2027 Camp Counsellor for Summer (Returning Staff)

Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness program

Fitness Centre Membership (Ajax)

OMERS pension

Job summary

The Town of Ajax is seeking Camp Counsellors to plan and run safe, engaging programs for children aged 2.5 to 16 during Summer 2027. You will help deliver diverse activities, manage daily schedules, and collaborate with staff to ensure a positive camp experience.

Position is temporary for the summer with multiple shifts; competitive hourly pay of $18.75 to $19.54 and access to town perks and pension benefits. Training and promotional interviews are part of the onboarding process.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years or older by June 8, 2027.
• First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference /Vulnerable Sector check completed within the last 6 months.
• Available to work the full 8 weeks of Summer (Camps June 30–August 27, 2027; Playgrounds July 5–August 27, 2027) and pre-summer training.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a safe, enjoyable and diverse program for camp participants aged 2.5-16 years.
• Maintains program schedules and ensures deadlines are met.
• Communicates effectively with participants, parents, colleagues, and supervisors.

Skills

16+ age eligibility

First Aid CPR C

HIGH FIVE certification

Criminal Background check

Summer 8-week availability

Tools

Water safety awareness

Job description

Department Recreation & Culture

Job Type Temporary Number of Positions 6 Affiliation Non-Union

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Supervisor – Camps/Playgrounds, Program Director – Camps/Playgrounds, and Community Recreation Coordinator, Camp Counsellors are accountable for planning and implementing a safe, enjoyable and diverse program for camp participants aged 2.5-16 years.

Job Duties

• Develops and implements a safe, enjoyable and diverse program (including special events and theme days).
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all participants and other staff during program hours.
• Maintains program schedules and ensures deadlines are met.
• Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, parents, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Performs daily site checks and ensures that the necessary equipment and supplies are available in a safe condition.
• Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents/accidents and emergencies, as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures.
• Completes and submits administrative tasks (program plans, attendance forms, etc.) within the specified deadlines.
• Contribute to the evaluations of volunteers by assessing their ongoing performance.
• Assists in the development and implementation of adaptive programming for participants with special needs.
• Is actively involved in leading activities during program hours.
• Ability to work outdoors and participate in swim trips (comfortable in the water).
• Responsible for daily opening and closing procedures at Camp/Playground location.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Acts as a positive role model for program participants and other team members.

Qualifications / Skills

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older by June 8, 2027.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Self-motivated, positive, confident and approachable.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027).
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference /Vulnerable Sector check that is current (completed in the last 6 months), upon being hired.
• Must be available to work the full 8 weeks of Summer (Camps run June 30 - August 27, 2027; Playgrounds run July 5 - August 27, 2027) and the pre-summer Mandatory Training (Corporate Training, BMST, Summer Staff Training).
• Nice to Have Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreation/camp programs would be an asset.
• Preferred 1 year of experience working with children (i.e. babysitting).

What is Offered to Staff

• Rate of Pay: $18.75 - $19.54 per hour.* *Please note: advertised pay rates are effective January 1, 2027.
• Hours of Work: Summer Camp Counsellors – Monday to Friday, various 8 hour shifts between 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Summer Camp Counsellors (Playground Sites) – Monday to Thursday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Town Perks: The Town offers temporary staff access to a Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership and a defined pension plan (OMERS pension – https://www.omers.com/).

Key Dates for Summer Camps/Playgrounds

Promotional Interviews – Week of February 15 or 23, 2027 Behaviour Management Systems Training – Recertification – April 8, 2027, May 12, 2027, May 20, 2027, or June 3, 2027 Behaviour Management Systems Training – Full Certification – May 27, 2027, June 9, 2027, or June 17, 2027 Corporate Training – June 8, 2027 Summer Staff Training – June 22, 2027, June 24, 2027, June 25, 2027, June 28, 2027, June 29, 2027, and June 30, 2027 Camps begin – June 30, 2027 Playgrounds begin – July 5, 2027 Camps/Playgrounds end – August 27, 2027* *Contracts may be extended to end on September 3, 2027 for Camp Finale. Please note: This posting is for the purpose of returning camp staff to express their interest in transferring into the Camp Counsellor position during Summer 2027. However, exact staffing needs for Summer 2027 are still being assessed at this time. Position changes and promotional interviews will only take place for vacant positions.

Vacancy Statement

All job postings issued by the Town of Ajax are intended to fill existing vacant positions unless otherwise stated. Are you a current Town of Ajax employee? If you are a current Town of Ajax, please apply internally through the Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who have been historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous people, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others facing systemic inequities. If selected for an interview, you will be provided with an opportunity to indicate your access needs. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process. If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail]. Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We utilize AI solely for the purpose of anonymizing the application process to help ensure fairness and equity. Please note that AI is not used to screen candidates or make decisions about their suitability for any role. The success of the Town depends largely on the employees. Staff are relied upon day in and day out - whether it is for issuing a marriage license, maintaining a local park, fighting a fire, processing a tax bill, planning a new subdivision, instructing a fitness class, or plowing snow. The employees are the Town's Ambassadors. Take a moment to explore our current job openings and apply for those that align with your interests and qualifications. If nothing piques your interest at this time, consider signing up for a Job Alert or visiting us again soon to explore new opportunities. For information about the application process, please visit www.ajax.ca/careers. Thanks for your interest in the Town of Ajax! The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.