Substitute Summer Camp Counselor, Greater Chicago Area

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp dedicated to empowering young innovators to change the world! Since 2002, we’ve inspired hundreds of thousands of kids across 70+ diverse communities, becoming a leader in the Innovation Education Movement. At Galileo, innovation, purpose, and personal growth come together to create an environment where your unique talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. 

We’re committed to fostering a culture that champions inclusion for all, continually innovating to ensure every voice is heard. We have been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation four times, including in 2024, and we’ve made the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list over 12 times.

Come join us for a joy-filled summer in a mission-driven environment where you'll be part of something truly special!

As a Substitute Summer Camp Counselor, you’ll provide critical support to Galileo campers and teams when camp 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. 

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 Fully in All Camp Activities:

• Be flexible and available to work at selected camp locations with limited notice.

• 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.

• Bring your unique skills and energy to create a joyful camp experience.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

• Jump in to support each camp based on the unique needs of the day!

• 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.

Work Schedule

All camps operate Monday - Friday. Staff are also required to attend two pre-camp set-up days, which may be scheduled for the Saturday & Sunday before camp opens. Shifts vary by position and location and can start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 6:00 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. 

Pay 

Your exact pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including work-site location and tenure. Our pay practices are guided by a commitment to equity and informed by market benchmarking and internal audits to minimize bias and ensure fairness across all roles.

• Pay for this position ranges from $15.75 - $19.00, based on your work locations.

Perks

• 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!

• 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

• 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 at least three days, 8-hour shifts, each week, 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 3 continuous weeks or 12 days of availability will not be considered for this role.

• Must be at least 18 years of age by  May 12th, 2025

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. 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.

In accordance with local and state laws, you may be required to complete certain steps after an offer of employment has been accepted, such as a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, a background check, and mandated reporter training, and/or provide additional documentation for certain roles; this will not affect consideration of any persons’ application. On-site employees will also be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they qualify for an accommodation/exemption for medical, disability, or religious reasons; this will not affect consideration of any persons’ application. 

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.

 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

Galileo Learning complies with ADA requirements and may provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our People Services team.