Inclusions Counsellor

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community. After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Camp Pine Crest is an overnight camp serving children, families, and organizations through naturally focused programs that embody the mission, vision, and outcomes of the YMCA. Camp Pine Crest is made up of 650 acres of Muskoka wilderness surrounded by 3 interconnected lakes with 8km of shoreline; has over 26km of hiking trails and 7,500 sq. ft. of dock and has 60 buildings.

The Inclusion Counsellor provides individualized support to campers and volunteers with developmental or behavioural needs so they can participate safely and meaningfully in camp experiences. The position adapts activities, supports inclusion within cabin programs and camp placement areas, and works with families, staff, volunteers, and community partners to support participation, belonging, and personal growth.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and coordinate inclusive camp programming that supports the participation of children with developmental or behavioural needs in camp activities.
• Develop and implement activities tailored to each camper’s individual needs and interests to support engagement and success.
• Provide individualized support to campers and volunteers by adapting activities to support inclusion, safety, and participation across camp programs and placement areas.
• Actively engage in camp programs and placement areas with campers and volunteers.
• Supervise campers and volunteers to support safety, inclusion, and positive participation during camp activities.
• Communicate regularly with families to understand camper needs and provide updates on progress, achievements, and challenges throughout the session.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to support program quality and collaboration.
• Serve as a positive role model for campers, volunteers, and staff by demonstrating YMCA values and adhering to YMCA and Ontario Camps Association policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board requirements and YMCA policies.
• National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification required by the first day of employment and valid until at least the last day of the contract.
• Post-secondary education in a related field, such as Personal Support Worker, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Worker, Ontario Certified Teacher, Resource Teacher, Social Work, Developmental Support, Educational Assistant, Recreation and Leisure, or psychology, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children or youth with disabilities or additional needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment to achieve optimal collective results.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Minimum age of 18 years by the start of the contract.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, is required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging.

If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA's Mission, Vision and Values.
• A commitment to uphold strong, safeguarding practices that protect the safety, well-being, inclusion of children, and youth.
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Oriented, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.