Position: Summer Camp Counsellor
Location:1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, ON
Assignment: Full-time Hourly Contract (37.5 hours/week for 9 weeks)
Pay Rate: $18.60 per hour
Start/End Dates: June 22, 2026 – August 21, 2026
Openings: Number of openings is dependent on funding received from Canada Summer Jobs.
You Belong!
We exist to unlock potential through the innovation of accessibility and to create a better, barrier-free life for all Canadians. We strive to achieve this by reimagining accessibility and redefining the way Canadians live, work and play. Our organization values being person-centred, genuine, flexible, innovative, and collaborative.
As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from all persons, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide variations and accommodations at all stages of the employment and are committed to improving our process to be more accessible and equitable.
We understand that no one will ever meet all the qualifications or feel completely confident in performing every duty listed, and that’s okay! We are committed to the development of our employees and provide on-the-job training and mentorship. Unless it says required (bolded for emphasis), please do not let any other qualification or duty discourage you from applying.
If you have any issues with the online application or have any questions about the job, please email careers@abilitiescentre.org. We look forward to learning more about you and how you may be the person we’re looking for through your application!
The Position:
Reporting to the Supervisor, Sport & Recreation & Supervisor, Physical Literacy Education and Programming, the Summer Camp Counsellor will lead in the delivery of an inclusive summer camp for children aged 5-12, with a specific focus on resilience, well-being, and quality of life.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Eligibility:
- You are between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*;
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and legally entitled to work in Canada.
*International students are not eligible. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible. As the objective of the Canada Summer Jobs program is to support youth entering the Canadian labour market, the temporary nature of an international student’s time in Canada does not allow for a long-term connection to the labour market.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist in the planning and development of an inclusive summer camp curriculum for children of a variety of ages and abilities
- Lead in the delivery of camp activities with a specific focus on development of physical literacy and inclusion
- Assist other staff members and community partners with the set-up and delivery of activities
- Responsible for safety of all participants (which focuses on children with require 1:1 support)
- Communicate with parents to assess individual needs of campers with require 1:1 support ensure safety
- Communicate with parents to relay any specific information about camp plans and activities
- Ensure all safety protocols are being adhered to
- Manage and maintain equipment and materials
- Foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment
What You’ll Bring:
Education and Experience.
- University or college program in Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Services, Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Early Childhood Education, Project Management or related
Skills and Knowledge.
- Previous camp experience preferred
- Familiar with and desire/passion to work with individuals with disabilities
- Knowledge of inclusion, accessibility, and accommodation an asset
- Proficient in use of Microsoft Office products
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable presenting to large groups
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a proven ability to establish rapport with people of diverse backgrounds
- Team player with a positive attitude; interactions demonstrate accountability, authenticity, and collaboration
Administrative Requirements
- Required: Current, clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector
- Required: First Aid/CPR ‘C’/AED certification
- Safe Management CIT or CPI certification an asset
Availability
- It is required that you are available for the entire contract duration.
How to Apply:
Disclaimer: Major funding for our summer employment positions is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. As such, both the duration of each position (including start and end dates) and the number of available positions is contingent upon CSJ funding approval and is subject to change throughout the recruitment process. We expect to receive confirmation of approved funding at the beginning of May and will promptly update all applicants at that time.
