Job Title: Water Ski Counsellor
Reports To: Counselling Director/Waterski Coordinator/Counselling Coordinator-PCR/Section Head
Number of Positions Available: 4
Water Ski Counsellors are staff members who work most closely with our campers and supervise them while in camp, at meals, during activity time on the docks, and each evening in their cabins, as part of a Section Team.
Being a part of a Section Team requires many different personal and professional skills. Staff responsible for young children require a high level of maturity and “parent like” sensibilities allowing them to deal with such matters as homesickness at bedtime. Counsellors who are responsible for older children require strong communication and discipline skills. A strong understanding of the camper’s interests and preferred activities is crucial to ensuring the camper has a fun and productive time at camp. All counselling staff are required to facilitate one-on-one attention and are required to find creative solutions for keeping campers engaged and enjoying the camp experience. Counsellor’s close relationships with campers often require Counsellors to help provide personal support to individual campers (bedwetting, brushing teeth, etc).
Counsellors have long but rewarding work days with their campers. Therefore, Counsellors have the largest impact on individual campers and their camp experience. To maintain a high standard of care, Counsellors are responsible for teaching and enforcing the HOC Principles of Respect to campers including safety expectations of camp and general activities. Counsellors ensure that both campers and staff in the group follow proper equipment use and safety regulations.
Water Ski Counsellors spend their activity time down on the ski docks, teaching classes and assisting our Water Ski Instructors. Water Ski Counsellors work in four different camper sections, assisting specifically with the Overnight Water Ski Program (OWS), helping to shuttle campers to and from programming and ensure the smooth operation of the program. Water Ski Counsellors will also help facilitate daily video analysis and feedback as a component of the OWS program. Water Ski Counsellors should have an interest in pursuing a Ski Instructor position the following year at HOC.
DAILY / WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide supervision to campers while at camp during meals, activities, free time, evening, and overnight.
- Provide one-on-one support to campers.
- Help plan and execute camp-wide activities with campers.
- Lead and instruct a water ski class of 8-12 campers, during each activity period of the day (2).
- Prepare weekly camper evaluations for instructed activity classes.
- Supervise and instruct Overnight Water Ski campers, during their transition time between the section and their ski time (1-2 hours daily)
- Complete daily attendance sheets and headcounts for each instructed activity class.
- Directly supervise a single cabin group of 8-12 campers and cooperatively an entire section of 20-40 campers.
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, Campfires, and 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.
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 16 years of age and currently enrolled in Grade 11 or higher.
- Genuine interest in working with children.
- Interest in water skiing and becoming a HOC Water Ski Staff Instructor.
- Experience teaching and communicating to children of varied ages. Specific camp experience an asset.
- Minimum of Bronze Cross swimming qualification (NL preferred).
- Canadian Water Ski Instructor's Course (CWSIC). Course enrollment available upon hiring.
- Current certificate of Emergency First Aid and CPR.
- Respect in Sport certification.
- Must be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive.
- Must be willing to take part in camp related activities outside the defined job description.