Challenge Course Program 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 social services, psychology, or teaching—or if you are passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where children and youth can thrive—Towhee offers hands-on experience, skill development, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

About EXCEL

The EXCEL Program allows campers to develop teamwork, trust, and self-confidence through group activities, low-rope initiatives, and high-rope elements. This adventure-based learning program helps cabin groups build communication, collaboration, and social skills in a structured, supportive environment while reinforcing our Challenge by Choice philosophy.

Who we need

We are seeking a Challenge Course Program Supervisor to join our dynamic Camp Towhee team. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Programming, this contract position runs from June 16 to August 21, 2025.

As the Challenge Course Program Supervisor, you will oversee the planning and execution of safe, engaging, and intentional adventure programming, including challenge course activities, team initiatives, and high-ropes elements. You will provide supervision, mentorship, and guidance to your staff team while ensuring all programs align with Towhee’s therapeutic approach and meet the needs of each camper.

We are looking for a strong leader with experience in adventure-based programming, challenge course facilitation, and staff management. The ideal candidate is a team player, passionate about supporting youth, and committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for both campers and staff.

As our new Challenge Course Program Supervisor, you will:

• Ensure the safe operation of the Camp Towhee Challenge Course, including setup, takedown, equipment inspections, and program facilitation.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of intentional, high-quality adventure-based programs tailored to campers’ developmental and therapeutic goals.
• Provide supervision, feedback, and evaluations for the Challenge Course staff team.
• Lead training sessions for staff, ensuring best practices in safety, facilitation, and adventure-based learning.
• Support camp-wide initiatives, including planning and executing themed events and activities.
• Serve as part of the Towhee Supervisor Team, contributing to staff training, team bonding, and leadership development.
• Assist in supervising campers during meals, evening programs, and other daily routines, ensuring a safe and structured environment.
• Conduct high-ropes rescues if required.
• Uphold and communicate Camp Towhee’s policies, practices, and safety procedures, serving as a positive role model for staff and campers.

You bring

• Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience working at Towhee or a related program within a camp environment (strongly preferred).
• Experience supervising and managing staff teams.
• Experience facilitating adventure-based learning, including high-ropes and challenge course elements.
• Ropes Course Instructor Certification (CUI Level 2) or willingness to obtain.
• Bronze Cross swimming qualifications or higher (preferred).
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification.
• A current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to adapt to dynamic situations.
• 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.
• Responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient running of the Camp Towhee Challenge Course, including equipment setup, takedown, and safety inspections.
• May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.), as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Potential participation in a 3-4 day canoe trip (or a 10-day trip), involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and tent camping.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, running, lifting, and actively engaging with campers and staff in EXCEL program activities and general camp programming.

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].