Summer Camp Staff - Camp Tapawingo

2026 Camp Tapawingo Summer Camp Staff Recruitment
JOB POSTING DATE: December 23, 2025
POSITION DATES: May 1 - August 26, 2026
APPLY ONLINE:
YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people from all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations. We also encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify. YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO’S CAMP TAPAWINGO
Tap into a 95-year tradition of learning, adventure and fun. For girls and gender diverse children and youth 6-15 years of age, YWCA’s Camp Tapawingo can turn a summer experience into a summer of unique memories. The relaxed atmosphere of a child and youth-focused setting creates the perfect environment for embarking on a camper’s journey to self-discovery, confidence and achievement.

We continue to increase diversity, equity and inclusion within our services at Camp Tapawingo. We aspire to be a camp that is representative of Toronto’s diverse community and to provide a welcoming space where camp participants, families, counsellors-in-training and staff feel safe and valued. Through active diversity outreach, partnerships, and subsidies for families on lower incomes, we work to ensure that all experiences are positive and valuable ones. We strive to be a community where individuals can relax and be their best selves.

YWCA’s Camp Tapawingo is currently recruiting applicants, ages 17 years old or older, for various positions. All
staff live at the camp on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound and work directly with children and youth in the following areas: swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, climbing, dance & drama, fitness, sailing, nature activities, land sports, tripping, kayaking, guitar and mountain biking. All specialty positions will start on June 12th and all counsellor positions start on June 19th. All positions end on August 26th. Compensation depends on the position and experience of the applicant.For all camp positions, candidates are expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Ability to respect and maintain participant confidentiality
• Understand and support the mission and beliefs of YWCA Toronto;
• Incorporate principles of anti-oppression and equity;
• Demonstrate respect, consideration and acceptance of the opinions of others while expressing
• their own expertise and effectively utilizing relevant resources and specialists;
• Consistently collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly;
• Be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary;
• Set goals, prioritize tasks and carry out responsibilities to achieve quality results;
• Take action to avoid or solve problems and create opportunities for positive change;
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

At YWCA Toronto’s Camp Tapawingo, we believe in unplugging from screens in order to connect with nature
and each other. Our staff have limitations on cell phone and other electronic device use while at camp.

Vaccination Policy:
In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees, students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as well as measles vaccination recommended by Toronto Public Health.

A police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. These positions are not within the Bargaining Unit. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Current Available Positions

Business Coordinator and Program Leader
The successful candidate is responsible for the administration of the tuck shop, town trips and processing expenditures.
The candidate should have:

• High school or post-secondary education attendance with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or the social services field
• Experience in financial tracking, reconciliation, and documentation Some expertise in another area of camp programming
• Must be 18 years of age or older and have an Ontario driver’s license
• Experience in a residential camp setting
• Experience working with children and youth

Counsellor-In-Training Coordinator Successful candidates are responsible for the overall supervision, administration and operation of the leadership training program.
The candidate should have:

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Ability to develop and implement a challenging and fun program for the Counsellor in Training group, including running workshops and training sessions.
• Demonstrated expertise via experience or qualifications in a wide variety of programming skill areas
• Experience in teaching and instructing children and youth
• Experience working as a senior member of a camp staff

Section Head
The successful candidates are responsible for campers, program and staff in one of the sections, and to teach in an activity area as assigned to support program implementation as required in accordance with the mission and policies of YWCA Toronto.

The candidate should have:

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Experience working with children and youth in a variety of settings
• AA teachable skill area of one of the areas taught at the camp
• Strong communication skills and relationship-building skills
• Appropriate certificates must be held where waterfront activities are designated as a skill area (minimum Bronze Cross)

Senior Counsellor
Successful candidates are responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for a cabin group of girls and gender diverse youth and teaching in an activity area and helping with program implementation as required
The candidate should have:

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Experience working with children and youth
• Must have a teachable skill area
• Experience in program planning, delivery, and camper engagement
• Appropriate certificates must be held where waterfront activities are designated as skill areas (minimum Bronze Cross)

