Job Description

Location

:

Live on-site Camp Kandalore - Algonquin Highlands

Contract Dates

:

June 16th - August 25th, 2026, room & board included

Reports to

:

Assistant Director - Programs and Leadership Training, Program Director

Our Team

Our team is highly engaged and committed to excellence in camping and outdoor and experiential education. Working at Kandalore means you believe in supporting a camp culture that values participation, kindness and respect, and the power of the outdoors for young people.

The Camp

Founded in 1947, Kandalore has a longstanding reputation as one of Canada's premier overnight summer camps. We offer campers an unmatched in-camp experience, starting from age 6, with an in-camp activity program designed to introduce and build new skills each day.



Our in-camp activity program is an essential part of our identity, and the experience provided at Kandalore. We are proud of the level of expertise and variety of in-camp activities that we offer to campers to support their development.


Please learn more about us at www.kandalore.com/.

Job Outline

Camp Kandalore is seeking a positive, adaptable and detail-oriented Head of Canoe - Program Manager to oversee and manage its Canoe program and support with special events.



The successful applicant will work to facilitate impactful experiences for our campers through our Canoe program. This individual will be directly responsible for the safety, enjoyment and learning of all campers during canoe-lesson periods and management of the canoe staff team of counsellors. This individual will be enthusiastic, camper-centric, team-oriented and able to cope with a busy camp atmosphere.



Our Head of Canoe will be responsible for the facilitation, management and organization of the Canoe program and enforcement of all safety policies and procedures in accordance with Ontario Camps Association and Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association Standards at the canoe docks. Duties include organizing level groups and classes, developing skill-based lessons and calendars, assessing and managing risk, ensuring a culture of safety and inclusivity, managing behavioral issues, and mentoring staff and campers.



This position includes room and board, and a fantastic summer at camp. As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.



Responsibilities include:

Manage the entire Canoe program, always ensuring the enforcement of all safety policies and procedures. Lead a team of canoe staff, providing guidance, training, and feedback through informal discussions and bi-weekly performance reviews. Organize, facilitate and manage level groups and classes according to camper paddling ability and reported last ORCKA level. Design and implement a comprehensive calendar of lessons for each session, ensuring all campers receive appropriate instruction based on their ORCKA level. Plan, design, and facilitate canoe lesson plans appropriate to each camper's ORCKA level, ensuring skill progression for all participants. Track each camper's skill development, maintaining accurate records of their progress and completing report cards at the end of each session. Demonstrate strong paddling skills and utilize these skills to facilitate a safe, engaging, and educational program. Enforce and ensure proper care and handling of all canoeing equipment, maintaining high safety standards, and overseeing daily maintenance to keep the activity area clean, organized, and properly equipped. Conduct written evaluations for Leadership campers every two weeks, coordinating with Leadership Directors to align with their ORCKA program needs. Facilitate additional skill-building opportunities during specialized activity free times, offering further development for campers who seek additional challenges. Manage program inventory, maintain a clear understanding of equipment and program needs, and communicate those needs as required. Participate in additional camp duties such as supervision during camper down times (rest hour, free time, evenings) and supporting special programs or camp-wide events as needed. Actively contribute to the overall camp life by participating in camp events and fostering a positive, engaging environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bronze Cross mandatory, National Lifeguard preferred Standard First Aid and CPR-C Strong canoeing experience ORCKA Basic Canoe Instructors or willingness to obtain ORCKA Level 4 or willingness to obtain Experience working with children

How To Apply

If you or someone you know wants to learn and grow this summer, please apply online at: Join Our Team | Kandalore if a position is posted, we are still actively seeking candidates, and you are welcome to apply.


Your application matters to us and we will review it carefully. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.


We work to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices as an integral and foundational part of Camp Kandalore's culture and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills making us better together.

Do You Need

an Accommodation

?

Camp Kandalore is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the Hiring Manager if you require accommodation.


As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.