QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two summer seasons of experience working with children or youth in a Day Camp and/or Residential Camp setting or equivalent.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility, with ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience planning and leading programs.
• The ability to participate in physical activity, and work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.
• Standard First Aid and CPR- C.
• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policy.

This position may be supported by funding from Canada Summer Jobs and to be eligible for this grant position, the successful applicant must be between the ages of 18 to 30 years of age.


COMPETENCIES:

Child and Youth Focused
Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

Diversity
Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring a richness to the YMCA.

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.

Concern for Health and Safety
Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

Teamwork
Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.

Creativity and Innovation
Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.

Leadership
Guides, motivates and inspires self and others to take action to achieve desired outcomes.


DAY CAMP OVERVIEW

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:45am-5:15pm. 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 Protections Policies and Procedures


APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants are invited to apply online via link below.

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. Please note that interviews may take place virtually.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

Summer Day Camp Program Specialist

Location: YMCA Day Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Port Colborne and Niagara Falls

Pay: $17.75 per hour

Employment Type: 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

Placement Date: Mid-June – August 29, 2025 inclusive of 40 hours paid pre-camp training


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

Program Specialists play a vital role in ensuring program quality and delivering safe age-appropriate and site-specific programming. Program Specialists are knowledgeable in camp activities, songs, programming developmentally appropriate activities, supporting the implementation of planned activities in camp programs and creating an inclusive environment for campers of all abilities and ages to participate. The Program Specialist will also be responsible for delivering programming themselves at various points in the day. Program Specialists are responsible for ensuring all campers have a positive camp experience and supporting the camps on site as necessary.


RESPONSIBILITIES

• Skilled in leading/teaching a variety of camp activities to both their colleagues and campers.
• Lead engaging and hands-on programming.
• Provide input into staff meetings and assist as needed.
• Oversee the development and execution of programs, activities, and the schedule.
• Assist the Site Supervisor with the day-to-day operations of camp, i.e. including break coverage, administrative tasks.
• Assist with training and preparation for the camp season.
• Responsible for supervision of campers as needed.
• Address parental/guardian concerns and ensure maximum customer satisfaction.
• Maintains high standards in program delivery, communication, coaching and mentoring of all staff.
• Regular contact with staff, camp participants, parents/guardians, community agencies, and volunteers involved in the program.
• Further support staff in the planning, supervision, and leading of activities.
• Submit clear and concise incident reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Follow Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) guidelines (when certified).
• Other duties as assigned.