Skip to Main Content

Teammate Support Counsellor

Share this page

Job Title: Teammate Support Counsellor
Reports To: Counselling Director/Counselling Coordinator- PCR
Number of Positions Available: 2


The Teammate Support Counsellor helps provide an unforgettable camp experience for campers who require additional support during their stay at camp. These campers attend camp through HOC's Teammate Support Program, a program dedicated to the inclusion of all youth in our summer camp environment.

The Teammate Support Counsellor should have an interest or experience in working with special needs youth as they will be responsible for ensuring a safe and positive camp experience for the assigned camper(s). Counsellors are the staff members who work most closely with our campers and supervise them in all aspects of camp. Being a Counsellor in any regard requires many different personal and professional skills. Working with a camper who requires additional support requires even more patience, responsibility, and discipline skills. This position is detail-oriented in regarding the health, safety, parenting, basic personal care needs and integration of the camper. To maintain a high standard of care, the Teammate Support Counsellor is also responsible for teaching and enforcing the HOC Principles of Respect to their campers, including safety expectations of camp and general activities. Ensuring that both campers and staff in the section follow proper equipment use and safety regulations is an important part of working at HOC.

DAILY / WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Read and understand each camper’s needs profile before arrival and during the camp session to identify and plan for each camper’s needs and the level of support required.
  • Meet with parents/guardians upon arrival to camp, to further discuss any concerns and needs of the camper(s).
  • Create a weekly schedule/support plan per camper, according to their individual needs and level of support required.
  • Collaborate with campers to ensure they are a part of the decision-making process.
  • Assist fellow Counsellors & Section Heads in implementing each camper's plan.
  • Complete check-in phone call for all assigned Teammate campers during their week (Tuesday evening). 
  • Work with assigned campers throughout the week, to ensure their camp experience is a positive one, providing support where and when necessary. 
  • Adapt games and activities, where needed, to ensure full camper participation and encourage camp staff and cabin group input whenever possible.
  • Take proper care of any adaptive equipment provided by HOC.
  • Encourage social interactions between campers in the section and within camp implementing co-operative activities and games to facilitate this process.
  • Act as a contributing member of each Section (when assigned to the section), addressing other camper behaviour and negative actions when required.
  • Provide additional supervision to campers when necessary (could include meals, evening programs, activities, and overnight).
  • Adhere to HOC’s privacy and confidentiality policy.
  • Use person-first language, emphasizing discussion of similarities rather than differences.
  • Refrain from discussions of the camper in front of them or in the presence of other campers.
  • Assist the Parent Representative in communicating openly and positively with parents, including on check-in day, and at various times throughout the week.
  • Deal immediately and effectively with teasing, bullying and the use of negative words, etc.
  • Be open to feedback and follow suggestions from HOC Staff regarding participation, integration and inclusion concerns.
  • Report and document all incidents and/or accidents involving campers supported through a Daily Behaviour Log. 
  • May be required to transition into the role of Camp Counsellor for a week, if enrollment in the Teammate Program is low. 
  • May be required to complete additional online job-specific training. 

ALL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • All staff are required to deliver every day our Brand Promise “Best Summer Of Your Life” in each camper and staff interaction. Guided by our four core principles, Community, Leadership, Accountability, and Performance.
  • All staff are expected to abide by and enforce camp guidelines of respect. These are the rules and expectations of behaviour implemented to maintain a fun and safe camp environment.
  • All staff are responsible for the safety and security of each camper in their care. Staff are to follow prescribed program standards and lesson plans in order to ensure the highest level of care and instruction.
  • Attendance for all staff to the June orientation week training is mandatory. This training period is where each staff will receive essential employment information and training for a successful summer experience.
  • Participation in camp-wide special events (Evening Programs, All Camp Activities, Friday Finale) and weekly meetings are an expectation of all staff members.
  • The dynamic nature of summer camp demands each staff understand that additional duties may be assigned as required.

SUMMER BENEFITS AND TIME OFF

  • Room & Board Provided.
  • Weekly Staff Hockey (schedule dependent) & Water Skiing.
  • Staff working a full eight-week contract period are entitled to one weekend off (Friday after daily duties to Sunday Evening Programs).
  • Time off weekly - Tuesday or Wednesday evening (in-house) & Saturday evening.
  • Time off daily - depending on section schedules.
  • Access to program and recreation equipment.
  • The chance to work in a close knit supportive community that values staff health and wellness, creativity, and employee success.
  • The opportunity to develop life skills, applicable to multi-faceted career opportunities.
  • An experience that will last a lifetime.

<< Go Back To Counsellor Positions Overview

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

Staff Orientation / Training: TBD
Employment Period: June 29, 2025 – August 23, 2025
Optional Employment: Week #9 August 24 – 30, 2025
Wages: Summer wages vary depending on age, qualifications and experience of applicants. Room and board are included.


RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A minimum of 18 years old.
  • Genuine interest in working with children with special needs.
  • Experience teaching and communicating with children of varied ages and abilities. Specific camp experience an asset.
  • Minimum of Bronze Cross swimming qualification (NL preferred).
  • Current certificate of Emergency First Aid and CPR.
  • Respect in Sport certification.
  • Must be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive.
  • Must be able to work independently as part of a larger staff team.
  • Must be willing to take part in camp related activities outside the defined job description.