Employment Opportunities
Camp Kawartha is an award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization, dedicated to the promotion of the highest standard of programming, with a particular focus on outdoor environmental awareness, education and stewardship. We offer Summer Camp programs for children ages 5-17, curriculum-linked outdoor education & environmental education programs for grades 1-12, and facility rentals to a wide variety of user group. Thank you for your interest in working for Camp Kawartha.
Staff Applications for Summer 2026 are Now Open!
Each summer we hire dedicated and enthusiastic staff who strive to create magical experiences for campers. Camp Kawartha has operated as a summer camp since 1921. We have established an excellent reputation as a facility that provides a safe and supportive environment for children and teens aged 4 to 17. To maintain our reputation, we are seeking staff members who are willing to work together as a team to achieve the high level of excellence expected by our campers.
We are a small camp that delivers a variety of programs and lessons. Our counselors return each year because of the fun, satisfaction and warm friendships from the year before. Join our team and feel the rewards of working where children, adventure and nature are the priorities.
Staff applicants can apply either through our Online Application Portal
About Camp Kawartha Summer Staff
Summer Employment Schedule
Applying to Staff F.A.Q.
How can I apply?
Staff applicants can submit an application through our online staff applications portal.
See steps below.
When is the summer season?
For regular staff, summer camp begins with our Pre-camp training week, beginning on June 21st, 2026, and goes until August 28th, 2026. Some exceptions may be made for high school exams, important family events, and other exceptional circumstances.
Do summer camp staff have to live at the camp for the whole summer? What is it like?
All of our summer camp staff live on site at the camp for the entirety of the summer season. Living on site is essential to providing round-the-clock childcare and to creating the community atmosphere we strive for. Living on site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Staff live either in camper cabins (if cabin counsellors) or in a staff cabin shared with other members of the staff team. All our staff cabins are equipped with electricity and air conditioning. Living at the camp is a great chance to build community, step outside your comfort zone, and make lifelong friendships and connections. Through spending your summer at the camp, you get to experience the beauty and joy of living a life connected to a close-knit community and the great outdoors. Staff must be committed to living at the camp for the summer to be considered for a position.
How competitive is hiring?
Competitiveness for staff positions varies year to year, and depends on the specific position being applied for. Applying does not guarantee a position on staff for the 2026 season.
What certifications do I need to have?
All staff need to hold a current copy of Standard First Aid and a clear Police Check. Applicants are more competitive if they hold additional certifications such as National Lifeguard, CUI Ropes Certifications, Mental Health First Aid, Swim Instructor Certifications, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and other certifications demonstrating experience in a relevant field.
What are the hours like? How do days off work?
A day in the life of a camp staff member can vary day-to-day and is dependent on their role. Staff can expect to have some periods off on a given day, but will spend the majority of their time in a day engaging with the campers, the community, and camp programming. Every staff member is entitled to one day off per week, which they can request in advance. Staff in our Day Camp departments have their weekend off.
What is the pay?
Pay for our roles varies by position. Counsellor positions begin at $1,100 for the summer of work (9 weeks), specialist positions begin at $2,185 for the summer of work (9.5 weeks), and senior staff positions begin at $5,000 for the summer of work (10 weeks). For inquiries about pay ranges and rates for specific positions, please reach out to gemma@campkawartha.ca
Steps to Apply Through the Online CampBrain Portai
1. Go to the portal: https://campkawartha.campbrainstaff.com
2. Create your account: Under “New User Sign Up”, create a new account to access the staff application portal.
3. Choose the correct application: Where it says “Start a New Application,” scroll down to select “New Staff Application” and click the green “Click to Apply.”
4. Complete your personal information to get started.
5. Apply for all positions at once: Select all the positions you are genuinely interested in within one application. After you submit, you won’t be able to go back and change your position choices.
6. Work through all application sections: There are several sections to complete. Your progress will save as you go (unless you click “Cancel”), and each section will be marked as “Completed,” “In Progress,” or “Needs to be Completed.” You can log in and out and work on your application over multiple sessions.
o Note: I strongly recommend typing longer written answers in a separate document first, then pasting them into the application. This gives you a back-up in case of any internet or browser issues.
7. Answer all questions in the fields provided: All application questions must be answered directly in the text boxes on the portal.
8. Submit your application: Once every section is complete, click “Submit,” type your name, and then click “Sign and Submit.” Your application is then fully submitted.
9. Supporting documents & confirmation: You will receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted. Once you receive this confirmation, please send your cover letter and resume to gemma@campkawartha.ca, with the subject line as your name + the position(s) you are applying for. You can attach any additional documents (like certifications) to this same email.
If you get stuck at any point, you’re welcome to email me at gemma@campkawartha.ca. I do encourage you to try working through the steps on your own first. The portal is designed to guide you, and this is a great chance to practice navigating an online application process.
Current Job Postings
We are seeking staff members who are willing to work together as a team to achieve the high level of excellence expected by our campers, students and their families. Please refer to the specific job posting for required qualifications and application instructions.
Camp Kawartha is committed to providing accommodations for person with disabilities. The camp will provide support in it’s recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs.
Camp Kawartha is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of our camp community including differences in race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We welcome candidates representing such diversity.
All applications must include a cover letter identifying the position you are applying for, along with a resume.
Canoe Tripper
Administrative Assistant
Waterfront Director
Water Activities Director
Tripping Director
Land Activities Director
Kitchen Liaison
Eco-Gardener
Day Program Coordinators
Accessibility & Inclusion
Camp Kawartha is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. The camp will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require any accomodations with your application, please let us know and we will be happy to provide support and implement accmodations to make the application & hiring process more accessible.
Camp Kawartha is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of our camp community including differences in race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We welcome candidates representing such diversity, and celebrate and appreciate the lived expierences that candidates bring with them.
Police Vulnerable Sector Checks
For applicants seeking employment and/or to volunteer with vulnerable persons. This check is a collection of offence information, including convictions, non-convictions and other relevant police contact information, including pardoned sex offences and mental health contacts. All staff and volunteers must have a current & clear Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check.
All staff and volunteers must have a current & clear Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check. Visit your local police station before beginning employment to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Be sure to allow at least 3-4 weeks for processing; there will be longer processing times during peak seasons (summer), or if they require a finger-print check.
- Peterborough Police Service – for current residents of Peterborough, Lakefield or The Township of Cavan Monaghan – Click here to submit your application online
- Toronto Police Service – for those who live in the City of Toronto
- Ontario Provincial Police – if you live in OPP jurisdiction
Record Checks
MyBackCheck – may be used to obtain a record check for staff & volunteers ages 18-32 as directed by our insurance company.
Staff/Volunteers ages 33 & over must visit their local police station to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Be sure to allow at least 3-4 weeks for processing; there will be longer processing times as the summer peak season approaches, or if they require a finger-print check.
Upgrading
We recommend that all staff upgrade their skills on a regular basis, and we are happy to assist potential staff in finding the right courses. Here is a partial list of companies that have qualified staff in the past.
Questions?
Summer Camp Opportunities: Gemma Romano, Summer Camp Director, gemma@campkawartha.ca
Contact: Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director, jacob@campkawartha.ca
Thank you for your interest in working at Camp Kawartha!
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