Leadership Development Camp Counsellor

Overview

YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Be the Spark of Inclusion:
Become an Inclusion Camp Counselor at the YMCA of Oakville!

Are you passionate about working with children and youth of all abilities? Do you want to help create a summer camp experience where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered? The YMCA of Oakville is looking for enthusiastic and values-driven team members to join our camp team. As an Inclusion Counselor, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that campers with diverse needs enjoy a fun, safe, and enriching summer.

Be part of a community dedicated to inclusion and make a lasting impact on the lives of campers.

Position Overview: As a Leadership Development Counselor, you will report to the Summer Camp Site Director and play a key role in guiding and mentoring youth ages 14–18 as they develop leadership skills, confidence, and self-awareness. In collaboration with the camp leadership team, you will facilitate and adapt leadership-focused activities that promote teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and personal growth. This role emphasizes fostering independence, encouraging positive decision-making, and creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all participants can actively engage, build meaningful connections, and thrive as emerging leaders.

• Facilitate leadership development activities that build confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among youth participants.
• Support youth in developing social and emotional skills by fostering inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging within the group.
• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and empowering environment by modeling positive leadership behaviors and addressing challenges constructively.
• Collaborate with camp leadership and program staff to deliver cohesive, youth-centered leadership programming.
• Encourage active participation in camp activities and special events, promoting peer connection, initiative, and youth-led engagement.
• Observe, document, and communicate participant progress, engagement, and growth through required reports and regular communication with staff and parents/guardians.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating YMCA core values of inclusion, respect, responsibility, and teamwork.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries in all interactions with youth, families, and staff.

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Previous experience working with youth in a leadership development, mentorship, coaching, or facilitation role.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, empathy, and the ability to support youth through challenges while encouraging growth and independence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage group dynamics and resolve conflicts using positive, developmentally appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Effective teamwork and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate positively within a camp or youth program environment.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of camp).
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check dated within 12 months of the first day of training.

• Physical activity involving active movement (e.g., lifting, pulling, pushing; lifting to 50lbs).
• Regular travel to camp sites.
• Regular exposure to stressful situations. May be exposed to some conflict and emotionally charged situations.
• Must be able to work after hours or when deemed necessary to meet deadlines and deal with urgent situations.
• General environment consists of various active camp locations, including indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Must be prepared to travel on a bus with participants and supervise off-site for trips.

The position requires the following Association Core Competencies
: quality focus, relationship building and collaboration, commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and values, communication, diversity and inclusion, integrity, and trust.

If you meet the requirements and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply online with your resume and cover letter.

The YMCA of Oakville welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This posting closes on February 10, 2026.

At the YMCA of Oakville, we value diversity, excellence, and inclusion within our Association. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you require accessibility support or accommodation during the interview process or have any inquiries, kindly let us know. Join us in shaping young lives and become part of something bigger at the YMCA of Oakville!

YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada