Summer Day Camp Counselor Assistant

Program Description

Camping is for everyone, and the Y offers a variety of programs at more than 50 locations across the GTA to ensure we meet the needs and interests of campers. Programs range from creative arts and cooking, film making to science programs, swimming lessons, outdoor adventure and more! We offer new experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships — in conservation and urban settings while allowing campers to return home each evening. Volunteers partner with counselors help with day to day activities to ensure we run a safe and fun environment.

Major Duties May Include:

• Assisting counselors in developing fun, engaging and age appropriate camp programming.
• Assisting in preparing, implementing and engaging in camp programs.
• Assisting in organizing and inventorying supplies.
• Assisting in keeping camp program areas, storage areas, and office area clean, safe and organized.
• Assisting in maintaining a safe, FUN and engaging camp atmosphere through working with staff team and being a positive role model for all children and youth.

Time Commitment:

• Minimum one full week.
• Camp runs Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, however volunteer schedules can be organized for half days or full days based on volunteer availability.
• Opportunities exist to volunteer within our extended hours programs that run from 7:30 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm daily.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age: For day camp locations with a leadership program, minimum age is 16, unless you have successfully completed a leadership program and have Camp Director’s approval. For camps without a leadership program, minimum age is 13 years.
• Volunteers age 18 and above will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering.
• First Aid an asset.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and with others in a team setting.
• Strong communication skills.
• Responsibility, reliability and commitment to the role.
• Child-focused, team player, values driven, positive role model.

Benefits:

• Gain access to professional and personal development training and events open to volunteers at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
• Gain experience working with a multi-service, charitable organization.
• Develop leadership skills in a dynamic and fun setting.
• Gain experience working with children aged 5-12, from various backgrounds and dimensions of diversity.
• Know that you are contributing to the positive, healthy development of children and youth.
• Gain volunteer hours for community service required.
• Gain important and valuable employment experience and skills.
• Meet new friends and acquaintances that share similar interest.
• Learn new skills, gain more confidence and coaching experience.

Volunteer t-shirts and busing to certain camps are funded by the YMCA.

How to apply

Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.

Why volunteer for your Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our volunteers through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

Volunteers ensure the health, safety and well-being of all children, youth and vulnerable people in YMCA program. Volunteers commit to the professional responsibility of maintaining knowledge of legislation, policies and procedures, child and youth development and best practices to best serve and protect children, youth and vulnerable people. Volunteers understand the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.

Our Commitments

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.
We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.
Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.