Winter Break Camp Group Counsellor

YMCA of Niagara; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of Niagara is seeking a Group Counsellor for camps across St. Catharines and surrounding communities. This seasonal role involves delivering engaging day camp activities for 5–14 year-olds, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and developmentally appropriate experiences.

You will supervise campers, follow the approved curriculum, participate in training, and collaborate with site staff to maintain high program quality and positive camper outcomes.

Qualifications

• Current Standard First Aid/CPR (C) certification.
• Minimum two years of secondary school education completed.
• Experience with children is an asset.
• PVSC check required for applicants 18+.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily day camp programming for an assigned camper group, ensuring activities are safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Lead and actively participate in creative activities, sports, group games, special events, water activities, and swimming at applicable sites.
• Provide active supervision of up to 12 campers on average (maximum 15), with regular head counts.
• Respond to injuries, conflicts, behavioural concerns, and emergencies in accordance with training and procedures.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding camper behaviour or incidents as directed by the Site Supervisor.

Skills

First Aid/CPR

PVSC Check

Experience with Children

CPI Training

Education

High School

Job description

YMCA Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls

Pay

$17.95-$18.50 hour

Employment Type

Seasonal Contract – 24 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training.

30

Placement Date

December 21, 2026, plus hours of paid pre-camp training

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.

At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.

For more than 165 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.

Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Group Counsellor is responsible for the daily safety, supervision, and care of a group of children ages 5–14, while leading inclusive, engaging camp activities that ensure a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate camp experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Delivery & Camper Experience

• Deliver daily day camp programming for an assigned camper group, ensuring activities are safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Implement the approved camp curriculum, adapting activities based on camper needs, feedback, weather conditions, and site factors.
• Lead and actively participate in creative activities, sports, group games, special events, water activities, and swimming at applicable sites.
• Support program set-up, transitions, clean-up, and overall program flow throughout the camp day.
• Adapts programming and approaches to meet camper needs, site conditions, and changing circumstances while maintaining engagement and program quality.
• Provide active supervision of up to 12 campers on average (maximum 15), always maintaining required ratios.
• Conduct regular head counts and ensure campers are accounted for during activities and transitions.
• Monitor camper behaviour, interactions, and play environments to ensure safety, inclusion, and positive group dynamics.
• Respond to injuries, conflicts, behavioural concerns, and emergencies in accordance with training, policies, and procedures.
• Review information provided by the Inclusion Team related to campers with identified needs.
• Implement recommended behaviour and inclusion strategies to support camper success and participation.
• Provide feedback to the Behaviour Specialist, Integration Supervisor, and Site Supervisor regarding camper progress and concerns.
• Address bullying, conflict, and unsafe behaviour promptly and appropriately.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure camp environments remain safe, clean, and organized throughout the day.
• Identify and respond to health and safety hazards observed on site.
• Assist with site safety checks, inspections, and daily setup and takedown activities as assigned.
• Participate in emergency response drills
• Complete incident reports and required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Communicate with parents and guardians regarding camper behaviour, injuries, incidents, or positive feedback when directed by the Site Supervisor.
• Document parent and guardian interactions in accordance with established protocols.
• Escalate significant concerns to site supervisor as required.
• Demonstrate discretion and maintain confidentiality in all communications.

Teamwork & Professional Conduct

• Participate in all mandatory training sessions, staff meetings, and site briefings.
• Work collaboratively with counsellors, assistant counsellors, supervisors, and volunteers.
• Assume rotating responsibilities such as floater, break coverage, and cleaning duties.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and positive role modelling at all times.
• Record working hours accurately and comply with scheduling and attendance requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Standard First Aid/CPR(C) Certification
• Minimum 2 years of Secondary School
• Experience working with children is an asset
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (Crisis Prevention Institute) Training is an asset
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara if 18 years of age or older

Working Conditions

• Work is in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions
• Typical workday is Monday through Friday, scheduled for shifts between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm
• Evening and weekend work will be required during training and for staff meetings
• Engage in swimming at designated sites
• This role requires participation in activities involving varying levels of physical activity. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

COMPETENCIES:

Child and Youth Focus
Demonstrates a commitment to supporting the growth, development, and well-being of children and youth through positive engagement, supervision, and role modelling.

Service Orientation
Proactively creates positive, inclusive experiences that enhance the quality of service for campers, families, and staff.

Quality & Outcome Focus
Ensures YMCA programs meet established standards, responds quickly to issues that threaten quality or values, and supports program outcomes and relevance.

Relationship Building & Collaboration
Works effectively as part of a team, builds positive working relationships, and contributes to a respectful, supportive, and accountable camp environment.

Health and Safety
Understands and applies health and safety practices, risk mitigation strategies, and emergency procedures to maintain safe environments for campers, volunteers and other staff.

Diversity
Values and promotes diverse perspectives and inclusive practices that strengthen the YMCA community.

DAY CAMP OVERVIEW

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:45am-5:15pm. Most camp staff are scheduled to work between 7.5 and 8.5 hours per day.

For more information on this and the variety of camps we offer, please visit our website ymcadaycamp.ca.

Successful applicants must attend all pre-camp meetings and training including training on YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org