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Work At Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago

counselor with 2 campers

Work At Camp

We are on the lookout for talented Camp Staff who are looking to develop career-building skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving and relationship management abilities. Our counselors and staff can join us from all over the Chicagoland area – many ride the bus with our campers each day.

If you are looking for a way to create exciting experiences and heartwarming memories that last a lifetime, gain valuable career-building skills and be able to spend your summer with 100 new best friends, Sunrise Day-Camp Chicago is the place for you!

Staff Positions

Camp Counselor

Camp Counselors have a direct impact on the campers’ experiences each and every day! Along with your Co-Counselor, you will be responsible for your own group of campers, leading activities and building relationships within your group. Great Counselors are patient and love having fun and leading games with children in their assigned age group.

Inclusion Camp Counselor

Inclusion Camp Counselors will work closely with our leadership team to ensure campers needing additional services are provided with appropriate support for an amazing summer camp experience. You’ll support the direct needs of 1 or 2 campers within the camp group and will create a culture of welcoming and inclusion for people of all abilities.

Unit Head

Responsible for supervising a camper age group, including developing and coordinating activities, themes, and schedules for the Unit while coaching Counselors through camper behavior challenges. Unit Heads work closely with the Camp Director, Specialists, and Counselors to coordinate Unit programming and activities.

Community Care

Experienced Social Workers supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of all campers and being knowledgeable resources for counselors.

Day Camp Nurse

Responsible for providing first aid care to campers and staff, administering medications to campers and staff, and documentation.

Wellness Center Coordinator

Responsible for coordinating nursing staff, ordering supplies, record keeping and reviewing medical forms to medically clear campers and staff for camp. Reviewing camper’s immunization forms prior to the start of camp, training staff on how to support campers with allergies and special medical needs and facilitating parent communication.

Benefits of Working at Camp

Why Camp

It’s our staff who build the foundation for our community. By cultivating cooperation, kindness and friendship, our staff become known to their campers as friends and mentors. Spend your summer having fun and being outside, and most importantly, helping to develop our future.

Employee References

Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago is pleased to offer all employees a recommendation letter upon your performance at the end of your successful completion of the summer.

Networking

Working at camp provides you with networking opportunities during the summer and beyond.

Lifelong Impact

By working at camp, you are providing and receiving lifelong connections and relationships. You are able to make a difference in the community by providing a life transforming experience for children.

Lifelong Skill Development

Learn leadership and personal skills that will help you every step of the way during your professional journey. By working at camp, you will enhance your skills in communication, problem solving, relationship building and time management, along with many others. During the summer, customized individual development and growth opportunities will also be available.

Volunteer Opportunities

As an employee, you will have the opportunity to engage in many volunteer opportunities at the JCC both in the summer and year-round. JCC Chicago and Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago also participate in many social service opportunities and other social impact projects throughout the year.

What to Expect

A typical camp day starts at 8:30am and ends at 3:45pm. Other opportunities exist for bus counselors and before and after care staff.

Additional Work Opportunities

Working at camp will open the door to many other job opportunities at the JCC. Some of these include lifeguarding, childcare, administrative jobs and full-time work opportunities. By successfully completing your summer agreement with Sunrise Day-Camp Chicago, you are eligible for future leadership positions within the program.

Leaders of Tomorrow

Many camp staff go on to become leaders in their field of choice. When reflecting back, they share that it all began with their camp experience. Internal growth opportunities are available year after year.

Access to JCC Chicago

As Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago is a JCC Chicago program, you are able to access our fitness centers at the Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook and the Bernard Horwich JCC in West Rogers Park. Both JCCs feature an indoor pool, gymnasium and workout facilities, plus you have access to numerous fitness classes each week.

Camp Location & Dates

23280 N. Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Staff Orientation Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 6, 2025