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 Apachi Day Camp 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.

Key Essential Job Duties
  • Help modify and adapt activities so campers receiving inclusion support can participate.

  • Provide a supportive and nurturing environment to build a partnership with camper(s).

  • Supervise and participate in various activities, games, and crafts for campers.

  • Assist with daily set up and take down of materials.

  • Come to camp each day with a positive attitude and set the tone for campers.

  • Keep the Inclusion Unit Head informed of any camper issues.

  • Review and implement Individualized Camper Plans.

  • Maintain documentation on successes and challenges of the camper to help facilitate correspondence with families.

  • Attend staff orientations and meetings.

  • Lift/move children up to 40 lbs.

  • Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.

  • Ability to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, calculator and standard office equipment.

  • Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard and mouse.

  • Vision: must be able to distinguish between colors, shades and brightness with ability to focus.

  • Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.

  • Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.

  • React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.

 

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.

Key Essential Job Duties:
  • Able to lift/move children up to 45 lbs.
  • Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
  • Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
  • Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
  • Ability to assist getting children on and off the bus and or cars.
  • Able to ride on bus for a field trip and or bus route.
  • Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children ages 3 – 12 years old.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
  • Actively participate with children during games including running & climbing.
  • Be in a swimming pool up to one hour, observing and supervising children in the water.
  • Move around with children at their pace and be actively involved with children rather than just watching them.
  • Supervise children, keeping them in sight and sound at all times.
  • Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Prevent, circumvent, and deal with problem behaviors appropriately and effectively.
  • Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.
  • Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.
  • Ability to run up to 100 yards (in the case of a emergency).
  • Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program.

 

Inclusion Unit Head

The Inclusion Unit Head will work closely with Apachi Day Camp leadership and families to ensure campers needing additional services are provided with appropriate support for an amazing summer camp experience. The Inclusion Unit Head will evaluate, plan, implement, and oversee new and continuing inclusion activities and programs as it relates to specific campers, and they’ll create a culture of welcoming and inclusion for people of all abilities.

Key Essential Job Duties
  • Assist the Inclusion manager in developing and implementing inclusive approaches for the camp environment.
  • Train and supervise Inclusion Camp Counselors.
  • Maintain ongoing contact with families receiving inclusion support.
  • Serve as a resource to Inclusion Camp Counselors to modify and adapt activities so all campers can participate.
  • Assist with preparing the camp environment and setting up needed materials and supplies.
  • Implement Individualized Camper Plans and update goals as needed.
  • Partner with Inclusion Manager and Day Camp Directors to support campers and families.
  • Communicate with families to keep them updated and informed about their child’s successes and challenges.
  • Lift/move children up to 40 lbs.
  • Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
  • Ability to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, calculator and standard office equipment.
  • Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard and mouse.
  • Vision: must be able to distinguish between colors, shades and brightness with ability to focus.
  • Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
  • Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
  • React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.

 

Program Director

Energetic, organized individuals who develop camp programming for theme days, self-led activities and more.

 

Specialist

Specialists are responsible for planning a customized curriculum of activities across all camper age groups. Specialists facilitate activities with campers and Counselors throughout the summer. Art Specialist, Music Specialist, and Sports Specialists are common – please contact your camp to see what Specialist positions are available this summer!

Adventure Tree Specialist (‘Z’ Frank Apachi): Supervise the Adventure Tree program, maintaining equipment, daily set up and take down, safety checks and teaching safety and climbing procedures to campers and staff. Must be 21 yrs. old without a fear of heights; we provide the one week of intensive training required for this position!

Archery Specialist: An experienced archer to help create and implement camp’s archery program. The archery specialist will track scores, maintain equipment, and assure the safety of participants.

Art Specialists: Create and implement a dynamic hands-on arts curriculum.

Baseball Specialist: To implement the baseball program. Must be able to teach and demonstrate all baseball skills such as: pitching, batting, catching, fielding, etc.

