2026 Camp Counsellor for 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.

2026 Camp Counsellor for Summer Camps/Playgrounds

Reporting to the Program Supervisor – Camps/Playgrounds, Program Director – Camps/Playgrounds, and Community Recreation Coordinator, Camp Counsellors are accountable for planning and implementing a safe, enjoyable and diverse program for camp participants aged 2.5-16 years.

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 and other staff during program hours.
• Maintains program schedules and ensures deadlines are met.
• 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.
• Contributes to the evaluations of volunteers by assessing their ongoing performance.
• Assists in the development and implementation of adaptive programming for participants with special needs.
• 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/Playground location.
• 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 June 10, 2026.
• 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.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 10, 2026).
• HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 10, 2026).
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference /Vulnerable Sector check that is current (completed in the last 6 months), upon being hired.
• Must be available to work the 9 full weeks of Summer (June 29 – August 28, 2026) including mandatory training dates (Orientation, BMST, 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: $17.60 - $17.91 per hour.
• Hours of Work:
  • Summer Camp Counsellors - Monday to Friday, various 8 hour shifts between 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
  • Summer Camp Counsellors (Playground Sites) – Monday to Thursday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Town Perks: The Town offers temporary staff access to an Employee & Family Service Program, Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership and a defined pension plan (OMERS pension - https://www.omers.com/).

Key Dates for Summer Camps/Playgrounds

• Active Interview – February 28, 2026
• Formal Interview – The week of February 23-27, 2026
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Recertification – May 7, 2026, May 27, 2026 or June 4, 2026
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Full Certification – May 14, 2026, May 21, 2026, or June 16, 2026
• Corporate/Health and Safety Training – June 10, 2026
• Summer Staff Training – June 13, 2026 and June 22-June 25, 2026
• Camps begin – June 29, 2026
• Camps end – August 28, 2026*

*Contracts may be extended to end on September 4, 2026 for Camp Finale.

How to Apply

If this opportunity matches your interest and experience, go to the Town of Ajax website at www.ajax.ca/careers and apply by 11:59 p.m. on January 18, 2026.

Current Town of Ajax employees should log into their Workday account to browse and apply to job postings.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who have been historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous people, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others facing systemic inequities. If selected for an interview, you will be provided with an opportunity to indicate your access needs. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process.

If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing careers@ajax.ca.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.