CCH Outdoor School Counsellor (Contract) – Winter 2027

YMCA Calgary; Exshaw; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Camp Chief Hector YMCA in Exshaw, Alberta is seeking a seasonal Outdoor School Counsellor for Winter 2027. The role supports campers and staff, with duties spanning outdoor safety, play-based learning, and activity facilitation across a busy season.

Position requires physical endurance for outdoor work, leadership within a team, and a commitment to YMCA Calgary's program standards; April extension possible into spring/summer.

Qualifications

• Police information check with vulnerable sector search evidenced as a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Support campers and staff as part of a collaborative team.
• Manage risk and comfort of participants in outdoor settings.
• Lead day hikes or overnight trips when applicable.
• Foster developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities.
• Ensure a safe, clean environment and effective communication with peers and clients.

Job description

CCH Outdoor School Counsellor (Seasonal) – Winter 2027

Camp Chief Hector YMCA (Exshaw, Alberta)

Salary: $1242.50 Semi Monthly

Start Date: February 22, 2027

End Date: April 23, 2027, with the possibility of an extension into Spring/Summer

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.

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

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

• 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.