Chess Specialist: An experienced chess player to lead the chess activity at camp. They must know and be able to teach different game strategies to players with a wide range of skills.

Climbing Wall/Ropes Course Specialists: Outdoor adventure enthusiasts help campers build skills and self-confidence through wall climbing and small ropes course challenges.

Collaborative Art Specialist: Designs and coordinates the summer’s collaborative art project. Multiple groups of campers will have their designated time each week to get their hands on what will be an amazing, multiweek, collaborative project.

Cooking Specialist: Instruct campers in engaging, simple cooking sessions.

Dance Specialists: Teach campers a variety of cool, hip, fun methods including modern hip hop, jazz and movement!

Drama Specialists: Talented professionals develop curriculum focusing on improvisation games, movement, and storytelling.

Garoon Gateway to Science Educator (Elaine Frank Apachi): On this beautiful 2-acre hands-on experiential science park, the Science Educator will lead activities for campers, care for and feed the reptiles in the biodiversity area and oversee Garoon’s daily operations.

Gymnastics Specialists: Oversee the implementation of the gymnastics program. Must have club experience and feel comfortable teaching and demonstrating skills as needed.

High Ropes and Team Building Specialist: Supervise the High Ropes Adventure and Team Building program, belay campers and teach safety and climbing procedures to campers and staff. Training provided.

Music Specialist: Talented professionals who help prepare campers for their end of summer performance by teaching music and singing.

Outdoor Adventure Specialist: Enthusiastic person who loves nature, slacklining and outdoor skills.

Science Specialist: Leader who develops projects and experiments that provoke interest and excitement in the spirit of camp.

Song Leaders: Bring passion and music into everyday camp life leading all-camp song sessions, small-group singing and spirit-building activities.

Sports Specialists: Plan and lead fun and engaging activities in a variety of sports (basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, Flag Football, Gaga, etc.) with a focus on skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Team Building Specialist: Dynamic, energetic, and creative individuals who run interactive games to build community and promote collaboration within the various age groups at camp.

Yoga Specialists: Plan and lead a fun Yoga program that get our campers moving and stretching in all kinds of cool ways.

Key Essential Job Duties:
  • Lift/move children up to 45 lbs.
  • Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
  • Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
  • Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
  • Ability to assist getting children on and off the bus and or cars.
  • Able to ride on bus for a field trip and or bus route.
  • Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children ages 3 – 12 years old.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
  • Actively participate with children during games including running & climbing.
  • Be in a swimming pool up to one hour, observing and supervising children in the water.
  • Move around with children at their pace and be actively involved with children rather than just watching them.
  • Supervise children, keeping them in sight and sound at all times.
  • Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Prevent, circumvent, and deal with problem behaviors appropriately and effectively.
  • Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.
  • Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.
  • Ability to run up to 100 yards (in the case of a emergency).
  • Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program.

 

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, 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.

Responsibilities
  • Reviewing all campers medical and immunization forms prior to camp.
  • Working with administrative staff and parents on campers with medical alerts.
  • Providing basic training to staff for campers with allergies and special medical needs.
  • Dispensing medicine and recording appropriately.
  • Taking care of minor injuries.
  • Logging camper visit
  • Facilitating parent phone calls and ensuring follow up.

 

Key Essential Job Duties
  • Lift/move children up to 45 lbs.
  • Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
  • Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
  • Stand for long periods of time and be able to actively engage physically with children.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
  • Supervise children, keeping them in sight and sound at all times.
  • Know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Prevent, circumvent, and deal with problem behaviors appropriately and effectively.
  • Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.
  • Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.
  • Ability to run up to 100 yards (in the case of an emergency).

 

Requirements

Nursing degree and certification with previous experience working with children required; school nursing background preferred; ability to work well with children, parents, and staff; excellent communication skills; must be flexible and able to multitask!

 

Office Administration

Friendly, organized individual. Answers phone calls, prints and distributes materials, helps organize camper list and manages daily operations. Responsible for kind, helpful and knowledgeable communication with camp families.

