Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities' most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.
Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Therapeutic Program treats youth with Mental Health issues complicated by Learning Disabilities. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, Towhee positively changes the trajectory of kids and staffs lives. This will be one of the most rewarding, magical, and hardest places you will ever work. We provide 10 days of training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, CPI, mental health and learning disabilities. If you are interested in a career in the social services, psychology or teaching and/or want to play a pivotal role in supporting children and youth in feeling safe enough to be their genuine amazing selves - Towhee is the place for you to get real experience, skill building, and be part of that change. Towhee is operated by the LDMH (Learning Disabilities and Mental Health) Stream of CDI, a year-round children's Mental Health Centre in Toronto.

Who we need
We are seeking a Cabin Counsellor to join our dynamic Camp Towhee team. The successful candidate will be a dynamic relationship builder and team player with a passion for understanding and supporting children/youth, a willingness to learn about the impacts of mental health and learning disabilities, and a passion for helping campers experience success.
In teams of three, and with the support of a Counsellor Supervisor, the Cabin Counsellor are responsible for guiding groups of 6-8 campers through their time at Camp Towhee. You are their go to people, who support with any social, emotional, and/or behavioural needs, so they can have a fun, fulfilling, and therapeutic experience at Camp Towhee.
Duties & Responsibilities

1. Work in a team of three to act as the primary caregivers for a cabin of 6-8 campers throughout their time at Camp Towhee.
2. Accompany your cabin throughout the camp day, from wake-up to bedtime, while providing emotional, social, and behaviour support.
3. Work as part of the overall staff team by participating in the planning and implementation of special, camp-wide theme programs and activities.
4. Assist campers in reaching their previously identified therapeutic goals.
5. Reassure and empower campers during moments of anxiety and difficulty.
6. Intervene in moments of conflict and challenging behaviour to deescalate, understand, collaborate, and repair.
7. Promote social interactions, connections, friendships, and program engagement.
8. Facilitate the development of greater social awareness, skills, and successes.
9. Adhere to and interpret to other staff and campers the policies, practices and procedures of Camp Towhee.

• Full COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all staff.
• Two (2) or more years in a post-secondary degree or equivalent experience.
• Previous professional experience working within a camp environment, strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children and/or youth, preferably our population.
• Personal, professional, or educational experiences in a related field.
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position.
• Must have a current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Standard First Aid with CPR C.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences.

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Interacts with campers, other staff, supervisors/directors, family members, and visitors as required.
• As needed requirement to lift children (up to 45 lbs.), in addition to bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Participation in a 3-5 day canoe trip (possibility of a 10 day trip), involving paddling, portaging, hiking, swimming, carrying equipment, and sleeping in tents.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Frequent physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting and generally supporting campers and staff in camp activities and games.

• Camp Towhee provides a compensation starting at $2800 for a period of 9 weeks, June 17-August 20, paid semi-monthly.
• Plus a completion bonus of $1,750 at the end of August.
• Room & board are also included.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply: https://towheestaff.campbrainstaff.com/ .While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• An in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Committee where you will have an opportunity to further expand on your knowledge and experience as well as ask questions.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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