Job Description

Summer Day Camp Head Counsellor

Location

YMCA Day Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls

Pay

$17.95/hour

Employment Type

Seasonal Contract – 42.5 to 44 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training, recruitment and promotional events

Vacancies

6

Placement Date

June - September 4, 2026, plus hours of paid pre-camp training

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.

At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.

For more than 150 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.
Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Head Counsellor is a leadership support role within the camp team. This role provides guidance and support to Group Counsellors while ensuring the delivery of safe, inclusive, and engaging programming for campers.

This role delivers specialty programming, mentors staff, assists with behaviour management and supervision, and supports the Site Supervisor with administrative and operational responsibilities to ensure a positive camp experience for all participants

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Camper Experience:

• Assist in the development and delivery of engaging camp programming such as sports, archery, creative activities, hikes, and special events.
• Lead and teach activities ensuring they are safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate.
• Encourage camper participation, skill development, and leadership opportunities.
• Promote innovative and inclusive programming that reflects the diverse needs of campers.
• Provide direct supervision of campers when needed.
• Set up activity centres and programming areas throughout the day.
• Adapt activities to meet camper needs, weather conditions, and site limitations.

Site Operations & Camp Safety:

• Ensure YMCA and Ontario Camps Association health and safety standards are followed.
• Prepare the facility or school at the start of the day as required.
• Support daily site inspections and ensure camp spaces remain safe and organized.
• Monitor camper-to-staff ratios to maintain compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain program equipment, supplies, and technology.
• Support emergency procedures including sun safety, drills and first aid response.
• Ensure restricted areas remain secure and site safety procedures are followed.

Staff Leadership & Support:

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and coaching to camp counsellors and volunteers.
• Foster a positive team culture built on respect, accountability, and collaboration.
• Support staff in planning, organizing, and facilitating camp activities.
• Provide break coverage and support during staff absences.
• Provide operational support and direction to staff during daily programming when the Site Supervisor is engaged in other duties.

Family Engagement & Communication:

• Support the Site Supervisor in greeting parents/guardians during drop-off and pick-up.
• Communicate daily updates, concerns, and schedule changes to families.
• Notify parents/guardians regarding injuries, behavioural concerns, or other issues when required.
• Address parent concerns professionally and escalate major concerns to the supervisor.

Administrative & Documentation Responsibilities:

• Participate in training sessions including Camp Brain, safety training, and site orientation.
• Assist with site preparation including schedules, programming plans, and equipment organization.
• Utilize Camp Brain and other systems to manage attendance, camper information, and documentation.
• Review and complete site documentation and reports.
• Collect and review incident reports and ensure they are professionally written.
• Record work hours and maintain accurate administrative records.

Pre-Camp Preparation & Training:

• Participate in mandatory YMCA training and safety orientation.
• Assist with pre-season site preparation including equipment sorting and programming materials.
• Participate in end-of-season shutdown procedures.
• Represent the YMCA professionally and uphold all YMCA policies and values.
• Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Standard First Aid/CPR(C) Certification.
• A minimum of one years’ experience supporting or delivering programs in a camp or child and youth services environment.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (Crisis Prevention Institute) Training is an asset.
• Experience in supervising and coaching staff and volunteers is an asset
• Strong judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated flexibility, energy, and ability to work effectively in a busy outdoor camp environment.
  
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara if above the age of 18.

Working Conditions:

• Work is in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
• typically work Monday through Friday, scheduled for shifts between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm.
• Evening and weekend work will be required during training and for staff meetings.
• This role requires participation in activities involving varying levels of physical activity. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

COMPETENCIES:

Child and Youth Focused
Demonstrates a commitment to supporting the growth, development, and wellbeing of children and youth through positive engagement, mentorship, and inclusive programming.

Commitment to YMCA Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes an understanding of the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic outcomes in daily interactions with campers, families, staff, and community partners.

Concern for Health and Safety
Recognizes potential risks and actively promotes safe practices.

Leadership
Guides, motivates, and supports staff, volunteers and campers to achieve positive outcomes. Models’ professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude in a dynamic camp environment.

Teamwork and Collaboration
Works cooperatively with colleagues to build a positive team environment. Encourages open communication and supports others to achieve shared goals.

Service Orientation
Creates welcoming, inclusive, and positive experiences for campers, families, and staff. Responds to needs promptly and supports a culture of service excellence.

Creativity and Innovation
Develops and adapts ideas to enhance camper engagement and improve program quality.

Diversity and Inclusion
Values diverse perspectives and promotes inclusive practices that ensure all campers and staff feel respected, welcomed, and able to participate fully.

Quality and Outcome Focus
Maintains high program standards and responds proactively

DAY CAMP OVERVIEW

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:30am-5:30pm. Most camp staff are scheduled to work between 7.5 and 8.5 hours per day.

For more information on this and the variety of camps we offer, please visit our website ymcadaycamp.ca.

Successful applicants must attend all pre-camp meetings and training including training on YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on May 22, 2026.

Internal applicants are encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org