 

Aquatics Staff – Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Pool Manager

Several of our camp locations have indoor or outdoor pools and are looking for Lifeguards, Pool Managers, and other aquatics-related positions. Please contact your camp to see what aquatics positions are available this summer!

Key Essential Job Duties:
  • Ability to lift/move children up to 40 lbs.
  • Physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day (up to 4 hours/day in pool).
  • Must also be able to hold and/or support children in chest deep water.
  • Ability to lift children and adults out of the pool in an emergency situation.
  • Ability to move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children in and out of the swimming pool.
  • Ability to react with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations (jump into the pool to rescue anyone that need assistance; small child(ren) to adults weighing more than 200 pounds using proper rescue equipment).
  • Must be able to rotate head side to side to scan the pool while lifeguarding and be physically and mentally alert in emergency situations including rotating head to side to side.
  • Ability to use of hands and arms for grasping, pulling, pushing and sliding aquatic chairs, pool stairs and PVC benches both in and out of the water.
  • Ability to demonstrate, motivate and communicate a swim skill in the water and swim 50 yards.
  • Ability to use a loud voice during swim lessons and supervise children and adults around and in the pool by sight and sound.
  • Ability to set up and take down the pool each day (includes putting in/ removing stairs into the pool, placing lane lines in the pool by bending down and wrenching them in).

Other positions may be available as well! Please contact your preferred camp location and see what is available for the summer. Hope to see you at Apachi!

Lewis at Camp – Summer Internship Program 2025

We are on the lookout for talented individuals who will make our Apachi Day Camps feel like one in a million! If you are looking for a way to create exciting experiences and heartwarming memories that last a lifetime while gaining valuable professional development and career readiness experiences this is the program for you!

In partnership with the Jewish United Fund (JUF), all interns participating in the Lewis at Camp – Summer Internship program will attend a 2.5 hours in-person professional development seminar on a scheduled basis. Interns will complete 4 of these professional development seminars during the course of the summer and will have the opportunity to learn more about the professional world, with tips and tricks for success after graduation.

All applicants must be an undergraduate student who has completed their freshman year of undergraduate studies and above, or a graduate student currently enrolled in their program. In order to be selected you must meet the specific requirements of the specific internship position.

See below for the internship opportunities offered for summer 2025!

 

Marketing Intern

With oversight from JCC Chicago’s Marketing team, our marketing intern will bring the vibrant spirit of Apachi Day Camp to life. You’ll craft engaging social media content and capture memorable moments, ensuring our camp community stays connected year-round. The marketing intern will balance daily tasks on-site at camp with larger assignments that contribute to JCC Chicago’s broader strategic goals. This role offers hands-on experience in content creation and digital marketing, perfect for a creative and passionate storyteller eager to showcase the Apachi experience to families.

Marketing Intern Details

 

Community Care Intern

At JCC Chicago our Community Care team is comprised of licensed mental health professionals and special educators who provide ongoing social and emotional support for our campers and staff. Under the guidance of the Community Care lead, the Community Care Intern will help identify children experiencing challenging emotions or behaviors and create age-appropriate interventions to support them in the camp environment. The Community Care Intern will provide ongoing resources to staff on topics that are related to child development and the social-emotional needs of children.

Community Care Intern Details

 

Recreations & Programming Intern

JCC Chicago is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Recreations & Programming Intern to join our team and help create unforgettable experiences for our campers. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in day camp programming, working closely with the camp team to develop and execute engaging activities and special events. As an intern, you will be an integral part of the programming team, supporting the coordination and implementation of both daily camp activities and large-scale camp events. This position is perfect for individuals passionate about working with children, event planning, and developing strong organizational and communication skills.

Recreations & Programming Intern Details

 

NEW – Inclusion Internship

This enriching experience offers invaluable insights into the field of special education and a positive impact inclusion has on the lives of children with disabilities. Join us to grow as a professional outside of the classroom as you gain invaluable knowledge and skills, as well as heartwarming memories! Our inclusion leadership team is comprised of educators in special education and mental health professionals. The inclusion intern will collaborate with inclusion leadership team to ensure campers with disabilities, including but not limited to; cerebral palsy, autism, visual or hearing impairment, Down Syndrome, and Williams Syndrome, are provided with the accommodations or modifications needed for an amazing summer camp experience. The intern will evaluate, plan, implement, and oversee new and continuing inclusion interventions as it relates to specific campers.

Inclusion Internship Details

 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Brad Spradlin, Coordinator of Internship Programs at internships@jccchicago.org.

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

Apachi Day Camp 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 Apachi Day Camp provides you with networking opportunities during the summer and beyond. Network with other Apachi Day Camp staff at the school you attend, Apachi alumni where you live, professional connections from camp, JCC staff and relationships with camp families.

JCC Network

Opportunities to connect and work with other JCCs throughout the country.

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 Apachi Day Camp 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, child care, administrative jobs and full time work opportunities. By successfully completing your summer agreement with Apachi Day Camp, 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 an employee of JCC Chicago, 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 work out facilities, plus you have access to the numerous fitness classes each week.

Elaine Frank Apachi

Lake County JCC in Lake Zurich
Staff Orientation Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 8, 2025
Apply

‘Z’ Frank Apachi

3050 Woodridge Ln., Northbrook
Staff Orientation Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 8, 2025
Apply

Apachi Village Northbrook

Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook
Staff Orientation Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 8, 2025
Apply

Apachi Evanston

St. Joan of Arc & Walker Elementary School
Staff Orientation Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 1, 2025
Apply

Apachi Northside

Northside College Prep
Staff Orientation Dates: June 8–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 1, 2025
Apply

Apachi Old Town

Walter Payton College Prep
Staff Orientation Dates: June 8–13, 2025
Camp Dates: June 16–August 1, 2025
Apply

Refer Staff and Receive a Bonus!

Share your love for working at Apachi Day Camp! As a thank you for telling your friends about the Best Place Under the Sun, you’ll receive $75 for each friend you refer that works the full summer.

Interviews Tips and Tricks

  • Review the Job Description and Key Essential Job Duties prior to your interview.
  • Practice your answers to common interview questions.
  • Choose a professional background.
  • Find a brightly lit room.
  • Pick a quiet space (away from other people in your household).
  • Use a charged laptop or computer.
  • Maintain eye-level with your screen and arms-length from the camera for engaging conversation.
  • Wear professional attire.
  • Use appropriate body language.
  • Ask your interviewer questions.
  • Be right on time (early is the new on time).
  • Be sure to send a thank you note to your interviewer as a follow-up to your interview.
  • Remember, don’t be nervous! We are as excited to meet you as you are about camp!
  • Review the Job Description and Key Essential Job Duties prior to your interview.
  • Practice your answers to common interview questions.
  • Wear a mask during your interview.
  • Wear professional attire.
  • Be right on time (early is the new on time).
  • Use appropriate body language.
  • Ask your interviewer questions.
  • Be sure to send a thank you note to your interviewer as a follow-up from your interview.
  • Remember, don’t be nervous! We are as excited to meet you as you are about camp!

Staff Applications

  • ‘Z’ Frank Apachi

    Northbrook

  • Elaine Frank Apachi

    Lake Zurich

  • Apachi Evanston

    Evanston

  • Apachi Northside

    North Park | Chicago

  • Apachi Old Town

    Old Town | Chicago

  • Apachi Irving Park

    Irving Park | Chicago

  • Apachi Hyde Park

    Hyde Park | Chicago

  • Apachi Village Lake Zurich

    Lake Zurich | Long Grove

  • Apachi Village Northbrook

    Northbrook

  • Apachi Village Rogers Park

    Rogers Park | Chicago