Hourly Rate: $17.50 - Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!

Location: Various locations across the GTA

Work Hours: Part time hours in June for training, then up to 40 hours per week Monday – Friday starting June 23 until August 29, 2025

Employment Type: Seasonal Contract 

Number of Vacancies: 60

Anticipated Start Date: June 2, 2025

Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Day Camp Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

Accessibility and Inclusion Counsellors, also referred to as 1:1 Counsellors, play an integral role ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in a camp experience. These counsellors are placed with a child that requires additional support to ensure they are integrated into a camper group and are able to positively participate no matter their ability level. Accessibility and Inclusion Counsellors work closely with the Day Camp team to continue finding resources, modify activities, be an advocate for children with disabilities and behavioural needs and assist in creating an inclusive camp environment.

In this role, you will:    

Provide camper support and work collaboratively within the camp team to provide inclusive programming for campers with developmental and behavioural needs Responsible for getting to know camper(s) and their interests and needs, then delivering activities in line with program manuals Participate in parent/guardian communication prior to camper arrival and throughout the week to ensure we work with families and caregivers and provide a positive experience for camper Be flexible and adaptable while working with different campers throughout the summer, potentially at neighbouring camp sites Participate enthusiastically in all camp programs with camper group, including recreational swimming Supervise a camper group ensuring that each camper is safe, supported and welcome at all times during the camp experience Responsible for attending all staff trainings and meetings; arriving on time, and actively participating and contributing to the development of all camp staff Ensure Health & Safety procedures are being followed and maintained and contribute to the cleaning, safety and maintenance to camp sites Act as a positive role model for the campers and fellow staff through embodying the YMCA values, policies and procedures, Day Camp conditions of employment/guidelines and the Ontario Camping Association standards

You bring:   

Minimum age 18 years old by first day of camp High school diploma or post-secondary education preferred (Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Worker, Ontario Certified Teacher, Resource Teacher, Social Worker, Developmental Support, Educational Assistant, Recreation and Leisure and/or training in the fields of psychology and experience working with children with differing abilities and diagnosis) Standard First Aid and CPR ‘C’ certificate valid until the last day of contract Minimum 1-year experience working in a child-oriented program with a focus on children with disability or additional needs Experience with YMCA Day Camps an asset Ability to have transportation (car, transit) to close by camp locations Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in a team environment  Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with families, staff and volunteers Excellent communication skills and ability to lead a group of children Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed:     

Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter 

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here. 

If you are hired, prior to your start date and as a condition of your employment, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.