Newcomer Day Camp Counselor

Newcomer Day Camp Counselor- Newcomer Summer Camp

Location: Waterloo Region

Work Hours: 37.5

Employment Type: Full- Time Contract

Number of Vacancies: 5

Anticipated Start Date: June 29, 2026

Contract End Date: August 28, 2026

Deadline to Apply: June 12, 2026

Guaranteed Starting Hourly Wage: $17.60

Role Overview

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Are you a passionate induvial who has experience working with newcomer children and youth? Do you have lived experience as a newcomer yourself? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a young person, be a positive role model and support them to develop the life skills?

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community’s largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and wellbeing, and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day. We believe connected communities are thriving, healthy, and strong. We have the assets to affect positive social change and we know YMCA Alternative Suspension is an important piece of our work. That is where you come in.

What you will do…

• A Newcomer Day Camp Counselor is dedicated to being a positive role model and mentor to younger newcomer children and youth, with similar lived experiences, to help them grow and thrive as a young newcomer to Canada, while having a safe, encouraging and positive day camp experience.
• Direct leadership and supervision of campers at all times
• Mentor and empower newcomer youth to see themselves within the day camp counsellor
• Actively engaged and participation with campers 100% of the time in program delivery
• Ensure excellent program quality in the delivery of all day camp programming, skills and activities that are diverse and culturally relevant
• Build positive relationships with all campers, while acting as a role model who demonstrates Y Values
• Maintain appropriate supervision and group ratios
• Follow all health & safety guidelines, while managing camper behaviour
• Respond to camper concerns in a positive and professional manner
• Provide exceptional attention to Health & Safety Provide a positive Canadian camp experience, and break down the meaning of “Camp”
• Communicate with campers in their spoken language while helping them practice English skills
• Regular interaction with campers & other staff, delivering quality and timely communication, managing expectations & providing service recovery. Respecting confidentiality, interacting with parents and caregivers, creating programming that is culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate. Constantly working in a large team from diverse countries, lived experiences and a variety of spoken languages to plan, coordinate & facilitate Newcomer Day Camp and solve any challenges which may arise.

What you will bring…

Ideally, you will have experience working with Newcomer children and youth (6-18 yrs.) from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. You will have experience navigating the challenges that newcomers in our community face or lived experience as a newcomer yourself. Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Work, Social Sciences, Recreation and Leisure or a related field, is an asset but not required.

You will be an excellent communicator, with strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. You are committed to assisting newcomer youth develop new skills and have a demonstrated ability to work independently and achieve set goals. Adaptability, flexibility, initiative, supporting equity, diversity & inclusion, and teamwork are key competencies you rely on in your day-to-day work.

Canada Summer Jobs Eligibility…

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. Applicants must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number; and
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation.

What you will gain….

You will become a part of the YMCA of Three Rivers Youth Programs Team and will be a positive role model that creates safe spaces and places for youth. You will be part of and an organization that has a massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization, but you will also be a part of a global movement. Your work will have an impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you. We provide several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost to you.

Overall, you will join a dynamic team and an organization that has massive impact across our communities. You will be joining a local organization but you will also be part of a global movement. Your work will have impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you.

Please note: As an organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, youth and other vulnerable populations, we prioritize the protection of those under our care. All employees must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check and providing three professional references.

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Our purpose is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our  Career Page .