Program Leads
Start Date: June 6th, 2026
End Date: August 30th, 2026
Reporting to: Camp Directors
The Program Lead is a key leadership position responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of high-quality camp programming. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Program Lead ensures activities are safe, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with Camp Winston’s mission and care standards.
The Program Lead supports counsellors and campers during activities, and models professionalism, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving. This role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage both people and logistics in a dynamic residential camp environment.
About Camp Winston:
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Sparrow Lake in the enchanting Muskoka region of Ontario: Camp Winston stands as a haven for children grappling with intricate neurobiological disorders, necessitating specialized and compassionate care. Offering a respite from their everyday challenges, the camp provides a unique sanctuary where children can forge deep connections, unearth novel experiences, and cultivate essential life skills under the unwavering guidance of the devoted and impassioned Camp Winston staff.
At Camp Winston, the transformative magic unfolds as campers, often for the first time in their lives; feel a profound sense of acceptance, connection, and security. Here, they can engage without the looming specter of rejection or alienation, fostering an environment where each child is welcomed with open arms. The overarching mission of Camp Winston is to empower these exceptional children, laying the foundation for their success.
Discover more about the extraordinary impact of Camp Winston by visiting www.campwinston.com.
Qualifications:
- First Aid CPR C from St. John's Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross
- Vulnerable Persons Sector Police Check
- Studying in a related field and work/personal experience with children with neurobiological disorders is an asset, but not required.
- Additional certifications as required for different program areas as outlined below.
- NL is an asset
- High ropes- ACCT/ CUI/ Adventureworks level I or II is an asset
Position Summary
- Design, organize, and run daily and weekly program schedules as outlined by the Camp Directors.
- Ensure activities are developmentally appropriate and inclusive for campers ages 7–17 with various neurobiological disorders.
- Adapt programming to meet diverse behavioural, emotional, and physical needs.
- Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with camp safety standards and risk management protocols.
- Maintain program supplies, equipment, and inventory.
- Create and/or modify camp programs during the training period, and prepare supplies before camp sessions begin to ensure smooth operations during the summer.
- Include all program plans in an accessible format that can be easily followed by other program leads.
- Supervise, mentor, and support counsellors during activities.
- When not running a scheduled activity, Program Leads are required to maintain a visible and active presence at camp, supporting staff and counsellors (e.g. provide bathroom breaks to Counsellors, work directly with campers).
- Provide coaching and feedback to counsellors during activities.
- Ensure staff understand program goals, safety expectations, and camper engagement strategies.
- Assist in evaluating staff performance and contributing to performance discussions as required.
- Inventory Art Room, Drama Room, Music Room, high ropes equipment, waterfront equipment, and camping equipment during staff training and at end of summer
- Request supplies for purchase from assistant directors
- Develop art, music, drama, sports, and other programs for each session to be run with all cabins that are appropriate for the level of ability of each cabin group
- Coordinate all aspects of the session 3 Camp Play
- Organize and create schedule for daily choice activities
- Organize and run daily camp programming such as evening programs, co-operative games, etc.
- NL certified staff to be familiar with all OCA and waterfront regulations and act accordingly
- NL certified staff to run all boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming activities
- CUI certified staff to ensure safe operation of all camp high ropes elements and High Ropes model safe practices to campers and staff
Additional Duties:
Location and Hours
● Program Leads will live onsite from June until the end of August
● Hours will vary during the time of employment at camp.
What We Offer & Our Culture:
● We have a camper first ( Camper Centric) model. We plan our camp with the focus that camper deserve the very best version of camp for themselves.
● We operate the Camp Winston Foundation and its programs with Stability, Accountability, Reliability and Compassion as guiding principles
● We always act in a respectful and effective manner with all people, in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values Camp Winston
● We uphold a high standard of professionalism as outlined in the Code of Conduct
● We respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and faiths and religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities
● We maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal codes and regulations
● We continually seek growth, optimization and improvement to offer the very best care possible to our campers
Job Type: Full-time
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Work Location: In person
