Day Camp Counsellor

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

• When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life.
• That’s the impact of people-powered change.
• Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless.
• Be the spark.
• Shine bright.
• Help others shine too.

About the Role

Spend your summer making a difference as a Day Camp Counsellor! This program is all about creating fun, safe, and inclusive experiences for children and youth aged 3–15, while building your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You’ll be at the heart of camp life — planning and leading activities, engaging with campers, and helping create memories that last a lifetime.

This is a contract position from June 15, 2026 to August 21, 2026.

This position requires flexible availability between 7

30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Specific hours of work will vary based on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and lead daily camp activities for children and youth aged 3–15, including our new esports offering, art, science, swimming, sports and other engaging programs.
• Actively engage with campers to build positive relationships, encourage participation, and ensure everyone feels included and supported. Ensure camp is inclusive to all. Use positive guidance strategies to manage camper behavior and support behaviour plans when needed, fostering growth and learning.
• Follow YMCA Health, Safety, Child Protection, and Emergency procedures, responding to first aid and safety incidents appropriately.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, sign-in/sign-out, hazard checks, and incident reports.
• Communicate professionally and positively with parents, guardians, and staff to keep everyone informed and supported.
• Develop digital skills in the workplace – such as understanding proper etiquette on various communication channels with supervisors and coworkers via email, instant messaging, texts, etc. Collaborate with coordinators, counsellors, and volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations and high-quality camp experiences.
• Participate in all mandatory staff training, meetings, and debriefs to develop your skills and contribute ideas for program improvement.
• Model the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values through your behavior and interactions with campers, staff, and volunteers. Support the overall camp culture by encouraging teamwork, inclusion, respect, and a fun, positive atmosphere for all.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age.
• High school diploma or post-secondary education related to recreation, child studies, education, or physical education is an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Intermediate (Standard) First Aid & CPR-C certification or willing to obtain.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Enthusiastic, creative, and confident in leading safe and inclusive activities.
• Eager to learn and open to receiving feedback on soft skills and digital presence in the workplace.
• Experience working with children and youth in camp, recreation, or educational settings is an asset.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role is active and hands-on, with time spent both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. You may be asked to be mobile and stationary for extended periods, lift children, equipment, or supplies, and participate in activities with campers. The role also requires handling challenging situations and complaints with confidence, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta 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 and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an 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 Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check (if 18 years old or greater). Prior to your first day a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check is required.

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.