Climbing Skills Counsellor

A world free of the effects of diabetes is our vision. That’s why we’re working together to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes. We’re sharing knowledge and creating connections for individuals and the health-care professionals who care for them; advocating through public policy; and funding research to improve treatments and find a cure to end diabetes.

Join our dedicated, talented Diabetes Canada team and together, #LetsEndDiabetes!

About D-Camps

Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps programs are committed to providing a positive and enriching camp experience to children and youth affected by type 1 diabetes. We operate 9 overnight summer camp programs across Canada with an emphasis on participation in camp activities and providing an opportunity for diabetes education. D- Camps programs strive to provide a traditional summer camp experience while supporting participants in their gaining independence and self- discipline in managing their diabetes. The goals of Diabetes Canada camps are to:

• Teach independent, self-management of diabetes.
• Nurture lasting friendships.
• Improve self-esteem.
• Provide a safe, fun and educational camp experience.

About Camp Huronda

Owned and operated by Diabetes Canada, Camp Huronda lies on a beautifully wooded peninsula on Lake Waseosa near Huntsville. This superb 110-acre setting offers permanent camp facilities for children living with type 1 diabetes through carefully planned programs that provide children with a summer of adventure, fun, learning and health care support. Camp Huronda operates four 12-day camp sessions throughout the summer for campers ages 7-15.

Role Overview:

The Climbing Skills Counsellors are responsible for executing all aspects of the challenge course program in conjunction with the Climbing Head (dynamic team elements, static course, giant swing, four-sided climbing tower, and low ropes elements). This role will be responsible for the planning and facilitation of the area, including; maintaining all challenge course equipment, ensuring that all programs are meeting risk management standards. The Climbing Skills Counsellors are responsible for delivering a safe and camper-focused experience with opportunities for experiential learning. With this, a primary focus will be on ensuring that all Diabetes Canada and National Camping Guidelines are met.

In addition to program planning and facilitation, all Skills Counsellors will live in camper cabins (where appropriate and possible) to provide additional cabin support to the counselling team. Skills Counsellors also play a critical role in participating and providing leadership within camp-wide programs as part of the Program Team.

Contract Length: June 15th, 2026 – August 22nd, 2026

Salary: This role is budgeted at $445 per week, dependent on candidate’s certifications and experience.

Location: Camp Huronda, Huntsville, ON (1252 South Waseosa Lake Road, Huntsville, Ontario). Employees are expected to be onsite to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the role. Accommodations will be provided.

This role includes, but not limited to:

• Attend and complete all staff training.
• Provides the required skills and expertise to operate safe and effective adventure-based climbing program.
• Maintaining a clean and organized program area.
• Maintaining an accurate inventory report.
• Work with the Climbing Head to for any support surrounding program support, lesson plan development and facilitation.
• Work with the Climbing Head and co-instructors to ensure set-up, upkeep, organization and safety of the rock wall, low ropes and high-ropes areas.
• Maintain a camper-focus with an emphasis on intentional programming.
• Ensuring that all documentation is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Create and facilitate program plans to promote engagement and skill development. Program plans should consider varying levels of participant comfort and skill.
• Maintaining active supervision and engagement with participants.
• Ensure the safety of campers and staff.

CAMPER SUPPORT

• Support Counsellors with 24-hour supervision and group management of your assigned cabin group.
• Ensure physical, mental, and emotional safety of campers.
• Assist campers in meeting their daily and personal needs including: feelings of missing home, diabetes management, changing of soiled laundry, behavior management.
• Work with campers and the medical team to support and foster positive diabetes management.
• Inform the Head Counsellors of any camper issues that arise in a timely manner.
• Engaging campers during key counselling times.
• Taking responsibility for all campers, whether assigned to your cabin or not.

TEAMWORK:

• Actively and enthusiastically assist in leading all camp programs.
• Prepare accordingly for programs: costumes, decorations, etc.
• Attend all required program meetings.

• Acting as a positive role model at all times.

• Upholding D-Camps Policies with both campers and staff.
• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned.
• Reporting any accidents or incidents immediately to the Climbing Head or Assistant Director and cooperate in the completion of any required follow-up.
• Contributing to a positive camp culture, reporting any contradictions to camp culture expectations to the Assistant Director.

The ideal candidate possesses:

• CUI Level 1 or willing and able to successfully acquire (required).
• Experience working with children and youth (asset).
• Coaching experience or certification (advantageous).
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong active listening skills.
• CPR ‘C’ or higher required.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Checks.

Working Conditions

• Full-Time hours
• Training provided
• Meals provided
• Reside onsite – accommodations.

What Diabetes Canada Can Offer You

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
• An entrepreneurial environment, working for a national organization where you feel valued, recognized, and rewarded.
• A high-performing, collaborative team environment and a commitment to building a healthy and engaged work culture.
• A work culture committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates differences and provides equal opportunities for all.
• Experiencing a positive and lasting impact on the lives of participants and families.
• Opportunity to learn about type 1 diabetes
• Experience community and build professional connections.
• Opportunity to build lasting friendships.
• Opportunities for personal and professional skill development.
• Opportunities for certification courses at reduced rates.
• Accommodation and meals are provided throughout the duration of the contract.

Our Core Values:

ACE-IT: Agility, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Taking Initiative

About the Application Process

For mor information and full position overview, check out our hiring handbook below:

https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Camps/2026-Ontario-Program-Team-Employment-Opportunities-Handbook.pdf

Applications can be submitted using the link below:

https://staffdcampson.campbrainstaff.com/

If you experience any issues with the application process, please contact the Camp Coordinator at [email protected]

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada and, where applicable, must have a valid work permit or study permit that allows the candidate to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Diabetes Canada welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including people of all genders, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. We value a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process.

If you require accommodations, please advise us during the recruitment process.

We thank all interested applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that this role will be supporting Camp Huronda, located in Huntsville, ON. This is a full-time contract position.