Assistant Director of Programming, Camp Towhee

Who we are
As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community into the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most sensitive members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by a deeply caring and compassionate team that guides children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

About Towhee
Camp Towhee is a member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and employs individuals that believe in and uphold the OCA core values. These values are integrity, respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, caring, and openness. All Camp Towhee staff members are expected to carry themselves in a way that represents these values and aligns with the OCAs mission to have camp staff who are honest, responsible, and fair to all.

Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Therapeutic Program treats youth with Mental Health issues complicated by Learning Disabilities. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, Towhee positively changes the trajectory of kids and staffs lives. This will be one of the most rewarding, magical and hardest places you will ever work. We provide 12 days of training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, CPI, mental health and learning disabilities.

If you are interested in a career in the social services, psychology or teaching and/or want to play a pivotal role in supporting children and youth in feeling safe enough to be their genuine amazing selves - Towhee is the place for you to get real experience, skill building, and be part of that change.

Who we need
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and attending to (in collaboration with the Camp Director) the safe and fun operation of all Camp Towhee program areas. In addition, the candidate will also be responsible for directly supervising, evaluating, and supporting Program Supervisors in their duties, and providing general support to all Towhee staff members by ensuring they have a clear understanding of all Camp Towhee’s policies, practices and procedures. 

As our new Assistant Director of Programming, you will:

Pre-Season & Staff Training

1. Support the Director in St. Clair Garden office before the season begins to ensure the site and program areas are ready. This may include organizing facility inspections, ordering supplies, developing programs, booking activities, coordinating with staff, developing staff training, and/or any other duties assigned by the Camp Director.
2. Oversee the creation and planning of the season’s LIT program in coordination with the Camp Wide Programmer.
3. In conjunction with the Camp Director and the Assistant Director of Counselling, plan, develop and facilitate a Planning/Training week for all supervisors. A special session will be needed for the Challenge Course Team, and possibly the Woods & Water Team.
4. In conjunction with the Camp Director and Assistant Director Counselling, plan, develop and facilitate a staff training program for all non-supervisor staff that is dynamic, professional and fun, and serves to prepare all staff for their work with the Towhee campers.

During Camp

1. In collaboration with the Director and Program Staff/Supervisors; plan, co-ordinate and implement therapeutic programming that meets the needs and abilities of campers, and the objectives of Camp Towhee. This should be done by finding ways of providing opportunities for challenge and growth; building self-esteem and social competence; fostering positive interactions and relationships; and eliciting campers' ideas, input and leadership.
2. Ensure that programs are pre-planned, based on clearly stated goals and objectives, and that adequate and appropriate resources are available.
3. Be responsible for the creation of each session's program schedules and for overseeing and coordinating all program staffing needs.
4. Directly supervise all Program Supervisors and provide general oversight to all program staff and program areas.
5. Ensure that all program areas are using a “leave no trace” environmental ethics philosophy, and modeling good environmental practices for campers.
6. Check all equipment for safety prior to use (or assign a qualified individual to do so) and ensure that equipment/supplies are organized, secured and sufficient.
7. Respond to all emergencies or potential emergencies in a calm, professional, and appropriate manner within the policies and guidelines of Camp Towhee and the scope of your professional training.
8. In collaboration with Camp Wide Programmer, supervise and assist in the facilitation of the LIT program.
9. Meet with all supervisees (Program Supervisors and Program Staff) regularly to provide feedback and support, evaluate staff orally on a regular basis and complete formal, written performance appraisals as directed.
10. Guide and support Program Supervisors and Program Staff on program creation and be available to step in to programs, where needed, when Supervisors or Staff are on days off.
11. Ensure all Program Staff and Supervisors understand and abide by all camp policies and practices, and ensure that there is adequate coverage for all program areas at all times.
12. Attend other meetings as needed. Ensure that program staff are updated on any relevant information exchanged in these meetings.
13. Provide appropriate support to campers as needed by listening to and validating their feelings/concerns, following up on all requests in a timely manner, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
14. Complete and/or ensure the completion of all forms and reports, including (but not limited to) Incident Reports, Staff Performance Appraisals, program planning forms and end of summer Program Reports.
15. Ensure that the Camp Director is informed immediately of any/all incidents, risks to camp/camper safety, and/or potential Children's Aid Society reports.
16. Perform all other related duties as assigned by the Camp Director, including acting on behalf of the Camp Director as required during their absence

You bring

• Completed post-secondary degree (BA, BEd, BSc, OCD, etc.) or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Experience implementing & teaching recreation programming, facilitation, and risk-assessment skills in two or more of the following settings: waterfront/pool, arts/music, challenge course, nature, canoe/kayak, and land sports.
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position.
• Must have a current and valid police record check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Experience working with children and/or youth, preferably our population.
• Personal, professional, or educational experiences, in a related field (Camp, Education, Social Work, etc.).

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Interacts with campers, other staff, supervisors/directors, family members, and visitors as required.
• As needed requirement to lift children (up to 45 lbs.), in addition to bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Possibility of participation in a day long canoe trip, involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, and carrying equipment.
• Possibility of participation in various program activities, including, but not limited to low ropes, high ropes, archery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting and generally supporting campers and staff in camp activities and games.
• This is a full-time position requiring schedule flexibility. Camp leadership roles operate in a dynamic environment, and the Assistant Camp Director will work evenings, weekends as needed to ensure a safe and successful camp experience during the camp sessions.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check OR Board Record Check.

Camp dates are as follows:

• Supervisors Training: June 15th - June 17th
• Departure date: June 18th, Transportation from Toronto to Towhee will be provide 
• Pre-Camp, All Staff Training: June 19th - June 30th
• Session 1: July 4th - July 17th
• Session 2: July 20th - August 2nd
• Session 3: August 5th - August 18th 
• Staff onsite for Cleanup: August 18th 12:00 PM until August 20th at 5:00 PM, Transportation form Towhee to Toronto will be provided

Contract Period

• Start date: June 1, 2026
• Contract end date: August 20, 2026
• Compensation:  
  • Camp Towhee provides a competitive compensation at $12,000 for the full term of this seasonal contract ($25.37 per hour for 40 hrs per week), paid semi-monthly. This is a contract position for the period of June - August (12 weeks). 
  • Room and board are included at no additional cost.

Apply now
Thank you in advance for your interest. However, due to the volume of resumes received, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Accommodation:
CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected] .

All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.

Note: All CDI employees are required to be fully vaccinated against measles as a condition of hire in accordance with CDI Mandatory Vaccination Policy.