Program Staff

EASTERSEALS CENTRAL ILLINOIS•Hudson Township, IL

3d•$450•Onsite

About The Position

Turn creativity and energy into impact. As Program Staff at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, you’ll bring camp activities to life — helping campers explore new interests, try new challenges, and discover what they’re capable of. 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. Program Staff at Timber Pointe facilitate the epic camp FUN- creating limitless adventure, magical moments, and life-changing experiences for individuals with disabilities and life-altering illnesses through adaptive and intentional camp activities. Program Staff learn and utilize effective facilitation techniques, activity adaptations, and leadership skills to guide campers to create, bond, explore, imagine, soar and achieve. Program Staff are trained to belay and facilitate our zip line, rock wall, and giant swing during Program Staff Development Week, and are cross-trained in all other program areas, including canoeing, archery, science, sports/games, art, and more! We ask that Program Staff attend a lifeguard certification course (if not already certified) prior to staff training, which we will fully fund. This is a very active role that requires heaping amounts of enthusiasm and creativity, as we often involve characters, costuming, performances, etc., to create unforgettable moments and, ultimately, a camp experience full of wonder and excitement. Program Staff will also rely heavily on time management and organizational skills to prepare for activities, transition groups on schedule, and clean up. Outside of activities, they will assist with camper care and help in cabins during morning routines, rest time, bedtime, and other periods as needed/assigned. Program Staff will facilitate activities for Timber Pointe day campers as well as for overnight camp sessions, which include sessions for our own Timber Pointe campers as well as sessions of partner camps with mission-adjacent organizations, such as MDA Camp for children with muscular dystrophy, and more. 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. Program Staff employment dates run from May 17, 2026 – August 7, 2026. Camp Season runs from June 7, 2026 – August 7, 2026. Program Staff are required to attend on the following mandatory dates: Program Staff Development Week: May 17, 2026 – May 22, 2026 A 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) There is an option to extend the contract to work August 9, 2026 – August 14, 2026 for a small partner camp where our Program Staff can “opt in” to extend their contract to work this week (dependent on bed capacity and number of staff needed). If Program Staff choose to opt in, they will serve in an activities capacity, or assist in the kitchen, or help with other duties as assigned. Program Staff must begin on the training start date and be available for the range of dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, trip, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate. Program Staff will receive at least one day off per week and additional time off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps). Program Staff will be paid a rate of $450/week (total of $5,400 over the 12-week summer program). Returning Staff will receive increased compensation, dependent on the number of summers on staff, as recognition of their valuable experience and contributions. Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2026 Summer Team, please be prepared to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp that serves immunocompromised populations, 2026 Summer Team members will be expected to practice intentional communicable illness (COVID-19, etc.) safety throughout the entirety of their summer agreement. Staff will be tested if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if there is any known exposure within the camp community, and additional testing protocols may be implemented as needed. Masks may be required during periods of exposure, outbreak, or high community transmission levels, and they may also be required during close-contact tasks such as providing personal care to campers. While vaccination is not currently required, it continues to be highly recommended for all staff. 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.
Demonstrates 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.
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 Timber Pointe Outdoor Center 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.
Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed:
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, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Special Education, or a related field. Preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Facilitate activities in our primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, Science, etc.), specialty theme activities, and all-camp activities/evening programming. Practice strong, positive collaboration, communication, and teamwork when co-facilitating activities with a diverse team of Program Staff.
Serve as lifeguard during swimming (pool) and lakefront activities (canoeing/kayaking/paddle boarding, etc.)
Plan ahead to organize, transport, prep, and set up supplies needed for assigned activity areas (ex: cutting out materials ahead of time for arts & crafts, filling water balloons/kiddy pools for sports & games, etc.)
Clean up activity areas/supplies after use, keep activity areas/supplies well-organized, and communicate to supervisor if supply inventory is low or things need to be repaired/replaced.
Communicate orally and in writing with campers, coworkers, and supervisors.
Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; responds to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assists campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.
Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
Complete required paperwork and documentation, including incident/accident reports, rope logs, etc.
Assists with set-up, decorating, clean-up, mealtimes, dishes, bringing luggage to/from cabins.
Attends and participates 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.
All other duties as assigned to best ensure the success of camp.
Live with campers of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers and the dynamics of community living.
Bring creative and engaging techniques to the delivery of 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. Plan and facilitate activities 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.
As assigned, help counselors with the supervision of campers. Assist as needed with personal care, toileting, transferring, showering, etc. Know the location of campers at all times if/when under your responsibility.
Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and coworkers where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers up for individual success.
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!)
Possibility of mentoring/coaching volunteers, Counselors-in-Training or other camp staff.