2024 Camp Counsellors & Playground Leaders - Summer Camps & Playgrounds

Experience it – Ajax!

The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.

2024 Camp Counsellors & Playground Leaders - Summer Camps & Playgrounds

Reporting to the Program Supervisor, Camp Counsellors and Playground Leaders are accountable for planning and implementing a safe, enjoyable and diverse program for camp participants aged 3-16 years. The Playground Leader is also responsible for a variety of administrative tasks.

Key Duties

• Develops and implements a safe, enjoyable and diverse program (including special events and theme days).
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all participants during program hours.
• Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, parents, colleagues and supervisors.
• Performs daily site checks and ensures that the necessary equipment and supplies are available in a safe condition.
• Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents/accidents and emergencies, as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures.
• Completes and submits administrative tasks (program plans, attendance forms, etc.) within the specified deadlines.
• Assists in the development and implementation of adaptive programming for participants with special needs.
• Maintains program schedules and ensures that deadlines are met.
• Is actively involved in leading activities during program hours.
• Ability to work outdoors and participate in swim trips (comfortable in the water).
• Responsible for daily opening and closing procedures at camp locations.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Acts as a positive role model for program participants and other team members.

Qualifications/Skills

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older by May 29, 2024.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Self-motivated, positive, confident and approachable.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C (If hired, must be obtained by June 24, 2024).
• HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development (If hired, must be obtained by June 24, 2024).
• Ability to provide a current (within six months) Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check upon being hired.
• Must be available to work the full 8 weeks of summer and attend all pre-summer mandatory training dates (Orientation, BMST and Summer Staff Training).

Nice to Have

• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreation/camp programs would be an asset.
• Preferred 1 year of experience working with children (i.e. babysitting).

What is Offered to Staff

• Rate of Pay: $17.20 - $17.91 per hour.
• Hours of Work:
  • Summer Camp Counsellors - Monday to Friday - various 6-8 hours shifts between the hours of 7:15 a.m and 5:45 p.m. (paid lunch)
  • Playground Leader - Monday to Thursday 8:45 am - 4:15 pm, Fridays 8:45 am - 12:15 pm and 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (unpaid lunch)
• Town Perks: The Town offers part-time staff access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program, Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership and a defined pension plan (OMERS pension).

Key Dates for Summer Camps and Playgrounds

• Formal Interviews – March 28 - April 7, 2024
• Group Interview – April 6, 2024
• Orientation/Health & Safety Training – May 27, 2024 or May 29, 2024
• Summer Staff Training - June 15, 2024, June 24-27, 2024
• Camps / Playgrounds begin - July 2, 2024
• Camps / Playgrounds end - August 23, 2024*

• Contracts may be extended to end on August 30, 2024 for Camp Finale

BMST Training Dates:

• Re-Certification – May 7, 2024, May 14, 2024 or June 4, 2024
• Full Certification – May 23, 2024, June 6, 2024 or June 11, 2024

A final Interview Workshop will be held the week of April 29, 2024 for any vacant positions.

How to Apply

This position is being advertised concurrently to internal and external candidates and applications are accepted online. To apply to this position, please click the ‘’ button below.

Internal closing date: 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2024

External closing date: 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants however, please note that only those selected to attend an interview will be contacted and all other applicants will be kept on file. Applicants are advised that written, oral and practical testing may form part of the selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. As a best practice employer, the Town embraces diversity and gender expression through policy, staff training and providing positive spaces. The Town encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If selected for an interview, please inform Human Resources staff of any accommodation you may require during the process.