Program Specialist

EASTERSEALS CENTRAL ILLINOIS•Hudson Township, IL

51d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the experiences campers remember most. As a Program Specialist, you’ll oversee dynamic programming, mentor staff, and help create engaging, inclusive activities that make every day at camp meaningful. Nestled on 170 beautifully wooded acres along Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation and summer camp experience operated by Easterseals Central Illinois. As the premier accessible outdoor center in Illinois, Timber Pointe offers specialized, inclusive, and adaptive lodging, programming, and activities designed to empower campers of all abilities — from traditional day and overnight camps to weekend retreats and partner group experiences. At Timber Pointe, everyone gets to explore, learn, and grow. Campers enjoy classic summer adventures like zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, arts & crafts, fishing, target sports, and more, with adaptive supports that ensure everyone feels included and capable. What truly sets Timber Pointe apart is its mission: to provide a safe, joyful, and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities or life-altering illnesses — as well as campers of all abilities — can build independence, confidence, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories. Working at Timber Pointe isn’t just employment — it’s an experience that transforms you. Make a real impact - You’ll create meaningful moments and positive change in the lives of campers who look forward to camp as a place of joy, empowerment, and friendships. Your role matters — whether you’re helping a camper try something new, cheering them on, or simply being a friendly face they trust. Be part of a community - Camp becomes a family. You’ll build deep connections with fellow staff and campers alike — creating memories that go far beyond summertime. Many past staff describe their experience as life-changing — full of personal growth, laughter, and shared adventure. Grow personally and professionally - This is a place to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and grow your confidence. You’ll receive training in adaptive recreation and activity facilitation, build leadership and teamwork skills, and gain invaluable experience working with diverse populations. Adventure every day - From campfires to waterfront activities, from high ropes and giant swings to quiet moments in nature — your workday will be filled with energy, fun, and outdoor exploration. A place that matters - If you’re passionate about helping others, love the outdoors, and want a summer that pushes you, inspires you, and connects you to something bigger than yourself — Timber Pointe is the place to be. The Program Specialist, as one of Timber Pointe’s Summer Support Staff members, has a key role in fostering a camp community full of meaningful connection and positive development, a community that takes on challenges together, experiences the therapeutic benefits of nature and recreation, and gains new life experiences daily. The Program Specialist helps create a summer full of intentional programming, limitless adaptive activities/adventures, epic quests, scrumptious s’mores, creative ways to connect, and a whole variety of messy and meaningful memories. The Program Specialist will assist the Program Manager in the planning, preparation, and supervision of all activities across various Timber Pointe summer programs. Activities include rock climbing, zip-lining, giant swing, canoeing, archery, fishing, cooking, science, arts and crafts, sports and games, scavenger hunts, game shows, and so much more! Summer programs consist of day camp and overnight camp sessions, which include sessions of our own Timber Pointe campers as well as sessions of partner camps such as MDA Camp for children with muscular dystrophy, and more. This position serves as immediate support for Program Staff, championing the mission of Timber Pointe and its’ infusion into the experiences of campers, volunteers, and staff. The Program Specialist ensures activities are accessible for campers/guests of all ability levels, thinking outside the box to modify and adapt elements of activities to fit the needs and strengths of each individual so that everyone is 100% included and empowered. This role maintains a critical and creative eye across multiple domains, implementing schedules while bringing magic and imagination to life through every aspect of the camp experience. They must possess strong logistical skills, providing the tools, support, and resources to help create dynamic, intentional, and successful programming. They will help ensure staff have the guides and materials necessary to lead activities, facilitate smooth and timely transitions, carry out camp-wide adventures, and push campers to dream, wonder, and dare. Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed. The employment dates for the Program Specialist run May 16, 2026 – August 14, 2026. The start date is tentative and may change slightly due to aspects of training. Camp Season runs from June 7, 2026 – August 14, 2026. The Program Specialist is required to attend on the following mandatory dates: Support Staff Development Day: May 16, 2026 Program Staff Development Week: May 17, 2026 – May 22, 2026 Camp Rental: May 24, 2026 – May 26, 2026 (Program Staff will practice skills learned during Development Week) All Staff Development: May 28, 2026 – June 5, 2026 (with a break day on June 2, 2026) The Program Specialist must begin on the training start date and be available for the entirety of the dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate. The Program Specialist will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps). The Program Specialist will be paid a rate of $515/week (a total of $6,695 over the course of the 13-week summer program). There is a possibility of remote work prior to on-site arrival. This remote work will be paid at an hourly rate of $15.00. Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2025 Summer Team, please be ready to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp who serves immunocompromised populations, 2025 Timber Pointe Summer Team members will be required to practice intentional COVID safety and consciousness for the entirety of their summer agreement. All staff will be required to be tested weekly and practice safe hygiene protocols. Masks may be a requirement (for our current weekend camps, all campers/staff/volunteers mask when going through the meal line and when participating in cooking class). While vaccination is not currently required, it is highly recommended. Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, required.
Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid is required. Candidates without a current certification must be willing to complete a course. If certification is not obtained before their first day on site, Program staff will be required to complete the course during one of the scheduled training weeks before campers arrive. Easterseals will reimburse for the certification course.
Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Minimum of two years of experience working in a camp environment.
Proven experience in facilitating activities with youth and/or individuals with disabilities.
Ability to provide direct, effective, and respectful feedback to others.
Ability to build community and camaraderie defined by love, mutual respect, dedication to growth, and playful interactions.
Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment.
Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control
Ability to understand, role model, and follow policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance.
Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly, regardless of background/preferences.
Perform all essential functions listed while demonstrating the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role.
Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment.

