Arts Program Leader, Camp Towhee

Child Development Institute; Central Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Child Development Institute as an Arts Program Leader at Camp Towhee! You will lead creative art activities that promote self-expression and personal growth for children and youth facing mental health challenges. This contract role runs until August 21, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Room and board provided

Comprehensive training provided

Completion bonus included

Qualifications

• Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with children and youth, particularly those facing mental health challenges.
• Experience in facilitating therapeutic art-based programming.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate engaging art-based programs.
• Maintain clean and organized program spaces for a safe environment.
• Support and supervise campers during various camp activities.

Skills

Experience working with children

Experience facilitating art-based programming

Ability to teach basic art techniques

Education

Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience

Tools

Variety of artistic tools and mediums

Job description

Who we are

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community into the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most sensitive members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by a deeply caring and compassionate team that guides children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

About Towhee

Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Therapeutic Program supports youth with mental health challenges complicated by learning disabilities. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, Towhee creates lasting, positive change for campers and staff. Working at Towhee is a uniquely rewarding and transformative experience. We provide 10 days of comprehensive training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), mental health, and learning disabilities.

If you are pursuing a career in social services, psychology, or teaching—or if you are passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where children and youth can thrive—Towhee offers hands-on experience, skill development, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

Who we need

Reporting to the Art, Music, and Camp-Wide Programs Supervisor, we are hiring an Arts Program Leader for our Camp Towhee team. This is a contract position running ASAP to August 21.

As the Arts Program Leader, you will create and lead engaging art-based activities that foster creativity, build confidence, and support both group and personal development. You will facilitate programs, teach fundamental art skills, and help campers explore self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We are looking for a team player passionate about working with children and youth, eager to learn about the social and emotional impacts of mental health and learning disabilities, and committed to building meaningful connections. Personal or professional experience in art and program facilitation is essential for this role.

As our new Arts Program Leader, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate engaging, high-quality programs designed to achieve specific learning objectives and skill development goals.
• Maintain an organized and clean program space to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for campers.
• Collaborate with the Arts/Music and broader programs teams, supporting peers in their programming and initiatives.
• Support and supervise campers during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines, and night supervision.
• Contribute to camp-wide events and special programs by participating in the planning and execution of themed activities.
• Uphold and communicate Camp Towhee's policies, practices, and procedures, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and structured environment for both staff and campers.

You bring:

• Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification.
• Experience working with children and youth, preferably with populations facing mental health and learning challenges.
• Personal, professional, or educational experience in a related field.
• Previous camp experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience facilitating art-based programming, particularly with a therapeutic approach.
• Familiarity with a variety of artistic tools and mediums.
• Ability to teach basic art techniques is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced camp environment with frequent interaction with campers, staff, supervisors, families, and visitors.
• May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.), as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Potential participation in a canoe trip, which includes paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and tent camping.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, running, lifting, and actively engaging with campers and staff in various camp activities and games.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check OR Board Record Check.

Contract Period

Start date:ASAP
End date:August 21, 2025
Compensation:$3,516 (including base salary and a completion bonus). The base salary and completion bonus will be prorated based on the actual start date.
Room and board are provided.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role and background.
• A virtual interview with the hiring manager and a team member will allow you to expand on your knowledge and experience further and ask follow-up questions about the role and Camp.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

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