Summer Nature Jobs in Bloomington, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Timber Pointe Outdoor Center

Nestled on 170 beautifully wooded acres along Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation and summer camp experience operated by Easterseals Central Illinois. As the premier accessible outdoor center in Illinois, Timber Pointe offers specialized, inclusive, and adaptive lodging, programming, and activities designed to empower campers of all abilities — from traditional day and overnight camps to weekend retreats and partner group experiences.

At Timber Pointe, everyone gets to explore, learn, and grow. Campers enjoy classic summer adventures like zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, arts & crafts, fishing, target sports, and more, with adaptive supports that ensure everyone feels included and capable.

What truly sets Timber Pointe apart is its mission: to provide a safe, joyful, and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities or life-altering illnesses — as well as campers of all abilities — can build independence, confidence, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories.

Why Work at Camp — More Than Just a Summer Job

Working at Timber Pointe isn’t just employment — it’s an experience that transforms you.

Position Objective:

Equestrian Staff are responsible for supporting the Equestrian Supervisor in the care of the horses and the programming for campers. This position assists in organizing and implementing instructional and recreational horse activities designed to meet the specific needs of the campers.

Position Pay & Employment Dates:

This is a seasonal, part-time position, paid at an hourly rate of $16.00. The hours each week will vary and can range from 10 to 20 hours. The anticipated start date is May 16th, 2026 (tentative due to aspects of training and the arrival of the horses), and the summer season runs until August 14th, 2026.

Job Functions:

• Ability and desire to work with persons of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds in a dynamic outdoor environment.
• Assesses and adapts activities for campers at all ability levels.
• Implements a successful risk management strategy to ensure the safety of all participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Interacts with and works as a team player with other staff, participants, volunteers, and participants’ families/caregivers.
• Serves as a positive role model to program participants, program staff, and cabin staff.
• Completes accurate documentation forms on participants as required on a regular basis.
• Assumes responsibility for the order, cleanliness, and safety of the program area and Timber Pointe grounds.
• Attends mandatory training.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Supports the Equestrian Supervisor in horse/barnyard animal care and substitutes for the Supervisor in absences.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Some college experience, preferably in equine science, therapeutic riding, recreation, or other human service fields.
• Previous experience, knowledge, and/or interest in leading programs for a variety of populations.
• Previous equestrian experience/knowledge preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.

Competency Requirements

• Willingness and ability to learn, understand and remember considerable amounts of information relative to teaching and facilitating in the fields of environmental and equine education.

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.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have visual ability sufficient to read and complete written correspondence, as required.
• Regular use of hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, climbing, grabbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Occasionally lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to independently navigate Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility.

Work Environment

• Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, etc.

*Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2026 Summer Team, please be prepared to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp that serves immunocompromised populations, 2026 Summer Team members will be expected to practice intentional communicable illness (COVID-19, etc.) safety throughout the entirety of their summer agreement. Staff will be tested if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if there is any known exposure within the camp community, and additional testing protocols may be implemented as needed. Masks may be required during periods of exposure, outbreak, or high community transmission levels, and they may also be required during close-contact tasks such as providing personal care to campers. While vaccination is not currently required, it continues to be highly recommended for all staff.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.