Camp Counsellors

Vacancies: 43
Position: Camp Counsellors
Placement: Jun 26 - Sept 4th, 2026
Wage: $142.80 - 160.00/day (plus Room & Board Included!)

• Outdoor Education Counsellors (May–June, rolling over to one of the positions below, and September)
• Summer Camp Counsellors (June 26 – September 4, 2026)
• Inclusion Support Counsellors (June 26 – September 4, 2026)
• Leadership Development / Expedition Counsellors (June 26 – September 4, 2026) (see also separate posting for these positions)

Join YMCA-YWCA Camp Thunderbird, on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Sooke, BC and help shape tomorrow’s leaders through outdoor adventure and wilderness immersion! With 1200 acres of wilderness and a commitment to excellence, our camp provides children and youth with skills, confidence, and appreciation for the natural environment. Activities include canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, orienteering, ropes courses, lake swimming, games, campfires, drama, and more … don’t have these skills yet?

Not to worry… we will train you!

• Staff special events such as evening socials (build your own sundae, nacho night, etc.).
• All meals while working — our dining hall boasts tasty and nutritious meals including a daily bottomless salad bar, evening desserts, and warm breakfast with breakfast bar.
• Free membership to the YMCA-YWCA gym and pool facilities during employment.
• 4% vacation pay on top of your daily wage.

• Counsellors will be responsible for meeting the emotional, physical, and safety needs of a group of up to 10 campers, ages 5–15.
• Live in rustic cabins or yurts with other staff and/or campers.
• Plan and deliver group programs, enthusiastically lead campers in all activities and camp-wide games, and provide for the individual and group needs of children, up to 24 hours/day.
• Manage group dynamics and behaviour to ensure all campers feel supported, safe, and included.
• Follow YMCA Camping and BCCA accreditation standards in program delivery — part of the training.
• Promote and role model the YMCA-YWCA core values: honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate and role model exceptional interpersonal skills and a love of working with children and youth.
• Seek help from a supervisor when necessary — they are there to help!

• Clear police information check, with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C.
• Experience working with children.
• French-speaking bilingual is an asset.

• Experience working with children in a day or overnight camp, childcare, educational, or recreational setting is an asset.
• High School Graduation and post-secondary education/courses are an asset.
• Current Wilderness First Aid is an asset.
• Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing certifications are an asset (training provided).
• Current Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard (NL) certification is valued (those with NL will earn a higher wage than those with equivalent experience but without NL).

• Shortlisting for interviews will begin in early January and will be ongoing — flexible interview scheduling is available.
• The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island is committed to equity and inclusion, and welcomes those who are gender diverse, 2
  
  SLGBTQIA+, First Nations, Métis and Inuit, Black, racialized, neurodiverse, and people living with disabilities to apply. If you require accommodation during the application process, please let us know.
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Canadians aged 17 to 25 can apply to the YMCA Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF), which exists to decrease barriers to employment at camps for people traditionally marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry. Successful applicants receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry, including certification courses, personal gear, equipment, and travel costs.
• For more information and  

The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island is an equal opportunity employer.