CCH Outdoor School Counsellor (Contract)

Avanti Software Inc.; Exshaw; Hybrid; CAD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA Calgary membership

Program discounts

Leadership development opportunities

Leadership award opportunities

Scholarship opportunities

Paid recertification and training

Job summary

YMCA Calgary invites applicants for a seasonal CCH Outdoor School Counsellor. The role supports campers outdoors in Exshaw, Alberta, with a focus on safety and development. The position runs Sept through Nov 2026 with a monthly salary of $2485.00 and involves leadership, teamwork, and program delivery.

Candidates must be 18+, hold current First Aid/CPR-C, and provide Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Search. Benefits include membership, training, and scholarship opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in outdoor settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C within 12 months.
• Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Relevant certificates for outdoor activity facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Support campers and staff as part of a collaborative team.
• Ensure risk management and participant safety outdoors.
• Foster positive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Lead hikes and outdoor activities; adapt to seasonal needs.
• Maintain safe, clean environments and effective communication.

Skills

Experience outdoors with children

Excellent communication skills

Current First Aid/CPR-C

Police Information Check & VSS

Wilderness First Aid certificates

Education

First Aid/CPR-C certification current

Tools

Wilderness First Aid

Paddle Canada canoe instructor

Challenge course facilitation certificates

Job description

CCH Outdoor School Counsellor (Contract)

Why should you join our team?

YMCA Calgary is a charity that ignites the potential in Calgarians. Since our inception in 1902, we have evolved into a vibrant organization operating in every quadrant of the city.

Guided by our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility, YMCA Calgary offers a growing hub of programming & services to address the needs of our community including connection and belonging, physical and mental wellbeing, child-care support, language instruction, affordable tutoring and more. We also ensure that no one is turned away, lowering financial barriers for youth, adults and families through the generous donations of our community. This impact takes place across our 7 health and wellness facilities, 6 childcare centres, 2 outdoor camps and 12+ community programs, empowering people of all ages and life stages to belong, grow, thrive and lead.

CCH Outdoor School Counsellor (Seasonal)

Camp Chief Hector YMCA (Exshaw, Alberta)

Salary: $2485.00/month or $1242.50 Semi Monthly

Start Date: September 2nd, 2026

End Date: November 27th, 2026

Successful candidate must be 18 years of age or older

You can make an impact in the community - locally and across the globe. You will work with a fun culture of people and enjoy many of the benefits and opportunities the YMCA offers:

• Complimentary YMCA Calgary membership including a linked membership for dependent children;


• Program discounts;


• Ongoing leadership development and opportunities;


• Leadership award opportunities;


• Scholarship opportunities;


• Paid recertification and training.

What qualifications are we looking for?

At YMCA Calgary we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals. The successful candidate will have the following;

• Experience working with children to facilitate inclusion within programs in the outdoors


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C certificated within the last 12 months from an approved AB OHS provider. Asset if certification is issued by one of the following five Canadian organizations: Canadian Red Cross, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Lifesaving Society, St John's Ambulance and/or Canadian Ski Patrol.


• Wilderness First Aid, Paddle Canada canoe instructor, and challenge course facilitation certificates are mandatory for some positions. We offer opportunities to take these courses on our site


• Evidence of a clear Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search


• Three professional references

What does this role look like at YMCA Calgary?

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Work as part of a collaborative team to support all campers and fellow staff


• Be responsible for the risk management and comfort of participants in the outdoors


• Support group development and create a positive learning environment for all campers


• Be flexible and willing to support the team throughout a busy season


• Support the planning and facilitation of intentional, developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities. This focuses on engagement in active play outside, both scheduled and creative activities


• Support all program areas


• Lead day hikes or overnight hiking trips, depending on the season


• Ensure a safe and clean environment that is in good repair


• Establish and maintain effective communication standards with peers and clients


• Professionally represent YMCA Calgary both internally and with the broader community


• Provide support for YMCA initiatives

In addition to the above, all Support Team members will:

• Develop a team through training, supervising, and providing feedback, both positive and constructive to each staff member


• Provide leadership that ensures program quality, and the delivery of excellent service


• Effectively communicate and act as a liaison between staff and teachers and parents/guardians


• Support group development and creative a positive learning environment for all campers and staff

Camp Counsellors will work in the outdoors for the majority of each day. Accommodations are in tipis, yurts or cabins, usually nearby to the campers to provide supervision. Camp Counsellors will need to lift program supplies, walk, bend, and stand for extended periods of time.

By design Camp Counsellor positions can be physically taxing requiring long periods of walking and standing and participating in physical activities and games. The position will require moderate bending, lifting and repetitive movements as needed during Camp programs.

What qualities do we look for in YMCA Calgary Staff and Volunteers?

Our diverse team of staff and volunteers are committed to making a positive impact in the community. In addition, they model and are committed to the following competencies:

• Developing Self and Others: Developing people with a view toward present and future capacity.


• Building Purposeful Relationships: Relating to people authentically with their best in mind.


• Creating a Culture of Community: Gathering people to purpose and vision.


• Making Intentional Impact: Intending to make a difference every day.


• Thinking and Acting Strategically: Applying thoughts, words, and actions in service to the vision.


• Applying Business Acumen: Demonstrating excellence in technical skills and stewarding the YMCA Business Model.


• Innovating: Ability to know your environment, initiate and respond effectively to changing conditions.

Please note that evidence of a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is a requirement

YMCA Calgary is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada by way of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or a valid Canadian work permit. YMCA Calgary is currently not engaged in international recruitment efforts as we are required to demonstrate that we have exhausted all means of recruitment both locally and nationally.

Potential candidates will only be contacted if selected for an interview.