Overnight Camp 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 Overnight Camp Counsellor supports campers in overnight, day camp, and inclusion programs by creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive camp experience. The position provides leadership in pairs within cabin groups and individually when providing 1:1 inclusion support, while leading camp activities and one- to four-night canoe trips. The role supports camper participation, skill development, teamwork, confidence, and independence, provides individualized assistance and accommodations for inclusion participants, and offers mentorship and guidance to junior staff.

In this role, you will:

• Provide leadership and supervision for camper groups across Little Critters Day Camp (4-12 years), Pine Cones (5-7 years), and one-week and two-week overnight programs (7-14 years).
• Support campers at all times and provide opportunities for participants to experience success in a safe, fun, engaging, and high-quality camp environment.
• Lead cabin canoe trips lasting one to four nights, including preparing campers, food, personal gear, group equipment, and navigation for safe travel along the route.
• Support campers in developing outdoor skills, teamwork, confidence, and independence throughout canoe trips and camp programming.
• Provide individualized assistance, accommodations, and additional support that enable inclusion participants to take part in camp programs or volunteer placements as members of their cabin groups.
• Lead and instruct camp activities and skill areas in accordance with program plans.
• Participate enthusiastically with campers in all camp programs, including recreational swim.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, timely feedback, and positive role modelling to MACKs and other staff.
• Build positive relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Attend staff training and meetings on time and contribute actively to staff development.
• Follow YMCA camp guidelines, policies, procedures, and Ontario Camps Association standards.
• Share duties across camp operations as needed, including maintenance, kitchen, and program support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements and YMCA policies.
• National Lifeguard certification strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to change.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently to achieve collective results.
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to inexperienced and experienced staff.
• Ability to provide timely and constructive feedback to participants.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2027.
• 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-Orientated, 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.