Counselling Team Lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario; Spanish; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario seeks a Counselling Team Lead for John Island Camp near Spanish, ON. This full-time contract role oversees camp programming, supports counsellors, and coordinates camper activities to ensure a high-quality experience for youth.

The successful candidate will lead program planning, supervise staff, and contribute to safety and risk management while fostering a positive camp culture. Availability for start May 1, 2026 is expected.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Camp experience

Staff supervision

Program planning

Communication

Bilingual EN/FR

Time management

Mentoring coaching

Education

OSSD considered an asset

Job description

We are currently looking for Counselling Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This Full-time Contract position 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

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.

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