Counsellor Supervisor, Camp Towhee
Who we are
As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community into the journey of supporting children and youth.
Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most sensitive members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.
We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by a deeply caring and compassionate team that guides children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.
About Towhee
Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Therapeutic Program supports youth with mental health challenges complicated by learning disabilities. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, Towhee creates lasting, positive change for campers and staff. Working at Towhee is a uniquely rewarding and transformative experience. We provide 10 days of comprehensive training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), mental health, and learning disabilities.
If you are pursuing a career in healthcare, working with children, or want to play a pivotal role in supporting children and youth in feeling safe enough to be their genuine amazing selves—Towhee offers hands-on experience, skill development, and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Who we need
We are seeking a Camp Counsellor Supervisor to join our Camp Towhee team. Reporting to the Camp Director, this contract position runs from June 16 to August 21, 2025.
As a Camp Counsellor Supervisor, you will support, mentor, and guide a team of counsellors to ensure campers receive the best possible experience at Towhee. You will provide feedback, implement social-emotional and behavioural interventions, and oversee daily cabin operations. You will also actively participate in pre-camp training and preparation, helping staff develop the skills needed to support campers effectively.
We are looking for a leader who is a relationship builder and team player, passionate about understanding and supporting children and youth with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. You will bring experience supervising teams, providing counselling support, and creating inclusive, success-focused environments for campers.
As our new Camp Counsellor Supervisor, you will:
- Oversee two cabin groups per session, ensuring their needs are met through guidance, support, and structure.
- Supervise and mentor six counsellors across both cabins, providing direct feedback and professional development support.
- Assist staff in implementing behavioural, social, and emotional interventions for campers as needed.
- Conduct performance appraisals and evaluations throughout the summer.
- Provide training and preparation assistance before camp starts.
- Support campers and staff during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines, and night supervision.
- Participate in camp-wide programs and special-themed activities.
- Serve as a resource for all staff and campers, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming camp environment.
- Act as part of the Towhee Supervisor Team, contributing to staff training, team bonding, and leadership development.
- Uphold and communicate Camp Towhee’s policies, practices, and procedures while serving as a positive role model.
You bring
- Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
- Experience working with children and youth, preferably with populations facing mental health and learning challenges.
- Experience implementing behavioural, social, and emotional interventions using counselling skills.
- Personal, professional, or educational experience in a related field.
- Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to adapt to dynamic situations.
- Experience supervising and supporting staff teams (preferred).
- Bronze Cross swimming certification or higher (preferred).
- Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification.
- A current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Working Conditions
- Fast-paced camp environment with frequent interaction with campers, staff, supervisors, families, and visitors.
- May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.), as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
- Participation in a canoe trip may be required, involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and tent camping.
- Moderate to loud noise levels.
- Intermittent physical activity, including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting, and actively engaging with campers and staff in various camp activities and games.
Other requirements
- All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check OR Board Record Check.
Contract Period
- Start date: June 16, 2025
- Contract end date: August 21, 2025
- Compensation: $5,650 for the term of employment, including a base salary of $3,600 and a completion bonus of $2,050 at the end of the contract. Room and board are also provided.
Apply now
If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with any of the requirements, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.
What you can expect from our interview process:
- A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role and background.
- A virtual interview with the hiring manager and a team member will allow you to expand on your knowledge and experience further and ask follow-up questions about the role and Camp.
CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected].