Summer Camp Staff - Camp Lionheart and Camp18

Job summary

Staff are responsible for providing direct support, personal care, and supervision to campers with diverse needs in both day and overnight camp settings. They must also plan and lead engaging activities while ensuring the safety and inclusion of all participants.

Job details

About Kayla’s Children Centre Summer Camps Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC) operates two inclusive summer camp programs: Camp18, our Day Camp in Toronto, and Camp Lionheart, our Overnight Camp in Muskoka. Both camps serve children and teens with developmental, physical and medical needs in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment where every camper can participate and have an incredible summer. Our staff are at the heart of making that happen. Whether working directly with campers, leading activities, providing medical or personal care, or helping things run behind the scenes, every role plays an important part in the camp experience. These are the different staffing positions available at Camp18 and Camp Lionheart. Counselor: Camp18 Day Camp ages 15+, Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp ages 17+ Position Overview The Counselor role is ideal for first-time or returning staff. Counselors support campers either one-to-one or in small group settings, helping them fully participate in camp activities in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Key Responsibilities • Provide direct support to campers on a 1:1 or small-group basis • Assist campers with participation in daily activities and routines • Foster a positive, inclusive, and fun camp experience • Work closely with senior staff, therapists, and medical team • Follow individualized support plans and camp protocols Qualifications • No prior experience required — training and ongoing support provided • Genuine interest in working with children • Responsible, patient, and team-oriented • Willingness to learn and take direction Personal Support Worker (PSW): Camp18 Day Camp and Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp Position Overview Personal Support Workers (PSWs) play a vital role in supporting campers with physical and personal care needs. This position is ideal for individuals with experience working with children with physical disabilities who are passionate about providing compassionate, hands-on care. Key Responsibilities • Assist campers with feeding, personal care, and hygiene • Support transfers and mobility needs • Monitor campers’ comfort and safety throughout the day • Work collaboratively with medical, therapy, and camp staff • Maintain dignity, respect, and a nurturing environment Qualifications • Previous experience working with individuals with physical disabilities required • Experience working with children strongly preferred • Patient, caring, and physically capable • Strong communication and teamwork skills Activity Specialty Staff: Camp18 Day Camp Position Overview Activity Specialty Staff bring creativity and expertise to our day camp programming. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong skill set in a specific area who are excited to design and lead engaging, age-appropriate specialty programming. Specialty Areas May Include • Art • Karate • Theatre • Baking • Other creative specialties Key Responsibilities • Plan and lead specialty programming for campers • Adapt activities to meet diverse abilities and needs • Work collaboratively with camp leadership and counselors • Create a fun, inclusive, and engaging specialty experience Qualifications • Demonstrated skill or experience in a specialty area • Experience working with children preferred • Creative, organized, and enthusiastic • Ability to adapt programming for campers with diverse needs Program Specialty Staff: Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp Position Overview Specialty Staff bring energy, creativity, and expertise to our Camp Lionheart programming. This role is perfect for individuals who love leading activities and sharing their talents with campers in a dynamic camp setting. Specialty Areas May Include • Arts & crafts • Pottery • Dance, gymnastics and yoga • Sports (tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball) • Archery • Creative and unique programming Key Responsibilities • Lead specialty activities and programs • Adapt activities to support a range of abilities • Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment • Collaborate with counselors and leadership staff • Supervise campers during set times which may include rest hour and/or night duty Qualifications • Experience or strong interest in one or more specialty areas • Experience working with children preferred • Energetic, flexible, and team-oriented Waterfront Staff: Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp Position Overview Waterfront Staff are responsible for supervising and leading water-based activities while ensuring camper safety at all times. Activities include swimming, boating, paddling, and sailing. Key Responsibilities • Supervise waterfront activities and ensure camper safety • Lead swimming and boating programs • Enforce waterfront safety protocols • Respond appropriately to emergencies • Supervise campers during set times which may include rest hour and/or night duty Qualifications • Required certifications may include: o National Lifeguard (NL) o Standard First Aid o CPR-C o Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCO) • Strong swimming skills • Ability to supervise groups in an active outdoor environment Ropes Course Staff: Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp Position Overview Ropes Course Staff ensure the safety and success of campers participating in low ropes, high ropes, and climbing wall activities. This role involves close supervision, instruction, and encouragement. Key Responsibilities • Supervise and operate ropes course elements and climbing wall • Guide campers through challenges safely and confidently • Respond promptly to safety concerns or emergencies • Support camper confidence and teamwork • Supervise campers during set times which may include rest hour and/or night duty Qualifications • No prior challenge course certification required, although it is certainly welcomed! • Must be willing to complete onsite Challenge Course training during precamp • Comfortable working at heights Media Staff: Camp18 Day Camp and Camp Lionheart Overnight Camp Position Overview Media Staff capture the spirit of camp through photos, videos, and storytelling moments. This role is ideal for creative individuals who are confident with photography, videography, and social media. Key Responsibilities • Capture photos and videos of daily camp activities • Create engaging visual content and storytelling moments • Assist with social media posting and content organization • Work respectfully around campers and staff Qualifications • Confidence using social media platforms • Photography and/or videography experience preferred • Creative eye and strong attention to detail • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

What you’ll do

Staff are responsible for providing direct support, personal care, and supervision to campers with diverse needs in both day and overnight camp settings. They must also plan and lead engaging activities while ensuring the safety and inclusion of all participants.

Requirements

Candidates should have a genuine interest in working with children and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Specific roles may require certifications such as National Lifeguard, First Aid, or CPR, and experience with physical disabilities is required for Personal Support Worker positions.

Listed skills

• First Aid · Preferred
• CPR · Preferred
• Supervision · Preferred
• Teamwork · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Personal Care · Preferred
• Mobility assistance · Preferred
• adaptability · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Childcare
• First Aid
• CPR
• Supervision
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Personal Care
• Activity Planning
• Safety Protocols
• Photography
• Videography
• Social Media
• Mobility Assistance
• Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Detail Oriented
• Enthusiasm
• Energetic
• Willingness To Learn
• Creativity
• Compassion
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Team Oriented
• Working With Children
• Disabilities
• Baking
• Working at Heights
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Lifeguarding
• Yoga
• Karate (Martial Art)
• Pottery
• Pleasure Craft Operator Cards

Job areas

• Social Services
• Education
• Sports & Recreation
• Creative & Media
• Healthcare
• Summer Camp Staff
• Lifeguard
• Protective Services Workers Not Elsewhere Classified
• Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers