POSITION: Summer Camp Counsellor/Support Counsellor, Summer 2025
Hourly Wage: $17.25 per hour
Status: Contract from June 27 to August 27, 2025. 37.5 hours per week (22 hours for first week of training)
Camp Hours: Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (your shift hours may vary)
Location: YWCA Cambridge Shade’s Mills Summer Camp (Outdoor camp), YWCA Cambridge Wesley United church camp (Indoor camp)
JOB SUMMARY: The day camp counsellor works in partnership with the Day Camp Director and all other camp staff and volunteers to develop, implement and maintain a high quality day camp program that meets the needs of individual children, small groups and the camp as a whole.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 2 years working with children – camp experience is an asset,
- Must be 16 years of Age (Applicants who are 15 and have their birthday within the first two weeks of July, will be considered),
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR level C or HCP certificate with Infant/Child CPR,
- Clear, current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check,
- HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development certification an asset,
- Availability to attend a mandatory orientation in June before the start of the contract (4 days, 24 hours total, paid), and
- Experience with programming for children an asset.
IDEAL SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
- Behaviour management, teamwork and collaboration and
- Interests in areas such as sports, art, music, drama and the environment.
EDUCATION:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma an asset.
DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for a high quality day camp program for individuals and groups.
Duties:
- Counsellors work together as a Day Camp team to develop goals for the summer;
- Develops, documents and implements a program of activities that is developmentally appropriate, stimulating, creative and fun for the children and meets the Day Camp goals;
- Maintains an orderly arrangement and appearance of the nature centre and park, ensuring the nature centre is cleaned each evening;
- Ensures all campers are included in all activities and are enjoying a meaningful experience;
- Maintains a safe, healthy environment for adults and children; and
- Administers first aid when required.
- Responsible for continuous supervision of all campers in assigned group.
Duties:
- Takes responsibility for the supervision of campers including when moving from one activity/area to another and at the waterfront and the playground area;
- Is aware of the number and names of children in their care at all times during the day;
- Completes attendance forms each day at the beginning of the day, mid day and at any other times deemed necessary. Children are to be marked off on the attendance form at the time they are picked up; and
- Completes an Incident Report in the event of a serious occurrence.
- Develops positive and supportive communications and relationships with the children, parents, camp staff and volunteers, Shade’s Mills staff and the community.
Duties:
- Provides input to the Camp Director for the mid-summer and end of summer report;
- Keeps parents informed and up to date about their camper’s program;
- Works with the Behaviour and Inclusion Supervisor to provide any necessary support for children’s special needs;
- Establishes and maintains a respectful relationship with each camper and their parents/guardians;
- Fosters a commitment to the Day Camp team and promotes the YWCA Cambridge Camp program in the community;
- Documents and reports any suspected child abuse; and
- Follows appropriate behaviour management strategies to ensure the most positive camp experience possible for all.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Accountable to the Day Camp Director and the Director of Child Care Services.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit cover letter and resume to camp@ywcacambridge.ca