This year, we are proud to present the 2024 “Seasonal Employee of the Year” Award to Jourdan Baldwin-Sylvester.

Jourdan began working for Gurnee Park District as a Day Camp Counselor in 2015. Since then, she has returned nearly every summer and is currently positioned as the Sports Camp Site Director.

As a day camp counselor, Jordan brought fun to her campers and the Gurnee Park District Summer Camp program, always with a smile on her face and a positive attitude no matter the situation. Working mainly with the Step Into Sports and Sports Campers, Jourdan showed great awareness in understanding the importance of treating all campers with differing athletic abilities equally. Not only did she prove to be a great counselor, but as years passed, she showed great leadership and poise to take on the role of Site Director.

For many years, Jordan worked as the Site Director for Step into Sports Camp. There, she created an atmosphere where staff felt respected and children felt heard. Her ability to talk with parents and campers when challenging situations arise, adapt to campers’ and team member’s individual needs, and teach the importance of sportsmanship truly reflects the great leader she is. As a high school teacher in Kenosha, Jourdan also brings her classroom experience to our summer camps. She is highly organized, motivated, and truly embodies Gurnee Park District’s SOFIE values.

This summer, before the start of camp, Jourdan was asked to make the switch from Step Into Sports Camp to work as the Sports Camp Site Director. While this would be a new role for her, Jourdan did not hesitate, saying, “Wherever you need me is where I will go.” Her adaptability, positive mindset, and leadership qualities, along with many other reasons, are why Jourdan has been awarded the Seasonal Employee of the Year Award.

Please take a moment to congratulate Jourdan on this well-deserved achievement!