At the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, we’re not just a destination—we’re a close-knit community. This summer, we’re gearing up for an extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting youth from surrounding first nation communities, to embark on a journey of growth and fun. With a diverse array of land and water-based adventures to arts, sports, and team building, our camps are designed to foster valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and cultivate lasting friendships
Position Description:
We are seeking one (1) dynamic Waterfront Education Activity Specialist to join our team at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp. As a Waterfront Education Activity Specialist, you will be at the heart of daily camp life—guiding campers and supporting Senior and Junior staff through engaging, land-based and water-based experiences rooted in Indigenous culture. If you are passionate, motivated, and excited to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us. Together, let’s create unforgettable memories and lifelong learning for our youth. Waterfront Activity Specialist leads aquatic activities at the camp’s waterfront. This includes ensuring the safety of all participants who are entering into the water to swim, organizing engaging water-based programs, and maintaining compliance with safety standards and regulations. (Requires a National Lifeguarding Certificate)
Position Title: Waterfront Activity Specialist
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Activity Supervisor, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: May 25, 2026 – August 21, 2026
Hourly Rate: $24.00/Hour (40 per Week) + Bonus Opportunity, $1.00 for every hour worked
if contract is successfully completed
Special Considerations: Summer Camp
Training & Program Support Prior
(4 Weeks – July) Day Camp
(2 Weeks, 3 Nights/4 Days – August) Regular Shifts
Positions: 1 – Must hold a valid NLS
Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Role Model of Inspiration:
- Arrive punctually each day, ready to set the standard for behavior and engagement.
- Fully engage in staff training sessions.
- Wear the staff uniform, embodying the essence of camp professionalism.
- Model engaging and well-planned activities that inspire campers and staff alike.
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in YES Program training workshops and onboarding.
- Attend regular check-ins and professional development sessions.
- Complete all job-specific training and demonstrate confidence in assigned cleaning tasks.
- Assist with the design and delivery of staff training, including orientation for summer staff
- Provide mentorship and professional development throughout the summer, focusing on teaching skills, communication, and cultural awareness.
- Model professionalism, positivity, and respect in all interactions with staff, community members and campers.
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to staff and counsellors involved in waterfront programming.
- Conduct daily waterfront safety briefings and participate in weekly team meetings to review program goals, schedules, and risk management protocols.
- Deliver engaging, inclusive, and culturally connected water-based activities that promote skill development, confidence, and respect for the land and water.
- Assist with the safe transportation and movement of campers to and from waterfront program areas on site.
- Observe campers’ interactions and waterfront facilitation techniques.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment grounded in the Sacred Teachings and the organization’s mission and values.
Safety & Risk Management
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of campers by maintaining constant supervision, along with camp counsellors.
- Ensure all activities meet safety protocols and are delivered in a manner that prioritizes camper well-being.
- Conduct daily inspections of activity spaces and report any concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Support campers in following waterfront rules and expectations respectfully and consistently, ensuring safety and adherence to camp policies and procedures.
- Document and report incidents in accordance with camp safety policies.
Cultural Integration
- Support Activity Specialists by reinforcing cultural teachings, language, and values during waterfront activities.
- Collaborate with the Cultural Lead to ensure traditional knowledge, water teachings, and land-based practices are integrated respectfully into waterfront programming.
- Promote a welcoming, culturally safe environment where campers feel comfortable learning, sharing, and exploring their identity while on the water.
Waterfront Site and Equipment Maintenance
- Conduct regular checks of waterfront equipment (lifejackets, rescue gear, docks, boats) and communicate supply or safety needs promptly.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of waterfront spaces during program hours, ensuring all areas remain safe, functional, and ready for use.
- Report any safety concerns, site hazards, or equipment malfunctions immediately to support quick action and prevent risk.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Willingness to adapt working hours based on needs of program
- Be flexible and adaptable, ready to support camp operations in any capacity required.
Qualifications:
- Current National Lifeguard (NL) certification, Standard First Aid & CPR-C (or willingness to obtain prior to start date).
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a waterfront team.
- Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture, language, and traditions, with experience working in an Indigenous community or organization considered a strong asset.
- Experience supervising and supporting children or youth in a camp, aquatic, or recreation environment.
- Strong water safety knowledge and the ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergency situations.
- Confident in managing group dynamics and supporting positive, respectful camper behavior during waterfront activities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with campers, staff, and parents/guardians.
- Physical fitness and stamina to perform lifeguarding duties, including swimming, rescues, and extended periods of active supervision outdoors.
- Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather conditions, and program needs in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
- Creativity and willingness to contribute to safe, fun, and culturally connected waterfront programming.
Education and/or Experience:
- College diploma or equivalent community work experience in the following areas:
- Community Services (Child and Youth Worker, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Worker, Early Childhood Educator); Aboriginal specific programs (Community Advocacy, Education, Child and Family Services
- Aboriginal Studies, Studies in Traditional Teaching)
- Experience working with children and youth in recreation, arts and cultural programming
- Understanding of the Ojibway language is considered an asset
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Must be willing to travel when required;
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search.
- Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification and Standard First Aid & CPR (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
Criteria
- Between the ages of 15 to 24
- Be available for the whole summer
- Identity as Indigenous – Asset: Treaty 3
- Enrolled in Post Secondary – Asset
Please forward resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting
