Senior Camp Counsellor, Camp Wimodausis

Child Development Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking energetic Senior Camp Counsellors to lead programs at a therapeutic day camp. This role involves planning and delivering engaging activities, supporting children with social and emotional challenges, and fostering a positive environment. Candidates should have a background in social work or child and youth care, with strong leadership and communication skills. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of children and youth in a supportive and inclusive setting. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while developing your skills in a dynamic camp environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with children/youth with behavioral challenges.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Camp programs effectively.
• Supervise and train camp staff and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Planning Skills

Financial Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Child and Youth Counsellor diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

WHO WE ARE

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community in the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most vulnerable members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by deeply caring and compassionate teams that guide children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

POSITION SUMMARY

Child Development Institute is seeking 3 energetic Senior Camp Counsellor (SC) to work at our day camp which operates out of our St. Clair Gardens site. The successful candidate will ensure that the conceptualization and delivery of CDI programs and services are consistent with the mission, values, policies, procedures, standards, and priorities of the organization and are provided within assigned resources. The candidate will work within a therapeutic day camp setting utilizing the SNAP model, an evidence-based CBT program that serves children exhibiting serious behavioral, emotional and/or social challenges. Preferred candidates will have or are working towards experience in the fields of social work, child and youth care, and teaching.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the planning, implementation, and delivery of Camp programs;
2. Assist with the recruitment, training, coaching, development, and discipline of camp staff and volunteers;
3. Provide supervision of camp staff and volunteers;
4. Ensure effective implementation of specialized therapeutic programming for camp;
5. Complete necessary reports related to the camp;
6. Assist with maintaining camp budget;
7. Act as a positive role model for children, youth, co-workers and families;
8. Perform other assigned duties as they relate to the camp.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s level degree in Social Work or Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC) diploma or degree; diploma or degree in related fields may be considered;
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children/youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges;
• Strong leadership, coaching, planning, problem-solving, communication, computer, and financial skills;
• Direct experience in a therapeutic or therapeutic recreational setting;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel;
• Excellent administrative, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Exceptional communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment;
• Must have a current and valid police record check with vulnerable sector screening;
• Standard First Aid and CPR;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and frequent interruptions; occasional travel to other community sites; fast-paced work environment; frequent handling of queries and calls from managers and staff; high-paced camp setting for children with disruptive behaviors; occasionally required to work flexible hours related to the needs of the camp.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Number of positions vacant: 3

COMPENSATION: $21.22 per hour

WORK SCHEDULE: 40hrs per week

CONTRACT PERIOD: May 12, 2025 to August 26, 2025

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail]