Summer Camp Assistant Director - Chicago - West Loop, IL

Job Details · Location: 1340 West Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607 ·   · Camp Dates: 6/8/2026 (Mon) - 8/7/2026 (Fri) -- (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date) ·   · Camp Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (actual shifts will vary) ·   · Hour ...

Job description

Job Details

Location: 1340 West Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607
  Camp Dates: 6/8/2026 (Mon) - 8/7/2026 (Fri) -- (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date)
  Camp Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (actual shifts will vary)
  Hourly Wage: The hourly rate for this position is $ $22.50 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Steve & Kate's Camp in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening.  Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on experience and other relevant business or organizational factors.

At Steve & Kate's, we put radical trust in kids so that they learn to trust themselves. Campers choose minute-to-minute how to spend their time because making decisions today helps to build the self-confidence they'll need to wrangle unknowns tomorrow. We value empowering our staff to be their whole authentic selves because everyone in our community needs to feel included  Sound like something you can get behind? If so, we're looking for team members who are motivated babysitters, teachers, coaches, students, athletes, artists, and anyone ready to play hard and be goofy. As a Steve & Kate's staff member, you'll sharpen your inherent leadership skills, learn some new ones, and collaborate with interesting people, all while immersing yourself in creativity and play.

The job in a nutshell is to help run all facets of a self-directed camp.

While working alongside one of our Directors responsible for leading each camp, you'll build relationships with hundreds of parents and children, helping them overcome fears, discover passions, and generally find their groove at Steve & Kate's.  You'll help train, lead, and inspire a team, and you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of your site to keep things running smoothly and safely. There will likely be times throughout the day when you will manage camp operations without your Director on site, including opening or closing the location.  We view this role as a training ground and pipeline for directors, so if you're interested in a career at Steve & Kate's, this is a great way to gain valuable experience and get your foot in the door. 

How do you know if you're the right candidate? If you answer yes to all of the questions below, definitely apply: 

• Do you appreciate and agree with our self-directed approach for kids?
• Would sparking up conversations with staff, campers, and parents fit in your comfort zone? If it is out of your comfort zone are you willing to grow in this area? How would you feel about having challenging conversations and sometimes sensitive interactions with families?
• Are you the type of person who can't rest until you've done everything possible to make someone feel cared for? Like, if someone you knew was in need, would you do more than send them a "thinking of you" text?
• Can you multitask like you're a Hollywood power agent all while keeping calm, level headed and nice? 
• Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4–12 year old's bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press the equivalent of a kindergartner (just kidding --- can you lift up to 30 pounds. 
• Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even from a 3rd grader in the sewing studio)? 

Job Responsibilities

Staff members will be responsible for facilitating activities, making connections, and monitoring safety and wellness.  Some staff members will create and/or oversee activity spaces in which campers will self-select activities, while other staff will work in rotating support roles throughout camp.  The best way to find out what your specific responsibilities would be is to speak with your local director, but activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, maker space, performing arts, arts and crafts, lounging, recreation, and so much more

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Actively supervising campers
• Maintaining an organized and approachable activity space
• Ensure compliance with Camp Policies
• Reporting & Recording details of notable concerns or incidents, and of injuries to campers, other staff members, or self
• Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions
• adding daily updates and photos to campers' profiles

How do you know if you're the right candidate? 

• Does the idea of guiding kids while they make decisions for themselves excite you?
• Are you calm under pressure and able to calm those around you?
• Are you comfortable leading groups of kids on your own while still collaborating with a team?
• Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 year old's bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press a kindergartener (just kidding -- can you lift up to 40 pounds)?
• Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even if a third grade is doing the teaching)?

Job Requirements
 

• At least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 2 months of experience working in a Camp, or 1 year in an Education or Child Care setting is required
• By applying and accepting an offer, you are giving Steve & Kate's permission to email or text you
• You may be asked to chaperone campers on an off-site Field Trip where locations demand

Additional Job Requirements

• Past Management or Leadership experience is preferred
• On-site Management at Camp can be physically demanding, with extended periods of time on your feet, outside and occasional activity requiring physical exertion
• One of the following is preferred:
  • Meets local Camp Director qualifications, or
  • Is a previous Steve & Kate's Camp employee

  Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Steve & Kate's Camp, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in a schooled-aged camp setting to provide supervision, care, program delivery, and services per Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Steve & Kate's Camp's care and the employee. 

Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons comply with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. The full set of physical requirements for this role are as follows:

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
• Organize and maintain clean and accessible activity spaces.
• Assist in camp set-up and breakdown during move-in and out weekends.
• Stand for long periods while supervising children and facilitating activities.
• Participate in athletic games.

Benefits:

• Where local regulations mandate, this position is eligible for sick time.

Deadline to Apply: This posting is anticipated to remain open until April 15,