So much s'more than a summer job.

In just one summer at Timber Pointe, you will grow and contribute more than you thought possible in such a short span of time. That's what we're all about here... re-imagining what's possible for individuals with disabilities and life-altering illnesses, and making it happen. Doing so is incredibly rewarding work, but demanding work as well. We expect a lot from our staff, but we also expect they'll gain a lot from their time here.

Together, we make an impact.

Together, we think outside the box and adapt- we break down barriers and eliminate limits so that everyone, no matter their diagnosis, can access camp and the adventures within it. Together, we create and foster magic. Together, we make "firsts" possible, we turn "can'ts" into "cans," we witness life-altering "wins." Together, we help campers and each other find the confidence to try something new, choose courage, and believe in themselves and their ability to do hard things. Together, we demonstrate what unconditional regard, support, and love look like, sound like, feel like. Together, we create a space of inclusion and empowerment, one where everyone feels free to be themselves and is accepted for exactly that. Together, we provide transformational experiences. Together, we work hard, we play even harder, we help, we support, we share our skills, we advocate, we raise up others, we celebrate mistakes, we grow, we love.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

We refer to our staff, volunteers, and campers, as a "camp family" because, although the 30-40 team members we bring on each summer, the 800+ campers we see throughout our day/overnight/weekend/partner camp programs each year, and the generous volunteers who give their time come from all different walks of life, with different abilities, identities, interests and backgrounds, we come together here at Timber Pointe to love, support, include, grow, and empower. Our staff alumni agree resoundingly- Camp, and the people you'll meet, the skills you'll develop, and the memories you'll make will stick with you, long after we put out the final campfire.

Our adaptive programming and equipment ensure that all individuals, no matter their diagnosis or disability, can participate fully in every adventure and activity without limits or barriers. However, what truly creates a space of 100% inclusivity and empowerment is the hearts and minds that fill it. What countless feedback surveys, emails, and handwritten thank-you notes agree sets Timber Pointe apart is our highly-trained, compassionate staff and our low camper-to-counselor ratios that allow them to give individual love and support to the campers we serve.

With our campers as our guiding compass, we look for team members that won't just watch campers, but will raise them up, cheer them on as they both stumble and succeed, and hold them in their hearts far past Friday check-out. This unwavering support, celebration of individuality, and unconditional love is woven throughout our overall camp environment and culture, and allow courage, confidence, and connection to flourish- not only within our campers, but within the staff and volunteers who help us to provide transformational camp experiences.

While every person's summer staff experience is unique, there are many aspects that are universal, and that we hope to illuminate in the next few pages. Something I'll say right here, however, is that by working here at Timber Pointe, you will leave the summer changed. That change will be uniquely meaningful to you, but whether it's a new passion, a new perspective, a new skill, a new confidence, a new friendship, or all of the above, camp will give, heal, and teach. Through helping others grow, you will grow yourself.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email my (Lgartner@eastersealsci.com) or call our office (309-365-8021) if you'd like to chat!

Happy Camping,

Lydia

Welcome!

Thanks for your interest in learning more about joining our "camp family" here at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center. Within our website, you'll discover more about the staff experience and what a summer at camp looks like!

DATES FOR SUMMER STAFF

All summer staff members must attend mandatory training ("Staff Development") in the beginning of summer. Program Staff attend an additional week of training ("Program Staff Development") to be able to facilitate our rock wall/zipline and other high adventure activities. Everyone attends our All Staff Development Week, where you'll learn everything and anything you'll need to know to do the best at your job and help our campers thrive!

Timber Pointe runs what we call a "hybrid model" of summer camp, which means that we host our own Timber Pointe Outdoor Center (TPOC) camp sessions, as well as partner camp sessions. For TPOC camp sessions, we recruit our own campers, who are not only Easterseals Central Illinois clients, but anyone from anywhere! We utilize all staff for TPOC camp sessions, which are both day camp and overnight camp sessions. All Counselors will be assigned to work at least one week of day camp, and the rest of the weeks will be supporting our overnight camp!

Our partner camps are exactly that- a partnership! We partner with mission-adjacent organizations to host and facilitate their camps at Timber Pointe. Partner camps are a great opportunity for our summer staff to work with different populations and learn more about different diagnoses, organizations, and ways of running camp! Each partner camp looks and runs differently- some bring many staff members/volunteers, others rely primarily on ours. Some build their own schedule, others ask us to build one for them! 2 of our partner camps do not utilize our Counselors, and therefore, Counselors have the option to take those weeks off.

STAFF VERSION- Summer 2024 TPOC Session Schedule (1).png

Summer 2024 Positions:

Looking to make an impact this summer? Ready to create meaningful connections, gain new life experiences, build your resume, and take on new challenges, all while having the time of your life?! If you are hungry for adventure and passionate about helping children and adults with disabilities and life-altering illnesses live their best life, then we are looking for you to join our camp family at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center!

Counselor:

A camper's "person." When asked at the end of the week what their favorite part of camp was, many campers will say YOU.

