Camp Counsellor

Be a Summer Spark at the YMCA of Oakville's Camp

Make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth Join our camp team and be the spark that ignites their summer with fun and learning. Develop your skills and become part of a team dedicated to building a stronger community.

The YMCA of Oakville is seeking enthusiastic, values-driven team players who are ready to make an impact.

Position Overview:
As a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you will play an essential role in creating a positive, safe, and fun environment for children ages 5-14. You will be responsible for guiding campers through a variety of activities, ensuring their safety and well-being, and providing an enriching and memorable camp experience. This role requires enthusiasm, responsibility, and a passion for working with children in both indoor and outdoor recreational settings.

Salary & Benefits:
⦁ Rate of pay: $17.60 per hour (for applicants over 18 years old); for applicants under 18, student minimum wage.
⦁ Complimentary YMCA membership, which encourages you to embrace the Y's philosophy of health and well-being.
⦁ Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
⦁ Immediate enrollment in our EAP (Employee Assistance Program), which provides you and your immediate family members access to a variety of physical and mental health and wellness resources.

Work Schedule: Seasonal contract: End of June 2026 to end of August 2026; Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (shifts may vary).

Locations: YMCA of Oakville campsites (Valens, YMCA, Palermo & River Oaks)

Responsibilities:
Supervision and Safety:
⦁ Provide constant supervision for assigned groups of campers, ensuring their safety at all times.
⦁ Enforce camp rules and ensure children's safety during activities and transitions.
⦁ Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies, providing first aid when necessary.

Activity Planning and Execution:
⦁ Lead and facilitate a variety of fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities (arts & crafts, sports, games, swimming, nature hikes, team-building exercises, etc.).
⦁ Adapt activities to suit the needs and interests of individual campers.
⦁ Foster a positive and inclusive environment where all children feel welcome and engaged.

Counselor Support and Teamwork:
⦁ Work collaboratively with fellow counselors and camp staff to ensure smooth program delivery.
⦁ Attend staff meetings and participate in training sessions as needed.
⦁ Communicate effectively with other staff to maintain a unified approach to camper care.

Behavior Management:
⦁ Address and manage any challenging behaviors in a fair and respectful manner using positive reinforcement strategies.
⦁ Provide guidance and support to campers to ensure appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.

Camp Spirit and Leadership:
⦁ Be a positive role model for campers and fellow staff members.
⦁ Encourage camper participation and foster a sense of community, teamwork, and leadership.
⦁ Actively engage with campers, creating a fun and supportive environment where each child feels valued.

Communication:
⦁ Maintain clear communication with campers, parents, and fellow staff members about daily activities, upcoming events, and any important information.
⦁ Report any issues, concerns, or incidents to the Camp Director or Program Supervisor in a timely manner.

Camp Maintenance:
⦁ Help set up and clean up activity areas and materials each day.
⦁ Ensure the camp environment is tidy, organized, and free of hazards.

Requirements:
⦁ Must be at least 16 years of age.
⦁ Previous experience working with children in a camp, childcare, or recreational setting is an asset.
⦁ Enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate about working with children.
⦁ Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
⦁ Ability to work well in a team and independently.
⦁ Ability to lead activities, manage group dynamics, and handle conflict effectively.
⦁ Ability to engage in physical activities such as running, swimming, and leading games.
⦁ Ability to lift, move, or assist in setting up equipment and supplies.
⦁ Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
⦁ Current Standard First Aid and CPR C certification (or willing to obtain before camp begins).
⦁ Vulnerable Sector Police Check (less than 12 months old by the first day of training).

Working Conditions & Settings:
⦁ Physical activity involving active movement (eg. lifting, pulling, pushing; lifting to 50lbs).
⦁ Regular travel to camp sites.
⦁ Exposure to stressful situations, including potential conflict or emotionally charged situations.
⦁ Must be able to work after hours as necessary to meet deadlines or address urgent situations.
⦁ General environment consists of various active camp locations, including indoor and outdoor spaces.
⦁ Must be prepared to travel on a bus with participants and supervise off-site for trips.

The position requires the following Association Core Competencies: quality focus, relationship building and collaboration, commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and values, communication, diversity and inclusion, integrity, and trust.

How to Apply: If you meet the requirements and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply online with your resume..

The YMCA of Oakville welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This posting closes on February 15, 2026. 

At the YMCA of Oakville, we value diversity, excellence, and inclusion within our Association. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you require accessibility support or accommodation during the interview process or have any inquiries, kindly let us know. Join us in shaping young lives and become part of something bigger at the YMCA of Oakville