Waterfront and Tripping 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.

Who we need

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Programming, the Program Supervisor is responsible for directly supervising and coordinating the Waterfront & Tripping Program leaders. This includes overseeing the safe organization and implementation of all offsite trips, including planning and coordination, in addition to helping the team plan and run all programs. This is a contract position running from June 23 to August 21.

We are looking for a team player passionate about working with children and youth, eager to learn about the social and emotional impacts of mental health and learning disabilities, and committed to building meaningful connections.  

As our new Waterfront and Tripping Program Supervisor, you will:

• Oversee the planning and implementation of all programs and offsite trips, which includes providing oversight for staff and participant safety. 
• Provide direct supervision, feedback, and written evaluation to each team member.
• Perform as a part of the greater Camp Towhee Supervisor Team, which includes developing staff training, bonding, and other team-building activities. 
• Assist in other camp areas by providing direct support and supervision of campers during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines and night supervision. 
• Adhere to all policies, practices, and procedures of Camp Towhee, and acting as a positive role model at all times.

You bring:

• Previous professional experience working at Camp Towhee or within a camp environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising and/or working collaboratively with a team.
• Experience working with children and/or youth, preferably our population.
• Personal, professional, or educational experiences in a related field.
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position.
• Must have a current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C.
• Experience with canoes, canoeing, swimming and tripping (portage, map-reading, etc.).
• Current NLS qualification (or commitment to obtain it).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Interacts with campers, other staff, supervisors/directors, family members, and visitors as required. 
• Responsible for the safely and efficiently running the Camp Towhee Woods and Water program, including being up to date on water safety procedures, leading the inspection of equipment, and overseeing the planning and facilitation of programs. 
•  As needed requirement to lift children (up to 45 lbs.), in addition to bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs 
• Possibility of helping lead in a canoe trip, involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and sleeping in tents.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud. 
• Frequent physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting and generally supporting campers and staff in 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 23, 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 every requirement, 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].