We’re looking for the best staff for Summer 2023!

If you love working with kids, being outdoors, and have a passion for inclusion, then working at camp with Keshet may be the perfect fit for you! We are looking for kind, compassionate, and energetic staff to work at our own camp programs as well as our partnership day camps in the Chicagoland area and overnight camps in Wisconsin.

Ask about our increased salaries for camp counselors! Earn more while making a difference in a child’s life.

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Our staff say the best parts of their jobs are...

Making an impact

At camp, our staff have the ability to make a difference in the lives of our campers in creating meaningful activities and opportunities within the camping experience. When our campers succeed, we, as staff, feel just as accomplished.

Promoting inclusion

Our mission of inclusion and belonging certainly extends to our camp programs. Counselors provide just the right amount of support and encouragement for campers to feel independent, build social connections, explore new activities and experience the joy of summer.

Gaining valuable skills

Leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence are just some of the many skills that our staff gain from working at camp. Many of our staff grow so passionate about the work they do at camp that they choose to pursue a career path that allow them to further their skillset in this area.

Available positions for 2023

Keshet Day Camp Counselors act as a primary staff member for campers who need additional support. Counselors are paired with 1 or 2 campers with special needs alongside a camp group. Counselors are expected to look out for each camper’s health, safety and happiness while integrating into camp life. If applicable, day camp staff will ride the bus and attend before/after care with their assigned camper. Counselors will be matched at the program location and child that will be the best fit for them. Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years old or going into your junior year of high school to apply.  

We recently increased salaries for day camp counselors! You can earn more while making a difference in a child’s life. 

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Keshet Overnight Camp Counselors act as a primary staff member for campers who need additional support. Counselors are paired with 1 or 2 campers with special needs. Counselors are expected to look out for each camper’s health, safety and happiness while integrating into overnight camp life. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old or going into your senior year of high school to apply. 

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Keshet Head Counselors are staff who serve as resources for other staff in trouble-shooting and problem-solving while still working as a counselor. To be considered for a head counselor, staff need to be returning to Keshet and have successfully demonstrated the ability to work with multiple campers and behaviors. 

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Site Assistants require previous work in special education and/or camping. A Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, special education, psychology or a related field preferred. Duties include assisting site director in planning, scheduling, camper management and staff supervision. Must be a returner to Keshet or have previous managerial experience in a related field, and be at least 21 years old to apply.

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Site Directors are the head supervisory staff at their sites. Directors report directly to Keshet Program Managers and work with Camp Directors and its leadership team. Pre summer planning and work is required and is compensated within the position. Directors must have previous supervision experience, work experience in camping and/or special education. A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field is required. Must be a returner to Keshet or have previous managerial experience in a related field, be at least 21 years old and have a college degree to apply.

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Para-Educators work at our Extended School Year Program (ESY) as well as our Teen and Tween Day camp program at Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Must be a minimum of 19 years old and be eligible for an ISBE Paraprofessional License to apply for this position. 

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We provide all of the training you'll need

We provide all of the training you'll need

Keshet partners with each respective camp to create a week-long staff training prior to camp beginning. These trainings teach staff the ins and outs of their campsite, best equip them to handle various challenges with their campers, and instill strategies to help foster inclusion and community throughout the summer. Our training week ensures that our staff are comfortable and well prepared for the summer ahead.

Programs, locations & dates

Programs, locations & dates

Keshet serves camp programs in several areas across Chicagoland such as the City of Chicago, Evanston, Northbrook, Wheeling, and Lake Zurich, as well as overnight camps in Wisconsin. Staff training dates vary based upon the campsite but could range anytime between June 5th and June 19th. Keshet also holds a mandatory all-camp kickoff staff training before camp begins. Camp dates range anywhere from six to eight weeks following staff training and will conclude in early to mid-August. Our Keshet team will help match your campsite based on its location and your date availability.

Questions? Contact us.

Please contact us with any questions about the available positions and locations.

Day Camp: Drew McNamara at dmcnamara@keshet.org or 630.566.9859
Overnight Camp: Polly Cheeseman at pcheeseman@keshet.org or 630.566.9391

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Build connections and create lifelong memories with Keshet!

Read the Keshet Chronicles

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Keshet Earns A Big Award

For over thirty years, Keshet’s camp programs have been the model of inclusion, accessibility and belonging. We’re thrilled to announce that three of Keshet’s camps have earned the highest level of accreditation from the National Inclusion Project, an honor that only a small group of programs around the country have received. NIP has designated Keshet as a leader and change maker in inclusive recreation, going above and beyond to ensure that inclusion is indeed the expectation, not the exception, for all campers.

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5 Tips to Prepare Your Camper for Day Camp

Camp is just around the corner! We know that camp can be an adjustment for all kids and parents. We want to equip campers and parents with some tips that can best set them up for success at camp this summer.

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The only thing better than waffles are rainbow waffles! Check out the recipe and follow along to make your own waffle.

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