Camp Staff - Winter

Royal-Botanical-Gardens; Burlington; On-site; CAD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario, seeks camp staff for our Discovery Day Camps during the Winter Break. You will lead engaging indoor and outdoor activities for children aged 5–10, while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.

Ideal candidates are students or graduates in education, recreational leadership, or environmental fields, with First Aid and VS checks. Training runs December 10–18, 2026, and the contract spans December 21–24, 2026. We value enthusiasm and teamwork.

Qualifications

• First Aid Certification (Standard/Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C) required before start date.
• Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check required for candidates aged 18+ before hire.
• Full availability for the training dates and the entire contract period.
• Commitment to working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise campers in indoor and outdoor activities.
• Provide a safe environment and quality care for all campers.
• Report incidents and observations promptly to supervisors.
• Interact professionally with campers, families, and colleagues.
• Adapt activities to different ages and interests.
• Maintain camp spaces and assist with setup and cleanup.

Skills

Leadership

Outdoor education

Child engagement

Education

Educational background in education/recreational leadership/environmental science

Job description

Join Our Team for an Unforgettable Winter Break at Discovery Day Camps!

Are you passionate about nature, adventure, and inspiring young minds? Spend your Winter Break making a difference with our Discovery Day Camps! We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated camp staff to create a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience for children aged 5–10 years old. If you love the outdoors and have a passion for environmental education, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Why Join Us?

• Lead exciting hikes, games, and hands-on activities in wetlands, fields, and forests.
• Foster a love for nature and inspire children to appreciate the world around them.
• Be part of a collaborative and energetic team.
• Gain valuable experience in education, leadership, and environmental programming.

This is a full-time contract position encompassing:

• Training: December 10 – 18, 2026 (1 day during this period)
• Camp Program: December 21 – 24, 2026

Available Positions: 7

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and supervise campers in engaging indoor and outdoor activities.
• Provide exceptional care and a safe environment for all campers.
• Report incidents and observations as necessary
• Act professionally and courteously with campers, families, and colleagues.
• Adapt activities to suit different ages, interests, and learning styles.
• Maintain camp spaces and assist with daily setup and cleanup.
• Serve as an ambassador for RBG, fostering respect and appreciation for nature.
• Attend all required training sessions.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Students or graduates (secondary/post-secondary) in education, recreational leadership, environmental science, or related fields committed to working with children in camps, outdoor education, or classroom settings.
• A child-centered approach, focusing on care, compassion, and fun.
• A love for the outdoors and enthusiasm for active, hands-on programs.
• First Aid Certification (Standard/Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C) – required before start date.
• A current Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check is required for successful candidates aged 18 or older.
• Availability for the full contract period and training dates.
• Flexibility to work extended camp hours (as early as 7:45 AM and as late as 5:30 PM. Note: The camp day will end earlier on Dec 24).
• Outdoors in all weather conditions (December can be unpredictable!).
• Standing, walking, and active participation throughout the camp day.
• Engaging with children in a dynamic and fast-paced setting.

Notes

Note 1:

Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check
All camp staff over the age of 18 years require a Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check at their own expense and must be submitted prior to beginning work. VS checks are to be obtained from the municipality in which you permanently reside. Please check your local police services website to confirm what identification is required, cost, and payment method. Upon an offer, you must provide an original VS Check with a \"Date of Search\" of less than sixty (60) days from the hire date. Checks greater than sixty (60) days will not be accepted.

Note 2:

Minimum Age Requirement for Camp Staff
Following the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) standards (published 2023), all staff who have direct supervisory and programming responsibilities with participants, whether in an assistant role or not, must be at least sixteen (16) years of age within the calendar year.

Note 3:

\"Standard/Intermediate\" First Aid with CPR Level \"C\"
All staff associated with camp must possess and maintain current certification in \"Standard/Intermediate\" First Aid with CPR Level \"C\" issued by a WSIB-recognized training agency. Please refer to the WSIB website (www.wsib.on.ca) for approved providers. Proof of certification must be provided before the start of the contract.

RBG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.