Education

How to Become a Day Camp Counsellor in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Have you ever thought, “I love working with kids—could I get paid to do this all summer?” If you enjoy leading games, being outdoors, and making a difference in your community, becoming a Day Camp Counsellor in Ontario could be a great fit for you. In this guide, I’ll show you what the job looks like, what Training you need, how much you can earn, where to study, and how to build a strong resume for this role and beyond.

Job Description

Day Camp Counsellors lead and supervise children and youth in daytime, non-overnight programs run by municipalities, community centres, private camps, and not-for-profits across Ontario. You create safe, engaging activities, build positive relationships with campers and families, and Support each child’s growth, inclusion, and well-being.

Daily work activities

As a Day Camp Counsellor, you will typically:

  • Greet campers and their families at drop-off and pick-up.
  • Lead games, crafts, sports, nature activities, and theme days.
  • Supervise campers during transitions, meals, washroom breaks, and on-site or off-site activities (e.g., splash pads, community pools, field trips).
  • Manage group dynamics, encourage participation, and support inclusion for campers with different abilities and needs.
  • Follow Safety procedures and complete incident/accident reports when needed.
  • Communicate daily with parents/guardians, and escalate concerns to a supervisor when appropriate.
  • Set up and clean up program spaces and equipment.
  • Work closely with a team of counsellors, specialists, and supervisors.

Main tasks

  • Plan, adapt, and deliver age-appropriate programs (typically ages 4–14).
  • Maintain constant Supervision and positive behaviour guidance.
  • Conduct risk assessments for activities, weather, and environment.
  • Support campers with special needs or medical plans under direction from supervisors and families.
  • Administer basic first aid within your training level and follow emergency protocols.
  • Monitor attendance and complete required documentation.
  • Uphold HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development (if trained).
  • Model inclusion, respect, and safety at all times.

Required Education

Most Day Camp Counsellor roles in Ontario focus on your skills, certifications, and maturity more than formal academic credentials. That said, certain diplomas or degrees can help you access higher-paying or supervisory roles in recreation, education, or child and youth services.

Diplomas and degrees

  • Certificate (short courses and micro-credentials)
    • HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD)
    • Standard First Aid & CPR-C/AED
    • Mental Health First Aid (Youth)
    • Aquatics (if relevant): Bronze certifications, National Lifeguard (NLS), Swim Instructor
    • Safe Food Handler (if handling snacks/meals)
    • Accessibility (AODA) and Worker Health & Safety Awareness (Ontario)
  • College Diploma (2 years, helpful for advancement)
    • Recreation and Leisure Services
    • Child and Youth Care
    • Fitness and Health Promotion
    • Therapeutic Recreation (or Recreation Therapy Assistant)
  • Bachelor’s Degree (3–4+ years, for long-term career growth)
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Important: A degree or diploma is not required for entry-level counsellor roles, but it becomes valuable if you want to move into Head Counsellor, Camp Coordinator, Recreation Programmer, or year-round municipal roles.

Length of studies

  • Certificates: 4 hours to several days (e.g., HIGH FIVE PHCD is typically a 4–5 hour training; Standard First Aid is usually 2 days).
  • College Diplomas: 2 years full-time.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees: 3–4 years full-time (program-dependent).

Where to study? (Ontario options and useful links)

Short courses and certifications:

College diplomas (Ontario examples):

University degrees (Ontario examples):

Other requirements you should expect:

  • Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): Required for roles working with children. Learn about police record checks: https://www.ontario.ca/page/police-record-checks
  • Minimum age: Many Ontario employers hire at 16+ for counsellor roles, with Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) programs available for younger teens.
  • Immunizations: Some employers may ask for proof of up-to-date vaccinations according to public health guidance or camp policy.

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salary

  • In Ontario, Day Camp Counsellor positions are typically seasonal and paid hourly. Pay varies by municipality, employer type, certifications, and role seniority.

  • As a reference, Day Camp Counsellors generally fall under the occupation “Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness” (NOC 54100). You can check Ontario wage data here:

  • Typical ranges you may see:

    • Entry-level counsellor: around the minimum wage up to approximately $18–$20 per hour, depending on municipality and training.
    • Senior counsellor/lead or specialist: approximately $19–$24+ per hour.
    • Aquatic or high-skill certifications (e.g., NLS, ORCKA) can increase rates.

Note: Ontario minimum wage changes over time. Check current rates: https://www.ontario.ca/page/minimum-wage

Some camps pay weekly rates for fixed-term contracts (for example, for 40 hours/week). Always confirm whether quoted pay is hourly or weekly, and whether statutory holiday pay, vacation pay (minimum 4%), and overtime (after 44 hours/week under the Employment Standards Act) apply to your position.

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Working hours and environment

  • Most day camps run Monday to Friday, roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with staggered staff shifts for early drop-off and late pick-up.
  • You will be on your feet, outdoors frequently, and active for most of the day.
  • Weather adaptations are common (heat alerts, rain days, air quality advisories).
  • Ratios vary by age and program; many Ontario employers align with Ontario Camps Association (OCA) guidance. Learn about OCA and accredited camps: https://ontariocampsassociation.ca
  • Many municipal roles are unionized, which may provide defined pay grids and protections.
  • Most positions are seasonal (6–10 weeks) with pre-camp training in June. Some employers also hire for March Break and PA Day camps.

