Winter Break Camp Group Counsellor

Location

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

Pay

$17.60 per hour

Employment Type

Seasonal Contract – up to 24 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training.

Placement Date

December 14, plus hours of pre-camp training

Why Work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, advocacy, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

NATURE & SCOPE

Counsellors are responsible for the safety, supervision, and care of a group of children between the ages of 5-12 years old. They will lead a variety of camp activities for the children in their group throughout the camp day, and ensure they have an amazing camp experience. Group Counsellors are enthusiastic, creative, caring, and committed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Consistent effective communication with parents/guardians and other team members to ensure a successful camp experience for everyone involved.

• Facilitate and participate in fun, active, and engaging programming.

• Role model positive behaviour for campers.

• Participate in active games, sports, water games, and other activities.

• Be energetic and flexible, showing ability to problem solve and adapt to changing, busy environment.

• Provide a fun, safe and supportive environment for campers.

• Embrace diversity and inclusion of all individuals.

• Ensure YMCA Camp program outcomes and quality targets are achieved.

• Demonstrate empathy and caring towards campers, staff, peers, and parents/guardians.

• Submit clear and concise incident reports and documentation in a timely manner.

• All Counsellors will share group counsellor, floater, cleaning, and break counsellor responsibilities.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working or volunteering with children or youth.

• Values driven individuals who make excellent role models for children and youth.

• Experience working in camp is an asset.

• Energy, enthusiasm and flexibility.

• Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C.

• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

• The ability to participate in ongoing physical activity and work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.

• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policy as established by the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES:

Concern for Health and Safety

Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

Teamwork

Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.

Creativity and Innovation

Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.

Leadership

Guides, motivates and inspires self and others to take action to achieve desired outcomes.

Child and Youth Focused

Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values

Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.

DAY CAMP OVERVIEW

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:45am-5:15pm. 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 November 7, 2025.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also 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

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Standard First Aid
• CRC VSS