Summer Day Camp Program Support Counsellor - Helping Hands
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Location
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YMCA Day Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls
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Pay
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$17.75/hour
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Employment Type
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Seasonal Contract – 42.5 to 44 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training, recruitment and promotional events
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Vacancies
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10
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Placement Date
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June - September 4, 2026, plus hours of paid pre-camp training
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Why Work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.
Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.
Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, advocacy, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.
Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.
NATURE & SCOPE
The Program Support Counsellor supports the successful integration, safety, and well-being of campers with diverse needs while strengthening staff capacity through modelling, coaching, and collaborative problem-solving. The role emphasizes proactive behaviour support, integrated program delivery, and consistent application of YMCA standards across camp environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Support & Integration
- Support campers with behavioural, physical, developmental, or medical needs through individualized and group-based strategies.
- Read, interpret, and apply camper profiles and integration plans to provide appropriate, responsive support.
- Modify activities, routines, and transitions to accommodate diverse abilities while maintaining engagement and program quality.
- Monitor and evaluate camper progress, adjusting strategies to promote positive outcomes and meaningful participation.
- Identify early signs of behavioural stress and implement proactive, preventative, and restorative approaches.
- Promote emotional safety, positive behaviour, and successful integration throughout all camp activities.
- Ensure maximum camper integration while supporting regulation breaks as needed.
- Model effective behaviour management, de-escalation, and integration strategies during daily program delivery.
- Support frontline staff with group dynamics, proactively addressing bullying, isolation, conflict, and behavioural concerns.
- Provide in-the-moment guidance and feedback to staff to reinforce best practices in supervision, integration, and emotional safety.
- Act as a collaborative resource to staff, supervisors, and volunteers, demonstrating flexibility and shared responsibility.
- Step in to support program continuity during staff absences or unexpected situations.
- Reinforce YMCA values, professionalism, boundaries, and confidentiality through role modelling.
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date documentation, including camper notes, behaviour records, washroom logs, incident reports, and integration plans.
- Submit clear and timely incident reports and required documentation.
- Maintain records of strategies implemented and outcomes achieved.
- Contribute to end-of-season summary reports as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR(C) Certification.
- Completion of High School or some Post Secondary education in Child & Youth, Education, RECE, or related field an asset.
- Experience working with children is an asset.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (Crisis Prevention Institute) Training is an asset.
- Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara if above the age of 18.
Working Conditions:
- Work is in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
- Typically work Monday through Friday, scheduled for shifts between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm.
- Evening and weekend work will be required during training and for staff meetings.
- This role requires participation in activities involving varying levels of physical activity. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
COMPETENCIES:
Child and Youth Focus
Demonstrates a commitment to supporting the growth, development, and well-being of children and youth through positive engagement, supervision, and role modelling.
Service Orientation
Proactively creates positive, inclusive experiences that enhance the quality of service for campers, families, and staff.
Quality & Outcome Focus
Ensures YMCA programs meet established standards, responds quickly to issues that threaten quality or values, and supports program outcomes and relevance.
Relationship Building & Collaboration
Works effectively as part of a team, builds positive working relationships, and contributes to a respectful, supportive, and accountable camp environment.
Health and Safety
Understands and applies health and safety practices, risk mitigation strategies, and emergency procedures to maintain safe environments for campers, volunteers and other staff.
Diversity
Values and promotes diverse perspectives and inclusive practices that strengthen the YMCA community.
DAY CAMP OVERVIEW
Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:30am-5:30pm. Most camp staff are scheduled to work between 7.5 and 8.5 hours per day.
For more information on this and the variety of camps we offer, please visit our website ymcadaycamp.ca.
Successful applicants must attend all pre-camp meetings and training including training on YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on May 8, 2026.
Internal applicants are encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.
All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.
Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.
For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org