Job outlook

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Communication: Clear, friendly, and age-appropriate communication with children and families.
  • Patience and empathy: Understanding different personalities and needs.
  • Leadership: Motivating groups, giving instructions, and modeling positive behaviour.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating with co-counsellors and supervisors.
  • Adaptability: Pivoting plans due to weather, facility changes, or group energy.
  • Inclusion and cultural competence: Supporting campers of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
  • Conflict resolution: Mediating peer conflicts and applying fair consequences.
  • Professional judgment: Knowing when to escalate issues and follow protocols.

Hard skills

  • Program planning: Creating engaging, developmentally appropriate activities.
  • Behaviour guidance: Using proactive strategies and consistent routines.
  • Risk Management: Assessing and minimizing hazards; completing incident reports.
  • First aid & CPR: Responding to minor injuries and emergencies within training scope.
  • Aquatics/outdoor skills (if relevant): Basic water safety, paddling, hiking, orienteering.
  • Special Needs Support: Following inclusion plans; using visual schedules, sensory tools, or activity adaptations.
  • Record-keeping: Attendance, medication forms, and communication logs.
  • Legislative awareness: AODA Customer Service, OHSA basics, concussion safety.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Meaningful impact: You help kids make friends, learn skills, and build confidence.
  • Transferable skills: Leadership, communication, teamwork—great for any career.
  • Outdoor, active work: Ideal if you prefer movement to a desk job.
  • Short training runway: You can qualify quickly with key certifications.
  • Career pathways: Opportunities to advance to Head Counsellor, Program Lead, Camp Coordinator, and into year-round municipal recreation roles.
  • Networking: Build references and connections in the Ontario recreation sector.

Disadvantages

  • Seasonal employment: Limited hours outside summer unless you pick up March Break/PA Day roles.
  • Physically demanding: Long days outdoors in heat and variable weather.
  • Emotional load: Managing behaviours and supporting diverse needs can be challenging.
  • Early mornings/extended care: Some shifts start early and end late.
  • Pay ceilings: Higher wages usually require supervisory roles or specialized certifications (e.g., aquatics).
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Expert Opinion

If you want to stand out as a Day Camp Counsellor in Ontario, focus on three things: safety, inclusion, and initiative.

Safety comes first. Complete Standard First Aid & CPR-C, understand your employer’s emergency action plans, and get comfortable with basic risk assessments (weather, environment, equipment). If your camp uses pools, splash pads, or waterfronts, even non-lifeguards benefit from Bronze-level training or an in-service water safety orientation.

Inclusion is a must. Ontario employers, especially municipalities, value HIGH FIVE training and AODA awareness. Learn to adapt activities (for example, offering a quiet corner, providing visual instructions, or breaking tasks into small steps). If your employer offers training in behaviour supports or autism strategies, take it. This not only helps your campers—it positions you for Lead roles.

Finally, show initiative. Prepare a binder with your weekly plans, songs, rainy-day games, and safety checklists. Offer to lead a theme day or a new activity station. Keep a simple log of your successes (e.g., “Adapted soccer rules for mixed ages; increased participation to 95%”). These notes become powerful talking points for future jobs in education, child and Youth Work, recreation Programming, or Teaching.

FAQ

Do I need a Vulnerable Sector Check, and how long does it take?

Yes. In Ontario, roles working with children typically require a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) in addition to a standard police record check. Processing times vary by police service and season; allow several weeks, especially in spring when many applicants apply. Learn more: https://www.ontario.ca/page/police-record-checks. Start early and follow your employer’s instructions about which police service to use.

Can I be a Day Camp Counsellor if I’m still in high school?

Yes. Many employers hire at 16+, and some run Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) programs for younger teens. You’ll usually need Standard First Aid/CPR and may need HIGH FIVE PHCD. Paid employment cannot count toward high school community involvement hours, but your camp might offer separate volunteer opportunities if you’re looking to earn those hours.

I’m not a lifeguard—can I still work at a camp with swimming?

Yes. Most Day Camp Counsellors can work at programs that include swimming as long as certified lifeguards are supervising the water. Counsellors assist with supervision on deck, buddy checks, transitions, and behaviour management. If you want to increase your hireability and pay, consider Bronze Medallion/Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard (NLS) through the Lifesaving Society: https://www.lifesavingsociety.com

How do I move up to higher-paying roles like Head Counsellor or Program Coordinator?

  • Gain experience across multiple age groups and program types.
  • Complete HIGH FIVE (PHCD and QUEST), Standard First Aid/CPR-C, and relevant specialist training (e.g., inclusion, aquatics, outdoor skills).
  • Volunteer to mentor new staff or lead training segments.
  • Take a related college diploma (Recreation and Leisure Services, Child and Youth Care) or degree (Recreation and Leisure Studies, Kinesiology).
  • Apply to municipal employers with clear pay grids and defined progression.

Where should I look for Day Camp Counsellor jobs in Ontario?

Final tips to boost your application

  • Highlight any experience with children (tutoring, coaching, babysitting, mentoring).
  • List relevant certifications with expiry dates (e.g., Standard First Aid valid for 3 years).
  • Mention inclusion experience (supporting campers with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or medical needs).
  • Add a short “Activity Toolkit” section to your resume—three to five activities you can lead confidently.
  • Prepare references (teachers, coaches, volunteer supervisors).
  • Be ready to discuss a time you handled a behaviour challenge safely and positively.

By focusing on safety, inclusion, and leadership—and by earning key Ontario-recognized certifications—you can turn your interest in working with kids into a rewarding Day Camp Counsellor job and a strong foundation for a career in education and recreation.

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