proactive planning. Building rapport with campers, setting clear expectations, and maintaining a positive attitude help create a safe and fun environment. Collaboration with other staff members is also crucial, as it ensures consistent supervision and support throughout camp activities.

What are Summer Camp Leaders?

Summer Camp Leaders are responsible for supervising and engaging children or teens in a variety of activities at summer camps. They plan, organize, and lead recreational, educational, and social programs while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Summer Camp Leaders also serve as role models, help resolve conflicts, and often assist with logistical duties such as setting up events and maintaining equipment. Their goal is to create a fun, safe, and memorable camp experience for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Camp Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Camp Leader, you typically need experience working with children, basic first aid certification, and knowledge of recreational activities. Familiarity with camp management software, safety protocols, and emergency response systems is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help foster a positive environment and manage group dynamics effectively. These skills ensure the safety, engagement, and well-being of campers while maintaining smooth camp operations.

What is the difference between Summer Camp Leader vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Camp LeaderSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some camps prefer certifications in CPR/First AidHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervises activities, manages staff, oversees camp operationsDirectly supervises children, leads activities, ensures safety
Employer & Industry UsageCamp organizations, summer programs, youth campsSame as Summer Camp Leader, often the entry-level role

While both roles involve working with children in a camp setting, Summer Camp Leaders typically have additional responsibilities such as supervising staff and managing camp operations. Summer Camp Counselors focus more on direct supervision and activity leadership for children. The roles often overlap, but the Leader position usually requires more experience or leadership skills.

What are popular job titles related to Summer Camp Leader jobs in Decatur, IL? For Summer Camp Leader jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Camp Leader jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Camp Leader jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Summer Camp Leader jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Summer Camp Leader job openings:
Summer Camp Leader jobs near you

Camp Group Leader - Lincoln

YMCA of Springfield

Lincoln, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Vision, Life

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview

Under the direction of the Camp Site Coordinator, the Camp Group Leader will oversee a group of twelve to fifteen (12 to 15) children while assisting with the daily activities of Summer Camp at the YMCA of Springfield. This role provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Understands character development as the chief mission of the YMCA and personally exhibits a commitment to the goal in all YMCA operations

Responsibilities

Essential Functions of a Camp Group Leader:

  • Always demonstrates responsibility for the safety and well-being of all program participants. Follows all policies for emergencies, incident reporting, child abuse prevention and YMCA procedures.
  • Provides a high level of customer service while dealing with YMCA members, guests, and staff.
  • Supports the implementation of assigned program activities and ensures they are delivered in a high-quality manner.
  • Assists in maintaining program areas and reports on any maintenance issues. Maintains cleanliness of program areas.
  • Participates in daily huddle with camp team.
  • Is a positive role model for program participants.
  • Actively engages with program participants in all activities.

OUR SERVICE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Display a friendly, helpful, and positive disposition.
  • Provide customer service that is thorough, timely, organized, and accurate.
  • Help ensure the Y is meeting member and participant needs by utilizing good listening skills, attentiveness, objectivity, and patience in all situations.
  • Place members and participants as the first and highest priority, always showing kindness and compassion.
  • Demonstrates the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through all daily activities and responsibilities

Child Abuse Policies & Prevention: The YMCA enforces policies to prevent child abuse. Allegations or suspicions are taken seriously and reported to authorities. Procedures include unscheduled visits, open doors for parents, and a code of conduct for staff. We screen carefully to prevent abusers from being hired and provide child abuse prevention training to staff. Employees who fail to support these policies will be subject to discipline, up to termination.

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must complete onboarding process within designated time.
  • Have leadership competencies in the identified key areas.
  • Ability to learn quickly.
  • Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and a professional approach.
  • Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, social, economics, etc.).
  • Ability to complete all required trainings within 60 days of employment, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, Living Our Cause, DCFS Mandated Report, IL Gateway Registry Modules and to maintain these certifications as current as outlined by regulations or requirements.

Key Leadership competencies a person should bring to this position:

Emotional Maturity

Inclusion

Communication & Influence

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate. Be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations ability to act swiftly in an emergency. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • May require physical effort and cardiac endurance while reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, balancing, bending, leaning, kneeling, walking, and climbing.
Benefits

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Posted Salary RangeUSD $15.00 - USD $15.00 /Hr.Employment Type: PART_TIME

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