Environmental Education Summer Camp Counsellor in High Park

The High Park Nature Centre (HPNC) is a charitable organization that was established in 1999. Our mission is to promote awareness and respect for nature through year-round, hands-on outdoor nature education and park stewardship. The HPNC is a small and nimble organization that serves a diverse audience of over 14,000 people annually from across the Greater Toronto Area. Our experienced team of educators operates in a collaborative, supportive and inclusive work environment that enables unique programming and opportunities for learning and growth. We are currently underway with a capital campaign to fund the High Park Visitor and Nature Centre which will create a focal point for park life. This is an exciting time to join the HPNC team.

The High Park Nature Centre is committed to being a progressive organization that is guided by principles of equity, respect, and inclusion.

We continuously strive to broaden the diversity of our participants, staff and Board – inclusive of race, gender, sexual orientation, identity, religion, ability, ethnicity, experience, national origin and the many other traits that are reflective of the vibrant character and heritage of Canada.

As we work to honour our relationship with the Indigenous Nations of the lands we are situated upon, we encourage applications from Indigenous people and others who have experience in the area of Indigenous-Settler relations.

We encourage candidates to voluntarily share in their cover letter if their lived experiences align with or contribute to these priorities.

Our organization is dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application process, please let us know in advance so that we can work together to find the best solutions.

Environmental Education Summer Camp Counsellors in High Park

Reports to:

School and Camp Programs Supervisor

Job Type:
 
10-week summer on-site, in-person contract position

Age Requirement:
 16 years and above

Hours of Work:

• 37.5 hours/week
• Monday-Friday schedule
• 10 weeks from June 27-September 4, 2026
• Typically, 8:30AM-4:30PM, with occasional early starts and later evenings. This role includes week-long before-care shifts (8-9AM) and after-care shifts (4–5:30PM), one to two times per summer. There may be opportunities for additional optional weekend shifts.

Start Date:
 June 27, 2026

End Date:
 September 4, 2026

Rate of Pay:
 $17.60/hour

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:59PM

Note: We will begin interviewing and hiring candidates before this deadline. We advise applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.

Job Summary

Counsellors are a core part of our summer camp team. This role involves working outdoors with campers every day, developing your naturalist skills, building meaningful relationships, and delivering welcoming, engaging, fun, hands-on nature connection programming in High Park.

Why Work at HPNC

• Work outdoors in one of Toronto's most ecologically rich parks
• Receive mentorship from experienced environmental educators
• Work with children and youth ages 4–12 years
• Develop naturalist skills (plant & animal ID, tracking, fire skills, carving, outdoor safety)
• Gain experience in inquiry-based, play-based, and creative teaching approaches
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative, fun, and passionate team
• Take part in important work that supports kids to explore their curiosities, feel safe and confident in the outdoors, and connected to nature
• Build practical skills that support lifelong learning

Main Duties

Camp Staff Training & Preparation

• Attend and participate in all required training
• Learn and follow HPNC policies, procedures, and safety protocols
• Engage with HPNC's resources, gear and program outlines
• Collaborate with; fellow counsellors to plan engaging, age-specific camp programming
• Deepen your knowledge of High Park's trail systems, ecology and history
• Share skills, interests, and learning goals to support team learning and camaraderie

Camp Programming & Leadership

• Lead camp groups of 6-10 children, between ages 4-12 each week
• Teach outdoor environmental education programming through songs, games, hikes, crafts, and hands-on activities (supplies and gear will be provided)
• Act in the best interest of campers and staff at all times
• Foster positive, healthy relationships with campers, staff, caregivers, volunteers, and the public
• Establish clear behavioural expectations and hold boundaries with care and consistency
• Work collaboratively with other staff and supervisors to address behavioural or safety concerns
• Administer first aid as required; Role-model and teach risk awareness and outdoor safety

Additional Responsibilities

• Support before and after-care programming as scheduled
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with caregivers and the public
• Mentor and engage volunteers
• Assist with general care and upkeep of the Nature Centre
• Other duties as required

Skills & Attributes

• Experience working with children of various ages and abilities at a day camp, overnight camp, or similar setting
• Passion for nature and outdoor learning
• Confidence leading groups and supporting positive behaviour
• Experience with behavioural management, problem-solving, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, organization, and time-management skills
• Flexible, and resilient approach to outdoor work
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression practices
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Enthusiastic, energetic, creative, and fun
• CPR & First Aid certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (or ability to obtain before start date)'

Assets

• Experience working outdoor, educational, or recreation programs
• Knowledge of Toronto's ecology and natural history
• Enrollment in environmental science, education, or related fields
• Musical ability
• Fluency in French and/or additional languages.

To apply, please visit our website ) and fill out the application on employment page. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, January 28, at 11:59PM. We will begin interviewing and hiring candidates before this deadline. We advise applicants not to delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview. Do not forget to add your resume and cover letter as a single file to your application in the portal.