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Camp riverwood

Took this on as my first ever job back in 2023; the process of hiring and communication up until my contract started was very good. Once there, learning the ropes and meeting fellow co-workers made the stress of a first job a lot more lighter. Working alongside other employees throughout the summer made this job fun, while still having to supervise children at the same time. Certain team leads were very respectful and communicative. Kept me active, as you are constantly running and engaging in activities with co-workers and children.

Higher up staff beyond this though were questionable, as a fellow co-worker of mine had been let go early, due to a minor complication that had been enacted previous times, with lesser consequences. Pay isn't great either,  as you are working for a private company--the contract states you will only be paid out after you've completed your time there. A lot of leniency is given to the children you supervise, which is good since it is a day camp program after all, but leaves employees with little to no room for basic error in their works, without getting a write-up immediately after. Once again, that is entirely understandable as the responsibility is on you supervising children, but a few instances during my time here conflict my thoughts on that.

In short, great first job to get yourself on your feet and experience a decent environment surrounded by other employees hired just like you were. I'd strongly advise that you don't rely on this job for stable income, unless you have a different part time job alongside this one.

Pay:
Pay is under minimum wage and by your school grade rather than experience. This is common among a specific group of summer camps. You will get a pay cut for every work day you miss regardless of the reason. Don't work here if your biggest concern is money.

Management:
The management is shaky, they pick favourites but are generally nice to everyone if they are diligently doing their work. 

Job security:
After 1-2  formal warnings you will be fired. They fire a lot, likely an excuse to save up on money but as long as you do your work properly you don't have to worry.

Workplace Culture:
Most enjoyable part about working here is your coworkers will likely be chill and you'll get a long-term friend. Be expected see a lot of workplace couples and hear endless camp tea.

Hardest Part of Job:
Putting up with the work knowing you're getting paid so little. Certain Management can be annoying. Take your full 30 minute break every shift because you aren't getting paid for it.

A typical day for me at Camp Riverwood as a Camp Counsellor starts off with getting the attendance of my cabin done. I had to make sure the girls had sunscreen, bug spray, lunches and their water every morning before camp started. I then sent them to their optionals (Activities their parents signed them up for. Ex: Tasty Treats, Horseback Riding, Swimming) I would then go to my assigned optional and take the attendance again. I would run the activity with one or two other counsellors during the morning. After the activities were done, we ate lunch. After lunch, the camp would use the pool at Petticoat Creek and then go home. I learned a lot as a Camp Counsellor but the most important thing was making sure not only my girls but any children was having a good day. I enjoyed camp a lot and it is so important to make sure they are drinking their water and applying sunscreen every couple of hours.

A typical day would be finding your seat assigned with your group of kids you're in charge of. You we're basically their guides to what to do and to motivate them in events. I've learned the principles to guiding kids to be productive in games we play as a group and to make them feel involved. The workplace was mostly busy but to some degree had it's downtime when certain events the kids were playing were being managed by someone else for us. Hardest part of the job is making sure your kids don't get sidetracked and forget their things they packed when moving from place to place at the camp. As well  as motivating them to participate in games. The most enjoyable part was the involvement with the children and learning to manage the group. Some of the events were really fun to watch and see how well organized they were.

most of the camp staff were fresh out of grade 10 and couldn't find jobs elsewhere, that's how they got away with paying us 2 bucks an hour. But for a first job, it wasn't that bad. The kids were great, the days were pretty fun (long and tiring, but fun), and we were right next to the Pickering marina so it wasn't that hot. Although, it really was annoying that they made us swim everyday, and the management didn't care about anything. Basically, if you're 15 and have never had a job before, go ahead and work at Riverwood, but if you're older, you can definitely find a much better job elsewhere.

The campers themselves are not a problem most of the time however you might not be supported all of the time. Head staff can be intimidating and mean at times and if you are stuck with bad co counselors your week might suck. The days can be long and hot and unless you are with younger campers, you won't have much rain cover. If you are able to get another job, you should prioritize that since the pay isn't too much here. Overall most of the other counselors and campers are nice and make the job worth it and enjoyable.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The people you meet there, and the transportation 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Everything. You're underpaid, overworked and were treated terribly. You were given warnings over everything and anything they could find on you

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Atrocious. Higher ups liked certain groups of people and allowed them to get away with a lot of things.

I worked as a specialist at Camp Riverwood last year & am returning this year as an assistant unit head. I absolutely loved my time at camp & cannot wait to return. You are able to make such meaningful connections with campers and fellow staff! There is never a dull moment, and I am always having fun at camp. It’s a great opportunity for those pursuing a career in education. The management is phenomenal as well, I felt supported and respected throughout my time at Riverwood! 

I made strong connections with campers and fellow counselors in my time at Riverwood, but management showed disregard for the mental and physical well-being of their staff. Training is incredibly disproportionate to expectations which resulted in some neglectful counselors and activity leaders, and others who were well-meaning but ill-equipped to deal with various daily situations. 

They over staff people and then fire them halfway through the summer.  Most people here need to pay for university or their food yet They fire us midway. Happens every year like clock work. Dont work here.

Also they pay almost 6 dollars an hour. DONT DO IT

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