Paid Summer Recreation Intern - 2026

Kenilworth Park District; Kenilworth (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

A local park and recreation authority in Illinois is seeking a Paid Summer Recreation Intern for the 2026 summer season. This internship provides hands-on experience in managing summer camps, including organizing staff schedules, assisting with budget management, and ensuring participant safety. Ideal candidates should be pursuing a degree in Recreation or a related field, providing their own housing and transportation. The role offers 25-30 hours of work per week under the supervision of experienced staff.

Qualifications

• Current student at an accredited university.
• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, or related field.
• Responsible for own housing and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manage personnel and class schedules for summer camp.
• Assist with budget management and daily planning.
• Provide safety supervision for program participants.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Recreation software

Event coordination

Safety guidelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field

Job description

Title: Paid Summer Recreation Internship

Dates of Employment - 8 to 10 Week Options

Description

The Kenilworth Park District offers a quality internship program to students working toward a degree within the field of parks and recreation or related areas of study. The internship provides a comprehensive experience of district operations, including administration, programming, employee management, facility management, camps, historic properties, special events, budgeting, leadership, marketing and maintenance based on the desires and interests of the intern and the needs of the Park District. The exact hours for the Intern will vary, depending on weekly activities and special events; however, the Intern will work approximately 25-30 hours per week.

The Kenilworth Park District Summer Recreation Internship provides the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge, theory, and understanding from the academic setting to the working environment. The intern shall serve under the supervision and guidance of the Recreation Supervisor and Director of Recreation and Facilities. The main function of the Summer Recreation Intern will be to assist with summer camp.

Essential Functions

• Manage personnel schedules, organize class schedules, confirm special events, and ensure the safety of program participants.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Learn and work with recreation registration software.
• Assist with budget management and help coordinate day-to-day planning.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by the Director.
• Gain direct leadership experience by implementing programs, special events, and assisting at various facilities.
• Assist with all things summer camp.
• Provide timely, accurate paperwork and reporting.
• Encourage the safety of all program participants and fellow staff by following Park District Safety Guidelines.
• Have fun!

Qualifications

Must be a current student of an accredited university, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, or a related field, looking to complete an internship. The student is responsible for providing their own housing and transportation. This internship will also serve as a qualified internship for Master's Degree candidates pursuing a Master's in Recreation or Public Administration.

The Kenilworth Park District will be hiring 2 interns for the 2026 summer season. You will either be assigned to Big Adventures Summer Camp (Ages 2nd Grade to 6th Grade) or to Little Springs Summer Camp (Ages 3 to 1st Grade). Both interns will serve under the Director.

Contact

Thys Wallace
847.251.1691
[e-mail]

Closing Date

Open Until Filled