Summer Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 90 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 and 2024. 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 Summer Instructor, you’ll provide critical support to Galileo campers and teams when staff are absent.

You will work throughout your region to lead hands-on design and outdoor activities, creating an inspiring, safe environment where campers explore creativity through Galileo’s curriculum. With training and team support, you'll deliver memorable learning experiences and engage fully in camp traditions.

This is a seasonal role; Substitute Summer Instructors 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 Design Challenges and Outdoor Activities:

• Facilitate Galileo’s innovative, project-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math for groups of up to 28 campers
• Create an inviting and safe learning space; prepare and manage materials for daily projects.
• Teach up to three unique rotations: Innovator’s Studio, Idea Lab, and Outdoor Adventure, adapting for various age groups and abilities.
• For 5th-8th grade groups, guide campers in using tools like saws, drills, and glue guns, ensuring safe, hands-on experiences.
• Ensure a positive, supportive environment, manage camper behavior through restorative practices, and provide individual support based on campers' diverse needs.

Engage Fully in All Camp Activities:

• Work with teammates to plan, set up, and lead daily camp activities.
• Supervise campers to ensure safety during all camp events, including ceremonies, snack, and lunch.
• Contribute to the camp experience with active participation in songs, skits, and chants.
• Bring your unique skills and energy to create a joyful camp experience.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

• Greet campers and families warmly, ensuring a positive, safe environment.
• Assist with check-in/check-out, manage daily attendance, and communicate with families as needed.
• Foster a fun, energetic atmosphere throughout the day, creating a smooth transition for campers at drop-off and pick-up.

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.
• Continue to refine your instructional skills through feedback and training from camp leadership.

PAY & PERKS

• Pay rate $xx
• 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 $xx
• 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 your location on our Camp Finder page to view site-specific dates.

• 1+ years of instructional or classroom support experience in K-8 education, or a combination of relevant education and work experience
• Experience teaching, caring for, supervising, coaching, and/or mentoring kids required
• College coursework in Education or Child Development preferred, 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 up to 8-hour shifts daily, Monday - Friday, for the duration of camp.
  • For consistency and camper safety, we prioritize applicants who are able to commit to working for the full duration of camp (4-8 continuous weeks, depending on the camp location).
  • Applicants with less than 4 continuous weeks of availability will not be considered for this role.
• 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. Additionally, research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other underrepresented people tend to apply only when they match all criteria. 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

• Some lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs.
• Typing, writing, 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 sitting, walking and kneeling

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.