Summer Camp Counsellor
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of Albertans with disabilities? Do you have leadership skills that can inspire and support a team while creating a safe and inclusive environment for campers? Join Easter Seals Alberta in supporting our mission to foster inclusion, independence, and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
Easter Seals Alberta’s Camp Horizon specializes in an accessible and inclusive summer camp experience for individuals with disabilities. Since 1965, we’ve provided programs such as high ropes, rock climbing, camping, arts and crafts, and much more! As part of our inclusive, dynamic team, you’ll play an essential role in creating heart-filled moments, building relationships, and ensuring the success of our campers’ experiences.
Our campers, who are children, youth, and adults with a variety of disabilities and complex medical conditions, rely on the leadership and support of dedicated staff like you. The Cabin Bunk Lead is responsible for overseeing a group of counsellors, ensuring the smooth operation of the cabin, and creating a positive, engaging atmosphere for both campers and staff.
Start Date: June 21, 2026
End Date: August 23, 2026
Location: 1 Camp Horizon Road, Bragg Creek, Alberta
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead and Support Counselors: Manage a team of camp counsellors, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support to provide excellent care for campers.
- Supervise and Mentor: Lead daily cabin activities and ensure counselors are effectively supporting campers with personal care and facilitating inclusive programs.
- 24-Hour Camper Supervision: Provide overnight support and leadership to campers in your cabin.
- Promote Engagement: Encourage camper participation through the Challenge by Choice framework, offering a choice-driven approach to activities.
- Foster a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Create an environment where both campers and staff feel safe, supported, and respected.
- Assist with Camper Personal Care: Provide personal care to campers as needed, including assistance with mobility, feeding, toileting, and showering.
- Support Staff Training: Assist in training new counsellors and provide ongoing feedback for performance evaluation.
- Daily Communication and Coordination: Work closely with other Cabin Bunk Leads and camp staff to coordinate schedules, manage group dynamics, and adjust as needed for a smooth-running camp experience.
Your Skills and Experience:
- Experience Working with Individuals with Disabilities: Prior experience supporting individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs.
- Leadership Experience: Ability to lead a team of counselors, delegate tasks, and foster teamwork and collaboration.
- Comfortable Assisting with Personal Care: Ability to assist with lifts, transfers, and other personal care tasks.
- Organizational and Communication Skills: Strong multitasking ability and clear communication with your team and campers.
- Energetic and Enthusiastic: Ability to create a fun and inclusive environment for all campers and staff.
- Risk Management and Conflict Resolution: Ability to resolve conflicts effectively and manage group dynamics in a positive way.
Considered an Asset:
- Previous Camp Experience: Experience working at an overnight summer camp or in a similar setting.
- Behavior Management: Experience with de-escalation strategies and positive behavior reinforcement.
- Additional Certifications: Outdoor certifications (WFA, ACCT, OCC) or related leadership training.
Working Conditions:
- Live and Work Onsite: Stay on camp grounds for the duration of the contract. Cabin Bunk Leads are responsible for overseeing camper activities and supervising overnight stays.
- Physical Demands: Activity for 8+ hours each day, working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Overnight Duty: Be available for overnight shifts to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
- Weekend and Evening Availability: Participation in evening and weekend activities, supporting camp-wide events and ensuring campers are engaged.
What We Can Offer You:
- Professional Development: Opportunity to grow in a leadership role and make a positive impact.
- Shared Accommodation and Meals: Provided for the duration of your contract.
- Training: Intensive two-week staff training before the camp season (June 15 to June 26, 2026).
- Planned Activities: Enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and excursions to local national parks.
- A Positive Work Environment: Work with a diverse and inclusive team that values each person’s contributions.
Conditions of Employment:
- Police Information and Vulnerable Sector Check: Required before the start of employment.
- Be 18+ by the Start Date: All candidates must be 18 or older by June 21, 2026.
- Live Onsite for the Duration of Your Contract: Commitment to living on-site for the entire duration of the summer camp season.
- Must Attend Training: Available to attend all days of counselor training (June 21st to July 3rd, 2026)
Eligibility:
This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs. To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
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Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status
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Be legally entitled to work in Canada
Commitment to Equity:
This role supports national priorities by promoting inclusion and diversity. We encourage applications from:
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Youth with disabilities
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Indigenous youth
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Racialized youth
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2SLGBTQI+ youth
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Youth from underrepresented backgrounds in the labour market
Join Us!
Make a difference this summer while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector. Apply today and help us build a more inclusive Alberta!
