Reports To: Healthcare Supervisor
Locations: Camp Woodeden (London, ON) and Camp Merrywood (Perth, ON) each require
12 Support Counsellors
Shifts: 8-hour shift, days or afternoons, set shifts *Excluding training days, which are 9am – 5pm.
Employment Dates and Compensation: June 5, 2026 – August 19, 2026. $23.34/hr, meals provided while on shift, accommodation available.
**Applications will only be accepted through the staff portal**
Ready to apply? Head over to our staff application portal at: https://eastersealsontario.campbrainstaff.com/
To learn more about our program, other summer opportunities, and to view full job descriptions, visit our website at: https://www.eastersealscamps.org/
At Easter Seals Ontario, we provide overnight camping opportunities for kids and young adults with physical disabilities. Each summer we welcome staff from all over the world and pride ourselves on providing an outstanding pre-camp training, so our staff are equipped with all the skills they need to give our campers a great experience. Our camps make many traditional summer camp activities accessible and inclusive, such as swimming, boating, archery, high ropes, and more! Check out our website to learn more about our locations in Perth, Ontario and London, Ontario.
Support Counsellors report to the Healthcare Supervisor and are key members of each cabin team, assisting campers with personal care needs, including bathing, showering, brushing teeth, hair care, toileting (changing incontinence pads), dressing, feeding, and lifting or transferring. They model best practices in providing exceptional care by performing personal care tasks and supporting campers in their daily routines while encouraging independence whenever possible. Our staff work together to provide each camper with person-centered, high-quality care and support in an engaging, safe, and fun environment. Support Counsellors will attend camp activities with their cabin teams and promote camper participation wherever possible.
Support Counsellors work alongside their cabin teams to ensure every camper enjoys an outstanding camp experience. This includes actively participating in camp activities, fostering a positive and inclusive camp culture, and delivering compassionate, camper-centered care.
Schedule Details:
Per the working days listed below, you will be scheduled for an 8-hour shift, 7.5 hours paid, 0.5 hours unpaid break. You will be assigned a regular shift, however due to the nature of the role, you may be required to adjust your schedule from time to time in response to unforeseen circumstances (such as staff illness, weather events, etc.) to ensure the safety and care of campers. This may include changes to shift times, extended hours, or coverage during staff absences or operational needs. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to these occasional changes are essential to this position.
Support Counsellors are assigned a regular shift, either days (8am -4pm) or afternoons (2pm – 10pm) for the duration of this contract. Easter Seals requires Support Counsellors to remain onsite until oncoming shift arrives or until arrangements for adequate care coverage is made by the Healthcare Supervisor.
Training Days
June 5-9 9am – 5pm
June 13-17 9am – 5 pm
Day Shift Afternoon Shift
June 22-28 June 22-27 Session 1
July 3-10 July 3-9 Session 2
July 14-21 July 14-20 Session 3
August 2-8 August 2-7 Session 5
August 12-19 August 12-18 Session 6
Summary of Essential Job Functions
- Work as a dedicated member of a Cabin Team committed to providing campers with an exceptional camping experience.
- Assist campers with personal care needs, including bathing, showering, brushing teeth, hair care, toileting (changing incontinence pads), dressing, feeding, and lifting or transferring.
- Provide a camper-centered care experience, meeting camper preferences whenever possible and acting in alignment with the Camper Care Manual, the Healthcare Manual, the Staff Resource Manual, and Easter Seals policies and procedures.
- Under supervision and mentorship of the Camp Nurse and/or Healthcare Supervisor, provide ostomy care, manage feeding tubes, perform bladder irrigations and instillations, and assist with other activities of daily living.
- Assist campers during mealtimes, including providing feeding support to those who require it.
- As part of the cabin team, accompany campers to programs throughout the day, assisting with camper personal care needs where required.
- In participation with the Cabin Leader, document care as it is provided and report on both upcoming scheduled care and any observed changes that may require follow up or assessment.
- Role model best practices when providing daily care to campers, acting as a reference for counsellors who are new to providing personal care.
- Participate in safe lifts and transfers including two person lifts, pivot transfers, and use of mechanical lifts.
- Participate in camp activities and assist campers to participate fully in the camp program as available.
- Follow proper infection control practices and use appropriate PPE.
- Report all incidents or accidents that occur in a timely and complete manner to the Healthcare Supervisor.
- Ensure the cabin area is sanitary and camper clothing, belongings, and equipment are clean and accounted for.
- Perform other duties as requested.
Physical Aspects of the Job
- Ability to communicate and work as a member of a team.
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
- Ability to observe camper and staff behaviour and use appropriate behaviour support techniques, always prioritizing camper safety and personal choice.
- Able to use appropriate lifting technique.
- Ability to quickly get to remote locations on camp property over uneven terrain.
- Able to manage lifting, bending, stooping, and stretching as well as daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.
- Observe and report any issue impacting the health and safety of campers or staff to the Healthcare Supervisor or delegating Camp Nurse.
Minimum Requirements
- Completion of a Personal Support Worker certification program and a membership with the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA).
- Second- or third-year nursing students and Development Service Workers may also be considered for the Support Counsellor role.
- Previous experience in recreation setting or non-clinical care setting is desirable, but not necessary. Must be comfortable working with children and youth and proving care in a variety of environments.
- Holds a person-centered healthcare philosophy and is committed to ensuring this philosophy is embodied in camper care delivery.
- First Aid/CPR-C certification required.
- Must provide clear vulnerable sector background check completed within 6 months of the start date of the contract.
- Reliable transportation to and from site to ensure shifts ar started on time. Please note, our sites are not accessible by public transportation.
Other Considerations
- Easter Seals Ontario camps are fully accessible and provide camping experiences to kids and young adults with disabilities.
- It is recommended that all staff be fully vaccinated against communicable diseases such as Covid19 and Measles. Easter Seals Ontario staff will follow the health and safety recommendations provided by Provincial and Regional Health Units, which may change at any time in accordance with public health considerations.
- Accommodation onsite is available; meals will be provided while on shift.
**Applications will only be accepted through the staff portal**
Ready to apply? Head over to our staff application portal at: https://eastersealsontario.campbrainstaff.com/
To learn more about our program, other summer opportunities, and to view full job descriptions, visit our website at: https://www.eastersealscamps.org/
Easter Seals Ontario welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Easter Seals Ontario fosters an environment of inclusivity, empowerment, and safety for participants and staff alike. Easter Seals Ontario is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical, mental or sensory ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws of Ontario.
Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: $23.34 per hour
Work Location: In person
