YMCA Day Camp Counsellor Employment Opportunities 2017
The YMCA of Western Ontario is dedicated to creating rich, camping environments that
foster the growth and development of both campers and staff. Our unique age and
YMCA values based approach is designed to allow campers to grow with us creating
experiences that last a lifetime.
A typical YMCA Day Camp staff is committed, first and foremost, to the safety and
personal growth of the campers attending our programs. Our staff teams possess
backgrounds in childcare, youth coaching and school or community leadership. They
demonstrate flexibility, a willingness to learn, a desire to enhance their personal and
professional skills, plus a commitment to achieving excellence in camping.
The YMCA provides opportunities for the staff to excel within the positions they hold at
camp. We have eight different sites in London, each with its own unique program options
and opportunities. From time to time, based on registration numbers, day camp sites share
staff, further enriching the overall employment experience.
It is expected that YMCA day camp staff demonstrate active support to the philosophy
and objectives of the YMCA. All YMCA day camp staff are expected to participate fully
in all camp programs, and uphold camp regulations and policies. It is also expected that
YMCA day camp staff interact in a supportive and professional manner with fellow staff
members, visitors, and campers. To our campers, the staff team is a role-model that
embodies the core values of the YMCA.
The YMCA of Western Ontario provides opportunities for the staff to excel within their
positions. Formal and informal feedback is provided throughout the duration of
employment. The opportunity to express concerns or grievances is also provided. It is
expected that all successful applicants will be able to commit to the full length of their
employment agreement. Due to the short nature of our day camp season requests for
extended time off for family vacations are usually denied. It is also an expectation that all
YMCA day camp staff will be able to find their own transportation to their assigned work
site.
YMCA Mission and Core Values
Mission: The YMCA of Western Ontario is a multi-service charity that provides
opportunities for personal growth in spirit, mind, and body for people of all backgrounds,
beliefs and abilities.
YMCA Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Honesty
Minimum Requirements of all YMCA Day Camp staff
Each candidate needs to be at least 17 years or turning 17 years old during the 2017
calendar year and possess:
 Current Standard First Aid and CPR B or C
 YMCA Healthy Child Development (don’t worry we’ll provide this training)
 Verification of a clear Criminal Record with Vulnerable Position Screening for all
staff, dated in the current calendar year. For returning staff a new Criminal Record
check is only required every two years.
 A desire to provide camping experiences to children 3-16 years old
 A dedication to live by the YMCA core values
Further requirements for specific positions are outlined within this package.
Deadline for Application(s) for Day Camp positions
in London
Monday March 14, 2017
We are currently recruiting for London day camps only. Please check later for
YMCA of Western Ontario day camps outside of London.
Please note: Interviews will commence after the application deadline and will be
conducted on an ongoing basis until all positions have been filled.
What’s in it for me?
This is a great question that I’m sure you’re asking. All staff positions described in this
package are paid, but there’s more to this position than just the money. As a day camp
staff member you’ll receive a complimentary 1 year membership to the YMCA and it’s
good for all YMCA’s across Canada. So if you’re off to school in another city this
membership works there too! A day camp job is also a great resume builder. You will
receive hands on experience working with children and delivering programs. You’ll also
have the opportunity to learn new skills. Depending on the site you work at you could
learn how to teach canoeing, archery, high ropes, back pocket games, songs and stories
and so much more. We really want you to put your own creative twist on every activity
you lead. If that means teaching archery dressed as Robin Hood, great. Want to talk like a
pirate all day, awesome. Come to work dressed as a superhero, we wouldn’t have it any
other way. Above all, this job can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever
have and it’s just an application away.
Some additional responsibilities to be aware of:
Employee training and orientation requirement:
Sunday June 25 to Thursday June 29, 2017
All YMCA Day Camp employees are required to participate in a 5 full days of training
process that serves as the foundation for ensuring that our employees are able to
successfully carry out their jobs, and that the staff team as a whole is prepared for the
summer. This training is required for all new and returning YMCA Day Camp
employees. Time off during staff training will only be approved to write exams. This
must be arranged ahead of time, as the staff member will be required to complete makeup training prior to the start of camp.
