At the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, we are not just a destination—we’re a close-knit community. This summer, we’re gearing up for an extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting children and youth from our affiliate communities to embark on a journey of growth and fun. With a diverse array of land-based activities, water adventures to arts, sports, and team building, our camps are designed to foster valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and cultivate lasting friendships.
Position Description:
Senior Camp Counsellors play a key role in delivering successful day and overnight camps at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp. They lead groups of 10–15 campers (ages 6–15) with the support of a Junior Camp Counsellor, creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. As leaders and role models, Senior Counsellors support campers’ growth, confidence, and skill development through meaningful activities, mentorship, and positive relationship-building.
Position Title: Senior Camp Counsellor – Grassy Narrows
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Counsellor Supervisor, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: June 6 – August 21, 2026
Hourly Rate: $17.50/Hour (40 per week) + Bonus, $1.00 for every hour worked
if contract is completed
Special Considerations: Manditory Training: June 6,7, 8, 22 – 30, July 2 & 3
(4 Weeks – July) Day Camp
(2 Weeks, 3 Nights/4 Days – August) Overnight Camp – 3 x 12 Hour Shifts
Positions Available: (1) Grassy Narrows Community Member
Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Role Model of Inspiration:
- Arrive punctually each day, ready to set the standard for behavior and engagement.
- Fully engage in staff training sessions
- Wear the staff uniform, embodying the essence of camp professionalism.
- Model engaging and well-planned activities that inspire campers and staff alike.
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in YES Program training workshops and onboarding.
- Attend regular check-ins and professional development sessions.
- Complete all job-specific training and demonstrate confidence in assigned cleaning tasks.
- Assist with the design and delivery of staff training, including orientation for summer staff
- Provide mentorship and professional development throughout the summer, focusing on teaching skills, communication, and cultural awareness.
Captain Assigned Buses:
- Pick up and drop off campers each day on assigned buses.
- Take daily attendance and report any absences to the Camp Supervisor.
- Support campers in transit offering help where needed and providing fun bus games during travel.
- Ensure smooth daily departures with appropriate hand-offs to parents/guardians.
Demonstrate Leadership and Support:
- Lead groups of 10-15 participants with the assistance of 1 Junior Camp Counsellor.
- Create a unified, positive, and connected team environment for participants and fellow Counsellors.
- Facilitate mealtimes with participants, support group activities, and foster rapport and connections among team members.
Ensure Camper Engagement and Safety:
- Ensure campers fully engage in all activities and encourage positive behaviors within the group.
- Conduct frequent head counts and respond to any First Aid/Medical concerns for participants.
- Support Junior Camp Counsellors in leading activities and developing new leadership approaches.
- Lead Team-Building Activities as assigned.
Offer On-Going Program Support:
- Work collaboratively with Youth & Family Wellness Camp staff on projects, events, and programs.
- Develop inclusive programming that ensures all campers can partake in.
- Identify camper needs for cultural, recreational, and social activities in conjunction with the Camp Coordinator.
- Support the development and implementation of various activities, including land-based activities.
- Assist with ongoing outreach to register campers for summer camp programs.
Manage Camper Behaviors with Care:
- Address unsafe behaviors promptly and compassionately, adhering to established policies & procedures.
- Handle incidents, concerns, and parent inquiries with professionalism and kindness.
Demonstrate Consistent and Professional Communication and Administration:
- Liaise with parents/guardians to address upcoming activities, concerns, and urgent situations.
- Participate in staff meetings, evaluations, and maintain cooperative relationships within the community.
- Adhere to uniform and safety protocols, including wearing closed-toed shoes and name tags.
- Take action to address incidents, problems, emergencies, and parent concerns according to policies.
- Maintain cleanliness and respect for Youth & Family Wellness Campgrounds.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Willingness to adapt working hours based on needs of program
- Be flexible and adaptable, ready to support camp operations in any capacity required.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in an Indigenous community or organization considered an asset.
- Must be willing to travel when required and take school bus with campers each day.
- Demonstrated knowledge, experience and/or academic background in working with youth and children in a community-based and land-based setting.
- Demonstrated experience in community outreach.
- Proven administrative skills.
- Proven organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment.
- First Aid qualifications (minimum of Emergency First Aid) is an asset or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment.
- High Five Certification is an asset.
Criteria
- Between the ages of 16 to 24
- Be available for the whole summer
- Identity as Indigenous – Asset: Treaty 3
- Enrolled in Post Secondary – Asset
Please forward resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting