Counselling Team Lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario; Canada; On-site; CAD 24,796 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is seeking a Counselling Team Lead for the John Island Camp near Spanish, ON. This full-time contract role starts May 1, 2026, with a pay rate of $18.00-$19.50 per hour.

You will oversee camp programming, support counsellors, and coordinate schedules while ensuring a camper-focused experience. Candidates should have camp supervisory experience, first aid certification, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Minimum 2 years’ camp or outdoor centre experience.
• Experience supervising staff in camp settings.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
• Wilderness First Aid is an asset.
• Bilingual English/French is an asset.
• Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
• OSSD considered an asset.
• Commitment to camper-focused programming.

Responsibilities

• Oversee camp programming and evening activities.
• Assist Camper Care Manager with camper check-ins.
• Support counsellors in planning and delivering programs.
• Address camper concerns and provide in-cabin support.
• Mentor, coach, and evaluate counsellors.
• Coordinate staff scheduling and participate in activities.
• Provide constructive feedback on performance.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

Skills

Camp supervision

Team leadership

Program planning

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Bilingual English/French

First aid CPR-C

Experience with youth

Mentoring/coaching

Education

OSSD (asset)

Standard First Aid & CPR-C

Wilderness First Aid

Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Job description

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has been serving our local communities for over 180 years and we are committed to supporting our local families, children, adults, youth and seniors in our various programs and services today.

At the YMCA, our values and purpose drive everything that we do. As a charity, we’ve championed values of empathy, health, trustworthy, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Helping people develop a healthy spirit, mind and body and inspiring a sense of social responsibility is the cornerstone of our legacy of caring.
To learn more about our programs and services offered please visit our website .

We are currently looking for Counselling Team Leadto join our team of committed professionals. This Full-time Contractposition within the Association is housed at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, ON.

Under the leadership of the Camper Care Manager and the Director of John Island Camp, the Counselling Team Lead is responsible for supporting program planning and delivery to ensure a high-quality camper experience. The role includes overseeing and supporting counsellors, as well as developing, implementing, and coordinating programs with a camper-focused approach.The ideal candidate is dynamic, able to work collaboratively as part of a progressive team, enjoys working with children, and can manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

START DATE: May 1, 2026

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

Major Responsibilities

Oversee, and support all camp programming, including evening programs, themed days, and special activities

• Assist the Camper Care Manager with camper check-ins

Support counsellors in planning and delivering their programs

Address camper concerns and provide in-cabin support as needed

Build positive relationships and serve as a role model for campers and staff

Train, manage, evaluate, and support counsellors to ensure high-quality program delivery

Coordinate and schedule counsellors, and participate in programming as needed

Provide constructive feedback and performance evaluations to counsellors

Perform other duties as assigned by the Association

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) considered an asset.

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres

Experience supervising staff in a camp setting

Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification is required

• Current Wilderness First Aid is considered an asset

Knowledgeable in camp practices, program planning, and risk management considerations

Experience planning, facilitating, and delivering programs in an overnight camp setting

Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and supporting counsellors

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills

Bilingualism (English and French) considered an asset

Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry.

The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are a part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth. Camp-specific experience is not required.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry. This could include: certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.

Funding will be awarded to successful applicants across Canada in the order received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible after applying for employment at camp.

If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact [e-mail]

All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, you must advise the Human Resources Department.

Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Check for review prior to starting employment. Police records are reviewed on an individual basis, and any offences are considered in relation to the nature of the position and its responsibilities, particularly in working with children and vulnerable populations. A positive record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.

Please note that candidates invited for an interview will be required to submit three professional references.

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment. All of our employees and job applicants will be promoted or employed solely on the basis of their abilities and qualifications.

Educational credentials completed outside of Canada require an Educational Evaluation along with your credentials. If you do not have an evaluation document, please visit https://www.wes.org/ca/ . or https://www.icascanada.ca . Applications submitted without an evaluation document may not be considered.