Position: One-on-One 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 and Recreation and Supervisor, Physical Literacy Education and Programming, the CSJ 1-1 Camp Counsellor will provide 1-on-1 assistive support to children aged 5-12 with disabilities requiring delivery of summer camp recreational activities 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:

• Provide 1-on-1 assistive support to camp participants with disabilities requiring support
• Delivery of adapted/integrated summer camp recreational activities for children and youth campers aged 5-12 and to accommodate children with disabilities
• Support daily/weekly activity schedule and plan age – and ability – appropriate activities which foster cooperation and integration of campers; develop lesson plans as assigned
• Responsible for safety or participants (with focuses on children with require 1:1 support)
• Meet and speak with camper parents to relay and specific success or concerns; employ behavior management tactics as required
• Cultivate a person-centred environment through exceptional customer service
• Foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment
• Inspire confidence and self-esteem in participants through respect, acceptance with a focus on strengths and achievements

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

• Experience providing 1:1 support preferred
• 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:

• Please visit our website www.abilitiescentre.org/employment
• Deadline to apply is May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST.

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.