Summer Camp Staff – Camp Tapawingo

Overview

2026 Camp Tapawingo Summer Camp Staff Recruitment
JOB POSTING DATE: December 23, 2025
POSITION DATES: May 1 – August 26, 2026
APPLY ONLINE: (PLEASE APPLY THROUGH BELOW LINK DIRECTLY)

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 (1 position)
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 (2 positions)
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 (4 positions)
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 (14 positions)
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 (16 positions)
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 (3 positions)
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 (6 positions)
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 (1 position)
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 (3 positions)
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 (1 position)
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 (14 weeks)
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 (2 positions)
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 (2 positions)
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 (1 position)

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 (1 position)
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 absenceHigh 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 (5 positions)
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