Day Camp Counsellor

YMCA of Northern Alberta • Red Deer, AB

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 18, 2026 to August 21, 2026.

This position requires flexible availability between 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday. Specific hours of work will vary based on program needs.

Requirements

• Minimum 16 years of age.
• 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.
• Canada Summer Jobs Grant Participant Eligibility: No older than 30 years of age at the start of employment
• Canada Summer Jobs Grant Participant Eligibility: Be 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
• Canada Summer Jobs Grant Participant Eligibility: Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or post-secondary education related to recreation, child studies, education, or physical education is an asset.
• Experience working with children and youth in camp, recreation, or educational settings is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and lead daily camp activities for children and youth aged 3–15, including our new e-sports offering, art, science, 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.
• Integrate technology into processes to best streamline and enhance camper experiences. 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.

Benefits

• Meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
• Contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED