Summer Camp Counsellors - Varley Art Gallery

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5^th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for the positions of Summer Camp Counsellors at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by February 14, 2025.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Duration of Position: 9 weeks

• Part-time hours, including training: June 2025
• Full-time hours: July 2 to August 22, 2025 (8 weeks)

Note: This position is supported by the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program. Applicants should review the website to confirm their eligibility: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs/who-can-apply.html

JOB SUMMARY

Are you a creative, energetic student ready to make an impact this summer? The Varley Art Gallery is looking for enthusiastic Camp Counsellors to help inspire and engage young minds through the power of art! In this role, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with children aged 4 to 12 in a vibrant and dynamic environment. Spend your summer leading exciting activities, playing games outdoors, assisting in the art studio, and ensuring every camper has a fun, safe, and memorable experience.

This is your chance to develop leadership skills, work in arts and culture, and be part of a passionate team committed to creativity and exploration. If you love working with kids, enjoy being active, and want to build a meaningful summer experience, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in facilitating engaging studio activities, and camp-wide art projects.
• Prioritize the safety, well-being, and protection of campers by proactively identifying and addressing potential risks.
• Accurately maintain camp documentation, such as registration forms, attendance records, sign-in/out logs, permission forms, health and safety forms, and timesheets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians, delivering exceptional customer service and addressing inquiries or concerns.
• Organize and lead games during breaks; supervise children during meals and snack times, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Summer Camp Instructors to adapt art materials and activities to meet the unique needs of campers, considering factors such as safety, hygiene, weather, and breaks to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants.
• Participate in mandatory training sessions and regular staff meetings to stay informed and prepared.
• Exhibit confidence and sound judgment when making decisions in the best interests of campers.
• Effectively resolve conflicts and issues among campers, reporting any incidents promptly and thoroughly to the Summer Camp Director.
• Maintain a clean and organized studio environment and manage art supplies effectively.
• Perform additional duties as required to ensure the camp's success.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Must be eligible for the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs Program (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs/who-can-apply.html). To be eligible and as a requirement of the government program, a youth must be:
  1. be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period*
  2. be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment** and
  3. have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
     *The youth must be 16 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The youth may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the youth was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.
• Passion for fine arts, including visual arts, arts administration, art history, or early childhood education.
• Experience working with children; previous camp experience is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, including collaborating with peers, supervisors, and volunteers.
• Ability to think quickly and resolve conflicts or challenges effectively while maintaining a positive environment.
• Commitment to prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, schedules, or camper needs, ensuring smooth camp operations.
• Strong time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities and ensure activities stay on schedule.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills to effectively manage camp activities and interactions.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to foster positive relationships with campers, parents, and staff.
• Ability to remain active and energetic throughout the day, including participating in outdoor activities and games.
• Welcoming and inclusive attitude, creating an environment that values diversity and ensures all participants feel supported.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
• Possession of a HIGH FIVE® Healthy Child Development certificate; Understanding of developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities for children aged 4 to 12.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Screening to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.