Junior Camp Counsellor, Camp Smitty (Ottawa)

Purpose

For more than 100 years, BGC Ottawa has provided children and youth with a safe, supportive place to belong where they can play, learn and grow beyond the pressures of home and school. Serving more than 12,000 young people each year, BGC Ottawa delivers free programs and services across Ottawa through four Clubhouses, Camp Smitty and community-based neighbourhood programming. The Club is committed to equity, inclusion and opportunity, supporting children and youth from all backgrounds to build confidence, skills and brighter futures.

General Summary

Located in Eganville, ON, Camp Smitty is operated by BGC Ottawa, offers a beautiful lakefront setting, fantastic staff team, and dynamic programs for campers aged 8 to 16 years old. Working closely with the Camp Manager, the Junior Residential Camp Counselor will play a leadership role in assisting in the development of exceptional camper experiences, program offerings with measurable outcomes, and strong role modelling relationships to campers.

Responsibilities

Major Responsibility 1: Provide leadership and supervision of the camp programme in conjunction with the Camp Manager and YDPS staff

Activities:

• Support and actively participate in all camp activities.
• Follow all BGC policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and delivery of programme.
• Support fellow counsellors to deliver programme effectively.
• Be a positive role model for youth.
• Support and promote teamwork at Camp Smitty.
• Report any concerns regarding staff to manager and communicate relevant information to manager.
• Supervise campers appropriately throughout programming.
• Complete any other duties as required by the BGCO manager.

Major Responsibility 2: Training

Activities:

• Complete staff training on BGC policy and procedure provided by Camp Manager.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and staff evaluation.
• Align programming with BGCO strategic direction.

Major Responsibility 3: Program duties

Activities:

• Ensure programme area is maintained and clean on a regular basis.
• Communicate programme needs and concerns to supervisors.
• Develop engaging relationships with all campers.

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to build constructive relationships with children and youth in groups and on an individual basis.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Effectively communicate with others.
• Demonstrate confidence leading activities and groups.
• Knowledge of issues that affect children and youth.
• Knowledge of various aspects of child development and outdoor education.
• Knowledge of the Child Protection Act.
• Knowledge of anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Multilingualism is an asset.
• Lifeguard certification is an asset.

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Currently in high school or post‑secondary education.
• Previous experience working with children and youth.
• HIGH FIVE certificate is an asset.

All successful candidates will be required to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) before starting their first shift.

Compensation: $3750 or more depending on qualifications and experience.

Start Date: June 2026. Multiple positions available.

Working Conditions: Some physical requirements are necessary for an employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to perform the described essential functions. Much of the work is performed in an active environment; the employee is required to conduct labour including standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

BGC Ottawa is an equal‑chance employer that values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. BGC Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.