Without a doubt, the relationship between a camper and their counselor is one of the most therapeutic elements of camp. Counselors set the tone for how great a camper’s experience will be as they accompany, encourage, and support them throughout camp adventures with enthusiasm and unconditional love. Counselors will be assigned 1-4 campers, depending on their individual needs, and will be by their campers’ sides- guiding them throughout their day, providing direct care, and utilizing strategies to promote positive behaviors, interactions, and development. By guiding campers through epic camp programming, they not only give campers experiences they never thought possible, but experience their own personal and professional growth, cultivating skills such as creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. Boost your resume with this position that gains and utilizes valuable collaboration and communication skills daily!

APPLY FOR COUNSELOR

PROGRAM STAFF:

The magic makers. You'll have the chance to be a stargazer, s'mores creator, belayer, karaoke host, sno cone connoisseur, lifeguard, and more- you'll be the person who helps campers fly.

Program Staff facilitate the epic camp FUN! As Program Staff, you'll create limitless adventure, magical memories, and life-changing experiences for individuals with disabilities and life-altering illnesses. Program Staff are cross-trained to facilitate many activities, including ropes (rock wall, zipline, giant swing), canoeing, archery, arts & crafts, science, cooking, sports & games, and more! This role requires heaping amounts of enthusiasm and creativity, as Program Staff often utilize characters and costuming, performances, etc. to create unforgettable moments and, ultimately, a camp experience full of awe, wonder, and excitement. You may be a villainous pirate invading the beach one day, a wizard leading potions class the next, and a knight jousting with pool noodles the day after that! By learning and applying awesome facilitation techniques, you'll lead campers to create, bond, explore, imagine, soar, and achieve. Develop meaningful relationships alongside leadership skills, initiative, time management, teamwork, adaptability, and SO much more!

APPLY FOR PROGRAM STAFF

SUPPORT STAFF:

Beacons of compassion, empathy, and resourcefulness. You'll be a cheerleader, supervisor, idea-generator, advocate, and lifeline as you support and challenge both campers and staff to grow.

Intervention Specialist: The Intervention Specialist is devoted to being the support system for campers and counselors, and holds advanced knowledge of camper care, positive behavioral strategies, effective communication, and conflict resolution. They are resourceful and proactive, thinking outside the box to generate ideas and strategies to equip counselors in developing and promoting positive behaviors and choices within campers, successful transitions, effective sensory solutions, and maximum participation in camp life. Through observation, meaningful coaching, and intentional conversations, the Intervention Specialist works with campers and counselors to define, work towards, and celebrate their strengths, successes, and growth!

APPLY FOR INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

Program Specialist: The Program Specialist serves as immediate support for Program Staff, and assists in the planning, preparation, and supervision of all activities across the various summer programs. They infuse the mission of Timber Pointe into the experiences of campers, volunteers, and staff, implementing schedules and adaptations while bringing magic and imagination to life daily. The Program Specialist possesses strong logistical skills and creativity, providing the tools, resources, and support to help create dynamic, intentional, and successful programming. They help ensure Program Staff have the guides, materials, and knowledge necessary to lead activities, facilitate smooth and timely transitions, carry out epic camp-wide adventures, and ultimately- push campers to dream, wonder, and dare!

APPLY FOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST

CIT Supervisor: The CIT Supervisor is the primary mentor for individuals in the 5-week Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program, and applies youth development principles to empower CITs, embrace diversity, aid in skill development, and build connections between CITs and campers/staff. The CIT Supervisor guides and coaches CITs ages 15-17 of all gender identities and abilities, and is responsible for their health, safety, and welfare while they are at camp. They plan, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing training and teambuilding sessions for CITs that teach them the skills necessary to be positive role models, intentional helping hands, and future camp/youth leaders!

Apply for CIT Supervisor

Who are our staff?

Our summer staff members here at Timber Pointe come from all over the state of Illinois and beyond. The majority are ages 18-30, and together represent a wide variety of professional fields of study.

The most common majors our summer staff have pursued or are pursuing include: Special Education, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Exercise Science/Health Science/Kinesiology, Social Work, Nursing, Speech Therapy, General Education, Physical Education, Child Life, Youth Development, RPTA (Recreation, Parks, Tourism Administration), Art Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and Genetic Counseling.

Almost every field can gain practical experience by spending a summer at Timber Pointe, and our staff rack up 10x more actual, hands-on experience than the majority of other summer jobs. A summer here has opened up doors for our staff, given them a better idea of what they might want to do within their field of study, built their resumes, given them solid and professional references, and taught them skills that they use every day within not only their specific career, but their life too.

Need an internship? Many of our staff have completed a summer here as a paid staff member while receiving credit towards a relevant degree. Check out our job opportunities and let us know what kind of internship you're interested in. We can get creative and want to help you get the most out of your summer at Timber Pointe.

Please know- at Timber Pointe, we believe in nonlinear approaches to learning and life, so if a "traditional" college path was not for you, you will not be alone here. You will gain valuable job skills, life skills, and unlimited experiences to look back on-- tangible moments of learning and teaching that will stick with you forever and inform your future successes.

Positions & Applications

Summer Schedule