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 another extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting children and youth from our affiliate KCA 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. We are on the lookout for five (5) Senior Camp Counsellors to join our team and help us create unforgettable summer memories for youth across our surrounding first nation communities.
- Senior Camp Counsellors are responsible for leading groups of 10-15 campers aged 6-15 years old with the support of 1 Junior Camp Counsellor. Senior Camp Counsellors play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of campers, fostering an environment of growth, learning, and fun. Beyond just supervising activities, they serve as mentors, role models, and confidants, nurturing the personal and social development of young individuals. Their guidance helps campers build confidence, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
Position Title: Senior Camp Counsellor
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Counsellor Supervisor, KCA Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: June 22 – August 28, 2026
Hourly Rate: $17.50/Hour (40 per week) + Bonus, $1.00 for every hour worked
if contract is completed
Special Considerations: Mandatory Training: June 1, 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: 5
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 Camp staff on projects, events, & 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 KCA 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.
Education and/or Experience:
- Experience working with children and youth in recreation, leadership and cultural programming
- Understanding and speaking of the Ojibway language is considered an asset
Additional Requirements:
- First Aid qualifications (minimum of Emergency First Aid) is an asset or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment.
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Must be willing to travel when required;
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search.
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