Behavior and Wellness Specialist- Camp Butternut Springs

Looking for a summer job that makes a difference? Join the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 2026 camp staff today! Our Camp Butternut Springs overnight camp is a place where energetic and passionate staff come together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for girls ages 5-17.

As the Behavior and Wellness Specialist, you will be critical to the success of the summer. In your role you are responsible for overall health and safety of campers and staff during the camp season with a focus on mental health, behavior management, and self-care.

Work Commitment:

Dates: June 5- August 2

• Includes leadership staff training beginning June 5

• Camp is closed June 19 and July 4-6; these days are unpaid

Typical Weekly Schedule: 11:00 a.m. Sunday-7:00 p.m. Friday

• Daily 2-hour break Monday-Thursday
• Staff are required to work Saturday, August 1; Saturday work opportunities are also available on July 11 and July 25

Camp Staff Benefits:

• Pay: $170 per day

• Included room and board

• First Aid and CPR certification

• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications:

• Loves to interact with children and has prior experience working with children of various ages

• Enjoys spending time outdoors and has prior experience working in an outdoor setting

• Must be 21+ years old with a valid driver’s license, candidates that are 23+ are strongly preferred. 

• Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid or a similar MESH training (CAN, LPN, RN, EMT, PA, or Licensed Paramedic with credentials to work in state where camp is located may also be considered).

• 3+ years of relevant experience in related field (Ideal candidate is in third or fourth year of, or has graduated with, a degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Nursing; and/or is a Licensed Clinical Social Work, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or RN).

• Current First Aid and CPR certifications required at minimum; training for these is provided by GSGCNWI.

• Proof of health physical clearing the candidate for work in a camp setting

• Willingness to live and work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and daily exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions

Responsibilities:

• Help build a supportive environment where campers can grow, make new friends, and try new things.

• Be an active member of the leadership team to provide cohesive teamwork & leadership opportunities, develop open communication, encourage positive peer relationships, and deliver support.

• Assist in developing behavior management guidelines and positive behavioral intervention strategies appropriate for our camp environment.

• Support campers and staff with empathy, open communication, guidance, and encouragement while providing strategies and activities for behavior management as desired, including stress-relief, self-esteem growth, and de-escalation.

• Provide support to campers and staff in individual and group settings to examine and assist with pertinent issues or behaviors, including anxiety, anger, depression, conflict, group morale, homesickness, peer pressure, relationships, self-care, self-image, stress, and more.

• Role model problem-solving, collaboration, and initiative to campers and staff, especially as it pertains to mental/emotional health and self-care.

• Be available to debrief campers and staff following the use of an emergency action plan or in other notable situations as advised.

• Provide support and guidance to staff as they manage camper behavior while also staying informed and prepared to directly step in to help resolve when appropriate.

• Maintain health records, health screenings, and health care on site for campers and staff.

• Other duties as assigned

Apply today to join our summer camp team!