FOOTPRINTS is a local, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the provision of respite care for families with children and youth who are on the Autism Spectrum. The FOOTPRINTS program offers respite, not therapy, in a safe and happy environment. It has been designed solely for the benefit of the children and for the relief of their families.
Our Camp Great Strides incorporates many of the familiar routines, games, songs and activities you may remember from camp. Each session has a theme with appropriate games, craft activities and adventures to complement the theme. Camp is open to children 4 to 13 years of age diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
POSITION
Winter Camp Counsellor
CONTRACT
Duration of two weeks as indicated in the dates below.
LOCATION
St. Mark's United Church, 201 Centre Street South, Whitby ON L1N 4V7
DATES AND TIMES
Camp times are from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
December: 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 2025
January: 2nd, 2026
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
The Camp Counsellor will work under the direction of the Camp Consultant and the FOOTPRINTS 4 Autism Operations Manager.
1. Implement camp programs as outlined/designed by the Camp Consultant and assist with any pre and post program requirements.
2. Model the role of a Child Support Volunteer by guiding the volunteers in a hands-on manner on how to be effective and efficient in supporting children diagnosed with Autism.
3. Perform assessments in collaboration with the Camp Consultant of individual children's needs, abilities and interests to ensure a positive experience.
4. Be responsible for compliance with health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of children and volunteers during assigned shifts.
5. Actively assess, supervise, support, and evaluate all volunteers in collaboration with the Camp Consultant.
6. Facilitate planned activities for the camps. Ensure security and safety of facility and that pre and post checklists are completed each day.
7. Ensure that family concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner, and that all concerns be reported to the Camp Consultant immediately.
8. Identify and report immediately to the Camp Consultant any issues regarding legal and/or safety implications, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures.
9. Be on-site for camp hours which run from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Arrive 30 minutes before and stay 30 minutes after camp each day to assist with set-up and clean-up.
10. Additional training will be provided and 3 hours for camp orientation/training.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with children with special needs; or have an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective interaction with children, their families, the Steering Committee, the Operations Manager, other Program Consultants, volunteers, external stakeholders and the public.
Current First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certificates mandatory.
Current Certificate in Behaviour Management Systems Training (BMST) or similar is an asset; however, training will be provided.
Current Police Check mandatory, including Criminal Record and Working with Vulnerable Persons.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
If you meet all the above requirements, please submit your cover letter and resume including 3 references. Deadline to apply is by December 8, 2025.
Please include the position title you are applying for in the subject line to the following:
Bessan Kenaan, Great Strides Camp Consultant
FOOTPRINTS 4 Autism
bessan@footprints4autism.org
FOOTPRINTS is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. The collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent represent our culture. We can grow and learn better together as a diverse team and it is the key to our success.
FOOTPRINTS reserves the right to require clarification. We thank all applicants for their interest and only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.