Senior Program Leader “Camp Inspire” 2025
City : Toronto/Downtown
Category : PAP – Programs and Partnerships
Industry : Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Employer : Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Please note: This job posting will be open until filled.
Make a difference
Do you want to make a difference and contribute to a better Toronto while having fun at the same time? Here is what our previous staff said about their experience working for TCHC Summer Camp:
… it has “made me see what I really enjoy doing.”
… it has taught “how to de-escalate a conflict and how to captivate the attention of a child.”
… it “is a great experience and you learn a lot about yourself.”
“...it can definitely change life for those who are involved – both the campers and staff.”
'Camp Inspire' staff will participate in dynamic training, receive on-the-ground coaching and are celebrated for their hard work and meaningful impact on the lives of children living in Toronto Community Housing.
The program includes a wide range of recreation, arts, sports, STEM and team-building activities. The program is designed to help campers develop valuable life skills, increase their self-esteem and inspire them to become the best version of themselves.
Senior Program Leaders bring their varied experience to each camp site. Their number one goal is to ensure that they are planning and leading exciting, outcome- based activities that fosters a fun and inclusive camp program. Senior Program Leaders are responsible for implementing camp programming that keep campers engaged throughout the summer.
Program Timelines:
The contract term for this position will be approximately 9 weeks, working up to approximately 35 hours per week. The successful candidate will be required to attend as per the program timelines below;
- Training dates: Monday, June 16th - Friday, June 27, 2025 (9:00AM - 5:00PM)
- Camp dates: Wednesday, July 2nd - Friday, August 15th, 2025 (8:45AM - 4:15PM)
IMPORTANT: Please note that training is mandatory for all new hires and not optional. If candidates are unable to attend all of the mandatory trainings they would not be considered for the role. Majority of trainings will be at our central region office located at downtown Toronto.
What you’ll do
- In conjunction with the Camp Program Coordinator, you will identify tenants’ needs for cultural, educational, recreational and social activities
- Support the development and implementation of a variety of social and recreational activities meeting the needs of the community
- Promote all TCHC led programs and activities on an ongoing basis
- Evaluate programs on an ongoing basis in conjunction with on-site staff
- Responsible for community space during program hours, inclusive of reporting deficiencies to manager and securing space once program is complete
- Ensure the recreation program operates safely
- Liaise (if applicable) with front-line staff assigned to the portfolio to ensure cooperative programming
- Provide ongoing support and direction to all on-site program staff
- Communicates with guardian of program participants to address any concerns or urgent situations
- Conduct ongoing inventory and inform the Site Lead of supplies needed during the program
- Participate in staff meetings, local and city-wide events as directed by the manager
- Maintain a co-operative relationship with other program and agencies within the community
- Wear the official TCHC staff uniform and nametag while on duty
- Ensure that final program report is completed at the end of the program and that all forms and supplies are handed in
- Takes action to deal with incidents, problems and emergencies and parent concerns as outlined in the policies and procedures
- Ensures that consistent behaviour management techniques are followed
- Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program
- Other duties as assigned
What you’ll need
- Demonstrated knowledge, experience and/or academic background in working with youth and children in a community based setting
- Experience with program planning, implementation, and evaluation of community based programs
- Demonstrated experience in community outreach
- Proven administrative skills
- Proven organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience in organizing, promoting and/or facilitation of special events
- First Aid qualifications (minimum of Emergency First Aid) is an asset, or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment
Here is what a typical day in the role of a Senior Program Leader looks like.
- Attend any training sessions as assigned before the start of or during the program
- Be respectful, open-to, and receptive of coaching and mentoring from supervisors
- Arrive each day on time (8:45am) and leave after the debrief at the end of each day (4:15pm)
- Take daily attendance of all campers
- Ensure that all camper forms are up-to-date (i.e. registration forms, photo release forms, field trip forms, etc.)
- Open camp each day (using keys and Fobs) and ensure that staff have access to the supplies and materials they need
- Ensure snacks are safely stored and hand them out to campers twice per day
- Charge the camp phone each day and ensure that it is on at all times
- Coordinate all field trips with the Supervisor
- Post the weekly schedule for staff, parents and campers to see every Monday for the week
- Participate in staff meetings, local and city-wide events as directed by the Manager
- Support the site team to create an exceptional camp program
- Set the general tone for 'Camp Inspire' by leading the introduction, rules and goals on the first day of each week
- Introduce the theme of each week to the campers in a fun and exciting way
- Ensure the program operates safely and in compliance with TCHC policies, procedures
- Open and close each day of camp in a way that helps to ensure that campers and staff/volunteers feel supported and connected
- Work with site staff to support the development and implementation of a variety of social and recreational activities meeting the needs of the community
- Promote and foster an environment of inclusion and teamwork between campers and staff
- Research and plan new and exciting activities for camp
- Encourage campers to participate in activities
- Create a safe space among campers where they can share their ideas and opinions
- Lead weekly camper assessment activities each Friday
- Support staff/volunteers and provide feedback and leadership opportunities to help them develop their skills
- Lead the staff debrief each day
- Answer the camp phone throughout the day and respond professionally to parents, partners and staff who call
- Report to the Site Lead any concerns or incidences related to safety, health, behaviour; including parent question
- Take the lead in coordinating responses in a timely manner to all concerns, accidents, injuries and emergencies at TCHC camp site
- Maintain a co-operative relationship with other programs and agencies within the community
- Ensure that final program reports are completed in a timely manner as requested, at the end of the program and that all forms and supplies are handed in
- Other duties as assigned
Do you think you have what it takes to be a Senior Program Leader? Here is what we think the Senior Program Leader brings:
- A high level of energy and a commitment to working with children
- A positive attitude every day, and the ability to motivate and keep children engaged for long periods of time
- An ability to engage children and youth in meaningful ways
- An ability to support, motivate and mentor staff
- Creative energy
- Dynamic facilitation skills
- Proven time management skills
- Demonstrated conflict resolution experience
PLEASE NOTE - In order to be eligible as a Senior Program Leader applicants need to be at least 18 years or above. Applicants 18 years of age and over, must present a valid and suitable Police Reference Check (Vulnerable Sector Screening) prior to commencing employment.
What’s next
Once you apply, we’ll review your resume and contact you if your skills and experience match the qualifications for the role. Only qualified candidates will be contacted to move forward in the hiring process. If you are selected to move forward, the process will include one or more interviews and/or assessments and reference checks.
Candidates for unionized positions must score a minimum of 70% to pass any interview or assessment and be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process. Successful candidates will be determined based on score and where applicable, union seniority. Not all candidates who score 70% or higher will automatically proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process as this will be dependent on the number of candidates and number of available roles.
All employees that meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the 'What you’ll need' section are invited to apply for this posted position. For unionized roles, priority consideration will be given to qualified candidates who belong to the bargaining unit of the posted position.
When submitting your application/resume, be sure to tell us about your skills and qualifications that are a match to those specified in the job posting. You can update your profile at anytime, but please note that only application information submitted prior to the deadline to apply will be accepted.
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