Waterfront & Tripping Program Leader, 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 the Waterfront & Tripping Program

The Waterfront & Tripping Program, commonly called Woods and Water, provides campers with an immersive outdoor experience, including waterfront activities, outdoor living skills, and overnight camping trips ranging from one to four nights. This program allows campers to develop confidence, teamwork skills, and resilience while exploring nature in a structured and supportive environment. Staff tailor programming to meet the needs of each group, ensuring a positive and therapeutic outdoor experience.

Who we need

We are hiring a Waterfront & Tripping Program Leader to join our dynamic Camp Towhee team. Reporting to the Waterfront & Tripping Program Supervisor, this contract position runs from June 21 to August 21, 2025.

As a Waterfront and Tripping Program Leader, you will facilitate outdoor skill-building experiences, including canoe trips, waterfront activities, and camping excursions. You will be responsible for planning and executing safe, engaging, and therapeutic outdoor programs that support campers’ social, emotional, and physical growth.

We are looking for a team player with a passion for outdoor education, a willingness to learn about the impact of mental health and learning disabilities, and the ability to create an inclusive and rewarding experience for all campers.

As our new Waterfront & Tripping Program Leader, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate canoe trips, outdoor skills programs, and waterfront activities.
• Deliver engaging, high-quality programming that supports learning, skill-building, and camper confidence.
• Ensure the safe and effective execution of all waterfront and tripping activities.
• Assist with packing and repairing gear, route planning, menu planning, food packing, and developing tools to support campers during outdoor programs.
• Maintain and organize program equipment, ensuring all gear is stored safely.
• Support campers and staff during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines, and night supervision.
• Work collaboratively with the staff team to implement special camp-wide theme programs and activities.
• Adhere to and communicate Camp Towhee’s policies, practices, and safety procedures to ensure a secure and structured environment for all.

You bring

• Two or more years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Previous experience in a camp environment (strongly preferred).
• Experience leading outdoor programming, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and multi-night canoe trips.
• Ability to take initiative and make sound decisions in an outdoor setting.
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification.
• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification (or willingness to obtain).
• 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.
• Responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the Camp Towhee Waterfront, including the setup and storage of boats and program equipment.
• May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.), as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Leading a 3-5 day canoe trip (with the possibility of 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, paddling, swimming, and actively engaging with campers and staff in various outdoor activities.

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 21, 2025
• Contract end date: August 21, 2025
• Compensation: $4,550 for the term of employment, including a base salary of $2,800 and a completion bonus of $1,750 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].