SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

Job Type:  Independent Contractor
Salary:  $25-35/hour (commensurate with experience)
Reports To: Summer Camp Director
Engagement Period:  July 18 to August 22, 2025
Location:  2101 S. Wabash Avenue, Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60616
Hours:  Refer to “Camp Schedule” below

JOB SUMMARY

Kalapriya is seeking enthusiastic and responsible Summer Camp Counselor to help facilitate a fun, engaging, and educational experience for campers. Camp Counselors will play a vital role in ensuring a safe and supportive environment while assisting with daily activities, supervising campers, and fostering a love for South Asian culture.

ABOUT KALAPRIYA

Kalapriya is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization dedicated to empowering communities through the power of South Asian performing arts. Based in Chicago, Kalapriya serves as a cultural mainstay, drawing in diverse communities from Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and beyond, to provide a platform for cross-cultural exchange. Through transformative dance, music, education, and community outreach, Kalapriya blends traditional and contemporary performances that showcase the beauty of South Asian culture and address the urgent need for dialogue across communities. Kalapriya fosters pride in cultural heritage while building inclusive spaces for all Chicagoans.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supervise and engage with campers, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.

  • Assist in leading and facilitating cultural activities such as dance, music, crafts, and storytelling.

  • Support teaching artists and instructors in delivering engaging lessons.

  • Encourage camper participation and provide individualized attention when needed.

  • Assist with set-up, clean-up, and transitions between activities.

  • Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers.

  • Communicate effectively with camp staff, parents, and guardians as needed.

  • Provide support during snack/lunch breaks and outdoor activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Recreation, or a related field (preferred)

  • Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with children in a camp, educational, or youth leadership setting

  • Strong understanding and appreciation of South Asian cultures, languages, and traditions (strongly preferred)

  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with campers, parents/guardians, and fellow staff

  • CPR and First Aid certification (preferred)

  • Must successfully pass a background check and provide professional references upon request

CAMP SCHEDULE

This engagement will be executed in three phases between June 17 and August 9, 2024 as follows:

  • Phase 1 – Program Scope & Strategic Collaboration with Camp Director
    Duration: July 14 to July 18, 2025
    Schedule:  3 days/week
    Hours:  Approximately 15 hours/week

  • Phase 2 – Program Implementation
    Duration: July 21 to August 15, 2025
    Schedule:  5 days/week (Monday through Friday)
    Hours:  8:00AM to 4:00PM

  • Phase 3 – Post-Program Evaluation & Reporting
    Duration: August 18 to August 22, 2025
    Schedule:  3 days/week
    Hours:  Approximately 15.0 hours/week

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Sonal Gala at sonal@kalapriya.org. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 13, 2025. Kalapriya is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.