Waterfront & Tripping Program Supervisor

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.
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 10 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. Towhee is operated by the LDMH (Learning Disabilities and Mental Health) Stream of CDI, a year-round children’s Mental Health Centre in Toronto.

Who we need
We are seeking a Waterfront & Tripping (aka Woods and Water) Program Supervisor to join our dynamic Camp Towhee team. The successful candidate will be a dynamic relationship builder and team player with a passion for understanding and supporting children/youth, knowledge about the impacts of mental health and learning disabilities, and a desire for helping campers experience success.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Programming, the Program Supervisor will be responsible for directly supervising and coordinating the Waterfront & Tripping Program leaders. This includes overseeing the safe organization and implementation of all offsite trips, including planning and coordination, in addition to helping the team plan and run all programs.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Overseeing the planning and implementation of all nature, outdoors, and aquatic programs and offsite trips, which includes providing oversight for staff and participant safety.
• Leading the waterfront search & rescue team.
• Training program staff in applicable hard skills, so they can safely and effectively deliver programming.
• Providing direct supervision, feedback, and written evaluation to each team member.
• Performing as a part of the greater Camp Towhee Supervisor Team, which includes the development of staff training, bonding, and other team building activities.
• Assisting in other areas of camp by providing direct support and supervision of campers during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines and night supervision
• Adhering to all policies, practices, and procedures of Camp Towhee, and acting as a positive role model at all times.

• Full COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all staff.
• Two (2) or more years in a post-secondary degree or equivalent experience
• Previous experience working at Camp Towhee or within a camp environment, strongly preferred
• Experience supervising and/or working collaboratively with a team
• Experience working with children and/or youth, preferably our population
• 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 records check with vulnerable sector screening
• Standard First Aid with CPR C (Wilderness First Aid an asset)
• Experience with canoes, canoeing, swimming, and tripping (portage, map-reading, etc.)
• Current NLS qualification (or commitment to obtain it)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences.

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Interacts with campers, other staff, supervisors/directors, family members, and visitors as required.
• Responsible for the safely and efficiently running the Camp Towhee Woods and Water program, including being up to date on water safety procedures, leading the inspection of equipment, and overseeing the planning and facilitation of programs.
• 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 helping lead in a 3-5 day canoe trip (plus the possibility of a 10 day trip), involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and sleeping in tents.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Frequent physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting and generally supporting campers and staff in camp activities and games

• Camp Towhee provides a competitive total compensation of $5,650 per season (June - August). Starting at a base salary of $3,600, plus a special completion bonus of $2,050 at the end of the contract.
• Room & board are also included.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply: https://towheestaff.campbrainstaff.com/ . While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• An in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Committee where you will have an opportunity to further expand on your knowledge and experience as well as ask questions.

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 careers@childdevelop.ca.

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