Climbing Instructor

Job Title: Climbing Instructor
Reports To: Activity Director/Activity Coordinator
Number of Positions Available: 1

Each camp activity is led by a qualified, trained, and experienced instructor who provides engaging and safe instruction based on HOC’s program curriculum and core principles of Community, Leadership, Accountability, and Performance. Program standards are built around skill-based progressions supported by HOC’s established awards system.

As members of the broader camp community, Activity Instructors also take an active role in all-camp activities throughout the week, including meals, section events, free swims, campfires, and other programs as assigned, helping to create a positive, inclusive, and memorable experience for all campers.

The Climbing Instructor leads our Climbing Program, which includes our climbing structure, bouldering and low ropes area. The Instructor is responsible for guiding campers through vertical challenges, team-building elements, and personal goal setting. Each week, instructors complete personalized evaluations for every camper they teach, providing valuable feedback on progress and participation in the activity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Role-Specific Responsibilities:
- Participate in daily Program Development Time (PDT) specifically dedicated to the Climbing Structure and Low Ropes course: inspecting holds, auto-belays, manual ropes, hardware, and life safety systems.
- Properly fit, adjust, and double-check all camper personal protective equipment (PPE) before any camper accesses elements.
Activity Staff Team Responsibilities:
- Instruct 5–6 one-hour activity sessions each day (Monday–Friday) for groups of approximately 10–12 campers.
- Instruct 1 daily Section Activity Time (SAT) for a section of campers.
- Instruct or participate in daily Evening Programs.
- Provide cabin coverage one evening per week (Tuesday or Wednesday) to support counsellors during their night off.
- Assist with Sunday Camper Registration, including set-up, work brigades, check-in, and Discover HOC programming.
- Support Saturday Camper Check-Out (approximately 3 hours, as scheduled).
- Complete camper evaluations each Thursday, providing detailed feedback on skill development and participation.
- Attend all weekly staff and team meetings as scheduled.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and headcounts for each class daily.
- Prepare and deliver alternative “Rainy Day” programs when required.
- Work one Holdover Weekend, providing evening cabin supervision (Friday if required) and leading programming for campers staying multiple weeks (Saturday and Sunday).
- Perform additional classes, supervision, or duties as assigned.

ALL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

All Activity staff are required to attend the Spring Training Weekend.
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 the 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 to ensure the highest level of care and instruction.
Attendance for all staff at the June orientation week training is mandatory. This training period is when each staff member 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 is an expectation of all staff members.
The dynamic nature of summer camp demands that each staff member understand that additional duties may be assigned as required.

SUMMER BENEFITS AND TIME OFF

Room & Board Provided.
Access to program and recreation equipment.
Weekly Staff Hockey (schedule-dependent) & Water Skiing.
Daily Schedules: Flexible hours based on daily schedules; days are full and run longer than standard 8-hour days.
Weekend Off: Staff on a full eight-week contract receive one full weekend off (Friday after daily duties through Sunday evening).
Weekly Time Off: Evenings excluding Sunday night.
Hours & Expectations: Weekly hours may exceed the standard 48-hour Employment Standards Act limit.
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.

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EMPLOYMENT PERIOD

Orientation/Training: June 28 - July 3, 2027
Employment Period: July 4 - August 28, 2027
Optional Employment: Week #9 August 29 - September 4, 2027
Wages: Summer wages vary depending on age, qualifications and experience of applicants. Room and board are included.

QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS

Qualifications:

Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent education.
Relevant experience and a demonstrated passion for the activity area.
Strong communication, teaching, and group management skills.
Enthusiastic, energetic, and positive attitude.
Willing to participate in all camp-related activities.

Certifications: