Camps 2026 – Head Instructors, Canoe/Kayak Camps

Application Deadline: January 25, 2026

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Harbourfront Centre is a leading cultural institution in Toronto, celebrated for its vibrant arts, culture, community and recreational programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we are committed to enriching the lives of diverse communities through creativity, innovation, connection and excellence. Currently, exciting seasonal employment opportunities exist in Harbourfront Centre Camps, one of Toronto’s largest, most diverse and creative day camps!

We are seeking a few energetic, friendly and dependable Head Instructors, Canoe/Kayak Camp to help oversee all aspects of the Canoe and Kayak summer camp program and daily operations, while also providing ongoing support to staff and campers on the water.

 

Position Title: Head Instructor, Canoe/Kayak Camps 

Department: Education, Camps

Number of Vacancies: 2

Type of Employment: Seasonal contract, from early May to end of August 2026

Hours Of Work: Starting with part-time hours in May for initial training, changing later in June to an anticipated work schedule of 35-40 hours per week, taking place from Monday – Friday (training may be assigned on weekends)

Rate of Pay: $21 per hour

Work Location: On-site at our waterfront campus in Toronto

Summary of Function 

The Head Instructor, Canoe/Kayak Camps will collaborate closely with the Managers, Camps, and the Marine Supervisor to oversee all aspects of the Canoe and Kayak summer camp program and daily operations. Working as a team, the Head Instructors will design and implement staff training and programming, ensuring that Harbourfront Centre Camps’ high standards of quality, safety, and inclusivity are consistently upheld. The incumbent will share responsibilities for managing a team of instructors acting as the key liaison between the Supervisor and the instructional team. In the pre-camp season, the incumbent will assist with the hiring, training, and development of staff, as well as the creation of camp programming. During the camp season, this role will supervise the well-being of both campers and staff, coordinating the day-to-day operations with the Supervisor, and providing hands-on support to ensure a safe and enriching experience on the water. 

 

Duties

  • Train and develop Instructors to ensure they are prepared for the demands of their roles, focusing on: 
    • Program planning and design for both on-water and on-land instruction.
    • Developing programming and resources that meet camp objectives.
    • Ensuring the quality and content of relevant knowledge, instruction, and canoe/kayak skills.  
    • Group leadership and staff management.  
    • On-water safety management. 
  • Manage camper behavior by addressing and resolving issues in a positive and consistent manner, ensuring campers are engaged, respectful, and follow camp rules. 
  • Supervise a team of 10 Senior Instructors, 10 Junior Instructors, and volunteers (Instructors-in-Training), ensuring smooth operations. 
  • Support the development of volunteers (Instructors-in-Training) alongside the Leadership Supervisor; 
  • Handle administrative tasks, including evaluations, incident reports, parent newsletters, and other documentation. 
  • Monitor and evaluate programming throughout the summer to ensure it aligns with camp goals and standards. 
  • Conduct regular check-ins and meetings with Instructors and Counsellors (on land) to provide ongoing support and guidance. 
  • Lead emergency procedures, ensuring the safety of campers and staff, and responding quickly to critical situations. 
  • Oversee camper drop-off, pick-up, and travel transitions, ensuring smooth processes for campers. 
  • Provide excellent customer service to campers, families, and staff, addressing concerns and escalating issues when needed. 
  • Assist with ensuring safety during emergency procedures for both campers and staff. 
  • Coordinate and facilitate staff social events to enhance team morale. 
  • Perform other duties as required to support camp operations. 

Requirements 

  • Currently enrolled in post-secondary education in fields such as education, physical education, recreation, or a related field, or have equivalent experience. 
  • 2-3 years of experience working with or supervising children and youth in a camp, daycare, or educational setting (day or overnight). 
  • 2-3 years of demonstrated experience directly leading marine/swim programs and/or educational programs for children and youth. 
  • Experience in one of the specialized disciplines: swimming/lifesaving, canoeing, kayaking, paddle sports, etc. 
  • Experience in developing lessons and activity plans for swimming and/or on-the-water activities. 
  • Previous supervision experience of staff or volunteers in a camp or recreational setting. 
  • Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback to staff, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring top performance. 
  • Consistently brings a positive, energetic attitude to the workplace, creating a motivating and supportive environment. 
  • Capable of working independently, taking ownership of tasks, and managing daily responsibilities effectively while prioritizing tasks. 
  • Demonstrates punctuality and strong organizational skills, efficiently handling email/phone correspondence, balancing time constraints, and maintaining schedules. 
  • Enjoys engaging with and supporting the development of children and youth in a camp setting. 
  • Certifications (required prior to the start of training):
    •  Bronze Cross, Canadian Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, and/or NLS certification.
    • Paddle Canada or ORCKA Instructor Certification in Canoeing and Kayaking (relevant courses will be offered before pre-camp training).  
    • Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
    • Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
  • Physical Requirements: Exposure to inclement weather conditions during programs and rigorous physical activity, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. 
  • As a condition of employment, a Criminal Background Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) is required of the successful candidate. The cost of this screening is to be covered by the incumbent.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the seasonal contract. 
  • This role is based in Toronto. The candidate must be able to work on site at our lakeside campus.

Our Values

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.

How To Apply

Harbourfront Centre’s Camps team is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are passionate about supporting participants of all ages and abilities in their growth and development. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of race, ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, color, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, creed, citizenship, or disability. We are committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and invite applicants to request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. 

We invite qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume through the Harbourfront Centre Camps Recruitment Portal at https://harbourfrontcentre.campbrainstaff.com/ by January 25, 2026. You will be asked to create a profile and proceed to the application selection page. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.