Lifeguard, Waterfront and Woods Program Leader, 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 should be a dynamic team player, with a passion for supporting children/youth, a willingness to learn about the impacts of mental health and learning disabilities on social/emotional/physical behaviour, and a passion for helping campers understand the benefits of nature-based programming. Under the direction of the Waterfront Program Supervisor and the Woods Program Supervisor, the Waterfront and Woods Program Leader will be responsible for facilitating therapeutic and nature-based programs that deliver a fun and meaningful experience.

As our Waterfront and Woods Program Leader, you will:

1. Plan, coordinate and facilitate canoe trips, outdoor skills programs, and waterfront activities as part of the program team.
2. Deliver safe, effective, and intentional nature-based programs that are designed to meet specific learning needs, objectives, and skill development themes.
3. Assist in other areas of the camp by providing direct support and supervision of campers during mealtimes, evening programs, bedtime routines and night supervision as needed.
4. Work as part of the overall staff team by participating in the planning and implementation of special, camp-wide theme programs and activities.
5. Facilitate choice-based activities on a rotating basis with other program staff.
6. Adhere to and interpret to other staff and campers the policies, practices, and procedures of Camp Towhee.

You bring

• Two (2) or more years in a post-secondary degree or equivalent experience.
• Previous professional experience working within a camp environment, strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children and/or youth, preferably our population.
• Experience supervising and/or working collaboratively with a team.
• Personal, professional, or educational experiences in a related field.
• Experience with behaviour management and supportive counselling, strongly preferred
• Must have/acquire a current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position.
• Must have/acquire Standard First Aid with CPR C.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences.
• Must have/acquire National Lifeguard Service qualification, current Bronze Cross holder can be considered.
• Experience facilitating outdoor skills programming (swimming, canoeing/kayaking, outdoor survival skills, nature-based mindfulness, etc.).
• Experience with outdoor programming, such as archery, orienteering, fire/shelter building, water purification, plant identification, camping skills, etc. strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced camp environment with frequent interaction with campers, staff, supervisors, families, and visitors.
• Responsible for safely and efficiently running the Camp Towhee Waterfront, including the prep and safe storage of boats and program equipment, and the facilitation of programs.
• May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.), as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Possibility of helping with a day long canoe trip, involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, and carrying equipment.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, running, lifting, and actively engaging with campers and staff in various camp activities and games.

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

Location: 
1393 Camp Towhee Road, Haliburton, ON   K0M 1S0
Round-trip bus transportation from Toronto to Haliburton will be provided at the beginning and end of the camp.

Contract Period

• Start date: June 18, 2026
• Contract end date: August 20, 2026
• Compensation: $4,550 for the term of employment, including a base salary of $2,800 and a completion bonus of $1,750 at the end of the contract. 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  View email address on childdevelopmentinstitute. .

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.