Extended Care supervision
Each day camp site offers before and after camp extended care for families who need
supervision for their children outside of regular camp programming hours. This is
structured and supervised free play. It is expected that day camp staff will work either the
morning before camp or the after camp extended care. A schedule will be determined
during staff training.
Bus Captains
As a service to our day camp families we provide bus transportation to all our outdoor
and sport day camp sites in London from 6 convenient locations around London. We
require a minimum of 1 Bus Captain per bus to supervise the campers. These positions
will be determined by each Site Director prior to the start of camp.
YMCA Day Camp Locations in London
Fanshawe Conservation Area Day Camp (FCA)
Come experience London’s best keep secret. Located at 1424 Clarke Rd, this YMCA site
is tucked away in the far reaches of the Fanshawe Conservation Area. Located on
Fanshawe Lake, our waterfront programs make this site an unforgettable place for
children ages 4-16yrs to make new friends and discover new opportunities. Canoeing,
kayaking, building sand castles, making crafts, and field sports are just some of the
traditional camp programs FCA campers are able to experience at this magical location
on the outskirts of town!
Spencer Lodge Day Camp
Located on Windermere road, YMCA Day Camp at Spencer Lodge is another hidden
gem right in the middle of London. A deceptively large, 27 acre pocket of wilderness is
the home to many great camp adventures for campers 4-16 years old. Spencer Lodge has
an emphasis on adventure, team building and wilderness skills. It is a place where
campers can experience a climbing wall, vertical playground and high ropes course. Mix
the adventure with exploration at the a vibrant pond teaming with interesting frogs, turtles
and other critters or in the forest full of trees, plants and birds to learn and discover what
nature has to offer. Our third focus at Spencer Lodge is basic wilderness skills. Spencer
campers can construct a shelter, build a fire and learn how to identify animals simply by
their footprints. A whole new world awaits the campers at Spencer Lodge.
Bob Hayward YMCA Day Camp
A terrific mix of indoor and outdoor adventures for campers aged 4-12 years old. Located
on Hamilton Road, just east of Highbury Ave, the Bob Hayward YMCA is known for is
community atmosphere and welcoming staff where everyone feels like family. Inside the
facility campers can play high energy games in the gym, running games on the track
under the pool or be creative through drama activities in one of the multipurpose rooms.
Right outside our backdoor we have access to a beautiful park, with playground, soccer
and baseball fields as well as some nature trails nearby for more exploration. Whether a
camper is building a craft, playing on the playground or going for the daily swim in the
pool the “Bob” is an excellent site for every camper’s adventures this summer.
Stoney Creek YMCA Day Camp
Try our state of the art YMCA facility, offering 2 pools, multiple youth activity rooms
and indoor tree house play structure, interactive gaming and beautiful outdoor space.
Located in north London on Sunningdale at Adelaide, campers 4-12 years old will have a
blast playing in the indoor tree house, or high energy games in the gym, swimming every
day in the pools, or building a craft in one of the activity rooms. Our youngest campers
also enjoy story time read by the children’s librarian at the attached city library. With all
it has to offer The Stoney Creek YMCA and Community Centre is a great place for a
summer of fun!
Centre Branch YMCA Day Camp
Located in the heart of London at Waterloo St. and King St. Centre Branch YMCA is a
great location for any parent working in the city’s core. Y campers will experience many
great traditional camp programs from high energy games, arts and crafts and a daily swim
in the pool. There will also be time playing outside at nearby parks. For campers 4 – 12
years old Centre Branch YMCA is a great location for summer day camp.
Wortley YMCA Day Camp
A brand new day camp located in the heart of Old South London at 165 Elmwood Ave.
This camp will be based out of the Wortley YMCA. Campers will spend lots of time
outdoors on the Green, enjoy walking trips to Thames park and making friends. For
campers 4 – 12 years old Wortley YMCA is a great location for summer day camp.
YMCA Fanshawe College Jr. Falcons Sports Camps- (Campers 6 - 12 years old)
The YMCA has partnered with Fanshawe College to offer day camps with a sporting
focus. We are offering day camp at Fanshawe College with 2 sport streams of both
soccer and multi-sport.
YMCA Basketball Day Camp- (Campers 6 - 12 years old)
Basketball Day Camp is hosted at 75 Blackfriars St, the London Lightning practice facility.
This camp program emphasizes basketball skill development, while mixing in a little day
camp fun along the way. This camp is offered session1 through 8. All weeks are at the
London Lightning practice facility.
A Typical Day in the world of YMCA Day Camp Staff
7:15 am:
7:30 am:
8:20 – 8:45 am:
9:00 - 12:00 pm:
12:00 – 12:45 pm:
12:45 – 3:30 pm:
3:30 – 3:45 pm:
4:00 pm:
5:30 pm:
Staff arrival for Extended Care (before camp care not all staff required)
Extended Care opens
Buses arrive to camp
Camp Day begins with an Opening Circle then morning program
Lunch
Afternoon Program
Closing Circle
Buses depart, Extended Care (post-camp supervision not all staff required)
Extended Care closes, everyone home!
All staff are expected to attend a paid, bi-weekly staff meeting outside of usual camp
program hours.
How to Apply
Select the position and day camp site(s) you wish to apply for. We only need one
application from you. If you are interested in multiple positions at multiple sites please
indicate this in your cover letter.
Step 1. Update your resume and include 3 references, preferably previous employers
Step 2. Write a cover letter indicating all the top 3 sites you would like to apply to
work at. If you’re only interested in one location indicate that as well.
Step 3. Send it all to:
Chris Wick
Regional Manager of Camps
Email: [email protected]
Please include the position and location title in the subject line of your email.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview
will be contacted.
The YMCA of Western Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free
environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees,
job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our
information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the
requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
(2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
Day Camp Counsellor
Day Camp Sites requiring this position
 Fanshawe Conservation Area
 Spencer Lodge
 Bob Hayward YMCA
 Stoney Creek YMCA
 Centre Branch YMCA
 Fanshawe College
 Basketball Camp
 Wortley YMCA
Position term: June 25, 2017 – September 1, 2017
Pay range: $11.40 to $11.60/hour based on years of experience
Position Overview: Day Camp Counsellors are responsible for making the magic of
camp happen. They will provide amazing adventures, deliver super fun programs and
ensure their camper’s safety and supervision. Day Camp Counsellors are fun, funny,
creative, energetic and are an integral part of making experiences that last a lifetime!
Duties Include:
 Supervision of assigned camper group
 Leading/instructing all camp programs
 Planning and delivering daily activities
 Full and active participation in all camp activities
 Participation in staff meetings
 Weekend introductory phone calls to assigned camper group
Position Requirements:
 Minimum YMCA day camp staff requirements (see above)
 A passion for working with children
 Positive attitude, an enthusiastic nature and a willingness to try new things
Day Camp Relief
Day Camp Sites requiring this position
 Available to all day camp sites
Position term: June 25, 2017 to September 1, 2017
Pay range: $11.40 to $11.60/hour or parts thereof, based on years experience
Position Overview: Day Camp relief staff are available on an on-call basis to fill in
when a Day Camp Counsellor is sick or when registrations numbers exceed our expected
staffing levels. They take on the roles and responsibilities for the Day Camp Counsellor
they are replacing. This is a great position for someone who has worked in camping
before and wants to stay involved in camping, but is unable to make a full time
commitment.
Position Requirements:
 Minimum YMCA day camp staff requirements (see above)
 Experience in day or residential camp setting
 Must have own transportation and be willing to work at any day camp site,
possibly on short notice