Junior Counsellor
Successful candidates are responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for a cabin group of girls and gender diverse youth and teaching in an activity area, working under the guidance of Senior Counsellors and Section Heads

The candidate should have:

• Must be over the age of 16 years
• Experience working with children and youth
• Must have a teachable skill area
• Some experience in camper supervision, daily routines, and program activities.
• Appropriate certificates must be held where waterfront activities are designated as skill areas (minimum Bronze Cross)

Activity Head
Successful candidates are responsible for the overall supervision, administration and operation of an activity area.
The candidate should have:

• Experience in one of the following areas: arts & crafts, land sports, tripping, swimming or canoeing
• Experience in teaching and instructing children and youth
• Experience in program development

Senior Counsellor/Activity Head
Successful candidates are responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for a cabin group of girls and gender diverse youth and teaching in an activity area.
The candidate should have:

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Experience in one of the following areas; arts & crafts, environmental education and outdoor pursuits, dance & drama, climbing, mountain biking and sailing
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to teach and supervise the program
• Experience working and teaching children and youth

Day Camp Coordinator
Successful candidate is responsible for the overall supervision, administration and operation of the Day Camp.
The candidate should have:

• Experience in one of the following areas: arts & crafts, environmental education and outdoor pursuits, dance & drama, or sailing
• Experience in teaching and instructing children and youth
• Experience in program development

Day Camp Counsellor
Successful candidate is responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for Camp Tapawingo guests.
The candidate should have:

• Grade 11 or higher
• Experience working with children in teaching, after school programming, volunteer work, or other related children’s activities
• Must hold current swim qualifications including National Lifeguard
• Excellent customer service skills

Camp Nurse
Successful candidate is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of the campers and staff.
The candidate should have:

• Current First Aid Certificate
• Valid current qualifications as a Registered Nurse or Registered Nursing Assistant
• Experience working with children and youth
• Ability to relate to girls, gender diverse youth/people and young women

Maintenance - Work Camp
The successful candidate is responsible for assisting with general maintenance and repairs at the summer camp.
The candidate should have:

• Ability to lift 25 kilograms
• Experience in routine maintenance tasks including cleaning, painting, mowing grass, moving furniture, minor repairs and road work.
• Commitment to working with diverse people in a respectful and inclusive manner
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to respect and maintain participant confidentiality

Maintenance- Cleaner
The successful candidates are responsible for cleaning in specific sections of camp and assisting with general maintenance and repairs at the summer camp.
The candidate should have:

• Experience in general cleaning, maintenance, and repairs
• Must be 15 years of age or older
• Ability to lift 25 kilograms
• Commitment to working with diverse people in a respectful and inclusive manner
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Lifeguard
The successful candidates are responsible for teaching in a water-related activity area and to help with program implementation as required in accordance with the mission and policies of YWCA Toronto.

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Experience working with children and youth
• Must have National Lifeguard or Red Cross Lifeguard certification as well as Lifesaving Society and Red Cross Instructor certifications
• Ability to respect and maintain participant confidentiality

Head Cook

• The successful candidate is responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen including meal preparation, menu support, food safety compliance, inventory control, and supervision of the kitchen staff.
• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Completion of Food Handler Certificate
• One to three years’ experience in a supervisory capacity
• Experience in large quantity cooking

Assistant Cook
The successful candidate is responsible for assisting the cook in meal preparation, menu support, food safety compliance, inventory control and is in charge in the Head Cook’s absence

• High school or post-secondary education attendance, with an interest in gaining further experience in child development, recreation or social services field
• Completion of Food Handler Certificate
• Six months experience working in a kitchen
• Ability to work collaboratively

Kitchen Assistants/Dishwasher
The successful candidate helps to prepare meals, works on the counter during meals to assist with serving and helps with dishwashing and cleaning

• Grade 10 education
• Some experience working with food
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to maintain a positive approach

YWCA Toronto transforms lives. As the city’s largest multi-service women’s organization, we help women and gender diverse people escape violence, move out of poverty and access safe, affordable housing.

We work tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women and gender diverse people back from achieving equality.

Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees, students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health