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Imagine camping, hiking, and boating all summer while making a difference! Everything we do is focused on helping girls grow strong, building a safe community, and having fun.
Looking for a summer job that will be fun and adventurous, and will help you develop the skills future employers are looking for?
Imagine camping, hiking, and boating all summer while making a difference! We are looking for passionate, responsible, enthusiastic, creative team-players who are comfortable in an outdoor setting and seek out challenging adventures while advising girls and young women this summer. Everything we do is focused on helping girls grow strong, building a safe community, and having fun.
Ready to make an imapct? Apply Today!
Join Our Camp Staff 
We look for responsible, enthusiastic, creative team-players who are comfortable in a rustic outdoor setting and seek out challenging adventures. There will be some long, hot days, but what other job lets you play games, tie-dye, and make s’mores all while forever changing the life of a child?
We provide training, certifications, leadership opportunities, and fun! Camp Tapawingo staff are provided room and board all summer. You’ll gain leadership experience, lifelong friends, problem-solving skills, confidence, and be part of a great team of leaders guiding young women to success. Think you’re up to the challenge of changing lives? Find more information below.
The Camp Experience
Our camps are all located in beautiful, rustic locations, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. We love being in the great outdoors and most camp activities take place outside. As such, camp staff get to experience a wide range of Midwestern weather - from hot and humid to chilly and rainy, we embrace the experience of being outdoors!
Our camps are technology free. We believe it’s important for campers to have this experience to connect with the people and natural world around them, and also gain independence. As good role models, this means no cellphones, tablets, laptops, or any other electronic devices around our campers.
Room and board is provided at Camp Tapawingo. Housing is rustic, and you may be sleeping in an open-air platform tent for much of the summer.
All three meals are provided at Camp Tapawingo, staff at Camp Widjiwagan and Camp Kiwanis are expected to bring a sack lunch each day. Meals are typically similar to school lunches and are served family-style in our dining halls. Staff will also have a designated staff area where you can spend your breaks. Camps are equipped with Wi-Fi to use during your breaks as well.
Our campers are our number one priority, and you will be spending just about all of your time with children! Our campers come from diverse backgrounds and primarily from Central Illinois. They come to camp looking to make friends and re-connect with old ones, take on new challenges, and escape from the pressures and distractions of the real world. It can take a lot of energy to keep up with their enthusiasm. A willingness to be goofy and silly while also connecting with each individual camper is a must!
Your fellow counselors are one of the greatest parts of the job. We come from different places and traditions and join together for one purpose: to enhance the lives of girls. Some staff members quietly attend to the details while others are the entertainers of the world. Although your fellow camp staff may be new to you at the beginning of the summer, you will be lifelong friends at the close of the season.
Testimonials:
Our staff have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, Peace Corps members, camp directors and more. No matter your desired career path, camp helps develop skills that you need to succeed.
- The best part of working at summer camp was meeting new faces every week and getting the opportunity to build a long lasting relationship with the campers and staff.
- I enjoyed getting to interact with the girls in both silly moments, serious moments, learning experiences, and fun experiences.
- I had experiences I would not have had at a normal job such as archery, canoeing, etc. and working with such an incredible staff.
Locations
Camp Kiwanis, Mahomet, IL
Kiwanis is a wooded camp just outside of Champaign adjacent to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. Campers enjoy games, songs, the arts, and discovering the world around them. Also, campers have the opportunity to canoe and shoot archery. Day camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with two weekend events during the summer. Contact Kelsey Parker for more information: kparker@girlscouts-gsci.org.
Camp Tapawingo, Metamora, IL
Camp Tap is a 640-acre property filled with wooded trails. A herd of horses makes its home here. Campers also enjoy developing leadership skills on the team’s challenge course, splashing around in the pool, taking aim on the archery range, or exploring the camps vast acreage on hikes or backpacking overnight. Because this is a resident (overnight) camp, most staff positions are required to stay at camp overnight; Sunday through Friday. Two hours of rest time are given every day. Contact Sarah Roberts for more information at sroberts@girlscouts-gsci.org.
Camp Widjiwagan, Springfield, IL
Camp Widji is located on the shores of Lake Springfield and offers an in-ground swimming pool, wooded trails, archery range, and challenge course. Day camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with two weekend events during the summer. Contact Serena Selinfreund selinfreund@girlscouts-gsci.org
Camp Positions
This is a sampling of summer camp positions.
Assistant Camp Director: Camp Kiwanis, Camp Tapawingo, and Camp Widjiwagan
Minimum age requirement: 21
Responsible for planning, implementation, and direction of camp programs in arts, outdoor education, games, and ceremonies. Assists the Camp Director in overall management of camp operations including supervision and training of camp staff. Must have college credit, successful experience in group leadership and camp programs, ability to identify and respond to hazards, and possess a valid driver’s license.
Camp Counselor: Camp Kiwanis, Camp Tapawingo, and Camp Widjiwagan
Minimum age requirement: 18
Work cooperatively with the Unit Leader or Camp Director to assist in camp operation. Supervise camper behavior, plan and conduct program activities. Must be able to identify and respond to hazards, assist campers in emergencies, and teach and promote respect for others. Full and part time available at Camp Kiwanis and Camp Widjiwagan.
Unit Leader: Camp Tapawingo
Preferred Age Requirement: 21. Younger staff with significant camp and leadership experience may be considered.
This position will direct the operations of the camp unit and its programs to reflect the goals of the Girl Scout organization. The Unit Leader must be able to supervise unit staff; observe and effectively manage camper behavior; identify and respond to hazards; plan and conduct program activities; assist campers in emergencies; teach and promote respect for others, valuing and understanding the differences and similarities of campers and staff; and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of staff and campers.
Waterfront Director: Camp Tapawingo and Camp Widjiwagan
Minimum age requirement: 21
The Waterfront Director will organize and administer activities at the waterfront and pool consistent with Girl Scout and American Camp Association standards. The Waterfront Director will direct and supervise waterfront and unit staff. This role also serves on the administrative staff team and will assist the Camp Director and Program Director in overall management of camp operations as assigned. Must have college credit, successful experience in group leadership and camp programs, aquatics experience, ability to identify and respond to hazards, and possess a valid driver’s license, and aquatics certifications or equivalent documented experience.
Food Service Manager: Camp Tapawingo and Camp Widjiwagan
Minimum age requirement: 21
Supervise and train food service personnel. Plan nutritious weekly menus. Order and store food properly. Work with camp director to stay within budget. Communicate effectively with kitchen, unit, and administrative staff. Must have or be willing to obtain a Food Service Manager certification (assistance obtaining this certification may be available.)
Cook/Assistant Cook: Camp Tapawingo and Camp Widjiwagan
Minimum age requirement: 16
Responsible for food preparation and sanitation practices. Work with support staff to plan/prepare meals. Current Food Handler certificate required.
Healthcare Manager: Camp Tapawingo
Minimum age requirement: 21
Responsible for the general health and safety of campers and staff. Maintain camp infirmary and administer medications and first aid care. Review health histories and keep accurate and detailed records. Serve as parent liaison for communication regarding campers. Must possess current (or be in training for) Community First Aid/CPR certification, EMT certification, LPN or RN.
Horseback Riding Assistant: Camp Tapawingo
Minimum age requirement: 18
You will be a camp counselor for an equestrian unit each week. You will fulfill all the responsibilities of a camp counselor and assist the Horseback Riding Director in organizing and conducting horseback riding activities.
Ready to apply? Click here to fill complete an application today!
