Day Camp Counselors

Duties: Under the supervision of the Out of School Programs & Camp Manager, the Day Camp Counselor is responsible for the following:

• Assisting in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers, their activities, and their daily needs.
• Leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
• Applying basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
• Monitoring and assisting in the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Being alert to campers and staff's needs and assisting them as needed; discussing problems with camp supervisors and/or camp director when appropriate.
• Being alert to equipment and facilities to ensure proper care and utilization; reporting needs promptly to the camp director.
• Providing supervision for campers while being transported to and from, and during field trips off of camp property.
• Monitoring the safety of campers and staff at all times, in all locations.
• Providing parents and supervisors with appropriate written and/or verbal feedback and information as needed for campers to have a successful camp experience.
• Positively representing the camp when interacting with parents or community members.
• Upholding American Camp Association standards.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed; supporting all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Performing all other duties as required.

*Average hours/week during the summer camp season

Essential Functions:

• Attend mandatory all-staff trainings on May 12, 13, and 14 from 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Attend additional mandatory, site-specific, camp trainings based on location.
• Counselors may be asked to use fire protection equipment, popcorn popper, outdoor fire circle, microwave, or specialty program of equipment (depending on the age of staff)
• Physical requirements could include endurance for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, swimming, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment for camp activities. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid or emergency evacuation. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

The Peoria Park District will host day camps at multiple locations this summer. During the interview process, applicants will be matched with a location based on personal preference, skill, and availability. Please note your preferred location on your application.

All camps are open for campers from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Exact working shifts will vary between locations. No camp on 6/19/26 and 7/3/26.

The 2026 Day Camps are as follows:

• Proctor Recreation Center Day Camp
• Lakeview Recreation Center Day Camp
• Ancient Oaks Day Camp at Sommer Farm
• RiverPlex Day Camp at the RiverPlex Wellness Center

Please see below for more details on each location.

PROCTOR CENTER SUMMER DAY CAMP

8-Week Long Sessions – 6/6/26-7/24/26 – ages – 65 campers per week

309 S. DuSable St., Peoria, IL 61605

Proctor Recreation Center has many amenities used daily during summer camp. We have two indoor gyms, a large playground, a baseball diamond and two full basketball courts outside. Proctor Center Summer camp offers out-of-the-box summer activities and enrichment. Summer enrichment includes but is not limited to STEAM based lessons in the morning and activities such as arts & crafts, sports recreation and swimming in the afternoon. Proctor Center Summer Camp offers weekly fieldtrips for all participating campers. Counselors will lead children in arts and crafts, fitness activities, educational experiments, sports games, team building, and other various fun and safe activities, each week following a different theme. This location will also run a Counselor In Training program for campers ages 14-15.

Mandatory Proctor staff training: 5/19, 5/20, 5/21, 5/22 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mandatory All staff training: 5/12, 5/13, 5/14  4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

LAKEVIEW SUMMER DAY CAMP

11-Week Long Sessions 5/26/26-8/7/26 – ages 5-13 – 80 campers per week

1013 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614

At Lakeview Day Camp counselors lead campers through a variety of classic camp activities. Located in Lakeview Park with access to the entire recreation center, there's no shortage of fun Inside boasts 2 large gyms, a dance studio, and plenty of classroom space. Here campers can play gaga ball, sports, arts and crafts, talent shows, 9 square in the air, archery, laser tag, STEAM activities and other indoor games. Outside are large fields for group games, water activities, scavenger hunts, a playground, splash pad, and open space to explore. Counselors are encouraged to create and suggest their own activities and adapt things to fit their group of campers. Each week will have a different theme for activities to follow. Campers will take occasional field trips to fun local attractions and swimming, and will have special guests visit camp for activities. This location will also run a Counselor In Training program for campers ages 14-15.

Mandatory Lakeview staff training: 5/18, 5/19, 5/20 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Mandatory All staff training: 5/12, 5/13, 5/14  4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ANCIENT OAKS DAY CAMP AT SOMMER FARM

11-Week Long Sessions 5/26/26-8/7/26 – ages 5-13 – 80 campers per week

6329 N. Koerner Rd., Edwards, IL 61528

Ancient Oaks Day Camp is located at Sommer Farm in northwest Peoria. As an outdoor environmental camp, campers utilize 320 acres of woods, grassland, ponds & open prairie. This space offers the opportunity to have archery, canoeing, crafts, field games, field trips, fishing, Friday hotdog roast & singing tree, gaga ball, hammock village, hiking, nine square in the air, playground, and tether ball. Counselors should enjoy the outdoors (camp is outside in covered shelters), like to hike, have skill to create weekly camp schedules following themes, and the ability to be outside in different weather conditions. Opportunity to work as a lifeguard at canoes is also available. This location will also run a Counselor In Training program for campers ages 14-15.

Mandatory AODC staff training: 5/18, 5/19, 5/20, 5/21  4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Mandatory All staff training: 5/12, 5/13, 5/14  4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

RIVERPLEX SUMMER DAY CAMP

10-Week Long Sessions 5/26/26-7/31/26 – ages 5-13 – 60 campers per week

600 N.E. Water St., Peoria, IL 61603

At Riverplex Day Camp counselors will lead campers through a variety of classic camp activities. Utilizing the large indoor gym and the scenic riverfront, campers will split their time both indoors and outdoors. Inside they will play gaga ball, sports, arts and crafts, STEAM activities, board games, 9 square in the air, laser tag, archery, swimming, rock climbing, talent shows, and other traditional recreation activities. Outside they have large fields to play kickball, relay races, water activities, other group games, sand volleyball courts, and hiking trails to explore along the river. Counselors are encouraged to create and implement their own activities and adapt things to fit their group of campers. Each week will have a different theme for activities to follow. Campers will occasionally take field trips to fun local attractions, as well as have special guests bring activities to camp.

Mandatory RiverPlex staff training: 5/18, 5/19, 5/20 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Mandatory All staff training: 5/12, 5/13, 5/14 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Education: Minimum of two years of high school. Coursework in child development, education, psychology, science, recreation, sociology, physical education, or other related subjects is a plus.

Certification: Ability to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR  (free certification available at Peoria Park District upon hiring).

Experience: Previous camp, child care, or recreation experience preferred. Must be 16 years of age or older.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Must be caring, enthusiastic and have a legitimate enjoyment of working with children.
• Understanding of the developmental needs of youth.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work harmoniously with the public and other staff members, including adults and youth.
• Ability to lead or assist in facilitating games and programming. Training in program areas will be provided.
• Ability to observe camper behaviors, assess their appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.