Head of Swim

Location: Live on-site Camp Kandalore – Algonquin Highlands 

Contract Dates: June 16th – August 25th, 2026, room & board included 

Reports to: Assistant Director – Programs and Leadership Training, Program Director 

Our Team 

Our team is highly engaged and committed to excellence in camping and outdoor and experiential education. Working at Kandalore means you believe in supporting a camp culture that values participation, kindness and respect, and the power of the outdoors for young people.  

The Camp    

Founded in 1947, Kandalore has a longstanding reputation as one of Canada's premier overnight summer camps. We offer campers an unmatched in-camp experience, starting from age 6, with an in-camp activity program designed to introduce and build new skills each day.  

Our in-camp activity program is an essential part of our identity, and the experience provided at Kandalore. We are proud of the level of expertise and variety of in-camp activities that we offer to campers to support their development. 

Please learn more about us at     

Job Outline    

Camp Kandalore is seeking a positive, adaptable and detail-oriented Head of Swim - Program Manager to oversee and manage its Swim program and support with special events. 

The successful applicant will work to facilitate impactful experiences for our campers through our Swim program. This individual will be directly responsible for the safety, enjoyment and learning of all campers during swim-lesson periods and management of the swim staff team of their counsellors. This individual will be enthusiastic, camper-centric, team-oriented and able to cope with a busy camp atmosphere.

Our Head of Swim will be responsible for the facilitation, management and organization of the Swim program and enforcement of all waterfront safety policies and procedures in accordance with Ontario Camps Association and Lifesaving Society Standards at the swim docks. Duties include organizing level groups and classes, developing skill-based lessons and calendars, assessing and managing risk, ensuring a culture of safety and inclusivity, managing behavioral issues, and mentoring staff and campers. 

This position includes room and board, and a fantastic summer at camp. As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is . 

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the Swim program, always ensuring the enforcement of all safety policies and procedures. 
• Lead a team of swim staff/instructors, providing guidance, training, and feedback through informal discussions and bi-weekly performance reviews.
• Organize, facilitate and manage level groups and classes according camper swimming ability and reported last swim level. 
• Design and implement a comprehensive calendar of lessons for each session, ensuring all campers receive appropriate instruction based on theirswim level.
• Plan and facilitate engaging lesson plans aligned with the program's objectives, ensuring all campers receive proper instruction to Lifesaving Society level standards. 
• Work with the Head of Waterfront to create a swim test schedule for the first day of each session, to assess swimming ability and meet Ontario Camps Association standards. Record and distribute a list of any non-swimmer campers as needed.. 
• Track the progress of each camper's swimming skills, maintaining accurate records and completing report cards at the end of each session. 
• Demonstrate strong technical swimming skills and maintain the necessary certifications and training required for safe and effective program management.
• Ensure the proper care, handling, and maintenance of all swim-related equipment and facilities, ensuring everything is kept in good working order and regularly checked.
• Conduct written evaluations for Leadership campers every two weeks, providing constructive feedback on their development.
• Maintain a constant awareness of program needs and inventory, including guard tubes, teaching aids and level badges, ensuring that all required materials are available and in good condition.
• Ensure the swim area is clean, organized, and properly maintained each day, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for both campers and staff.
• Participate in additional camp duties such as supervision during camper down times (rest hour, free time, evenings) and supporting special programs or camp-wide events as needed.
• Actively contribute to the overall camp life by participating in camp events and fostering a positive, engaging environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• National Lifeguard
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C 
• Lifesaving Swim Instructor Certification
• Lifesaving Instructor Certification preferred
• Experience working with children    

How To Apply  

If you or someone you know wants to learn and grow this summer, please apply online at: Join Our Team | Kandalore if a position is posted, we are still actively seeking candidates, and you are welcome to apply. 

Your application matters to us and we will review it carefully. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

We work to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices as an integral and foundational part of Camp Kandalore's culture and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills making us better together. 

Do You Need an Accommodation? 

Camp Kandalore is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the Hiring Manager if you require accommodation.  

As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is .