Nice To Haves

College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Outdoor Education, or related field. Preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist Program Manager in the supervision of Program Staff, activity operation and facilitation, observing activities to ensure best practices in safety, inclusivity, and facilitation techniques. Act as a resource, utilizing knowledge/experience to introduce strategies and improvements in these areas to Program Staff, aiding in the growth of their own skillset and “toolbox.”
Facilitate activities as needed in our primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, etc.), specialty theme activities and all-camp activities/evening programming.
If needed, serve as a lifeguard during swimming (pool) and lakefront activities (canoeing, kayaking, etc.)
Plan ahead to organize, transport, prep, and set up supplies needed for large group activities and/or assigned activity areas, delegating tasks to Program Staff, Counselors-in-Training, volunteers, or other camp staff clearly and effectively.
Oversee and assist with cleanup of activity areas/supplies after use and the organization/maintenance of areas/supplies, communicating to the Program Manager if inventory is low or things needs repaired/replaced.
Assist as needed with camper care including toileting, transferring, showering, etc. Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including: behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
Assist with and lead decorating, mealtimes, clean-up, and other tasks assigned to best ensure the success of camp.
Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; respond to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assist campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.
Communicate orally and in writing with campers, staff, and supervisors; complete paperwork as needed and ensure all program paperwork is completed by Program Staff (ropes logs, etc.)
Attend and participate fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible experience for campers/guests.
Support Timber Pointe programs and Program Staff in the delivery of intentional programs, seeking to maximize fun while increasing connection, autonomy, resilience, and positive self-image for each camper participating.
Utilize adaptive strategies and a strengths-based approach to ensure all activities are universally accessible and in line with the Timber Pointe mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Contribute to the innovation and execution of unique, engaging, and themed programming relevant to our population’s needs and abilities, so that all campers are able to participate, recognizing that participation may look/sound different for each camper.
Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers and staff up for individual growth and success.
Serve as a mentor/coach to camp staff, Counselors-in-Training, and volunteers, helping them navigate challenges, and providing check-ins, encouragement, motivation, and feedback. Monitor the “pulse” of team dynamics and communicate conflicts, performance issues, or potential improvements/solutions to supervisor.
Maintain camper and staff confidentiality at all times, and respect the confidentiality of support team discussions/responsibilities
Participate fully in the camp program, including: leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, songs/cheers etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!)
As needed, provide constant supervision of campers with limited breaks; sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers/staff if necessary.