Job Title: Staff Development Director
Report To: Camp Director/Associate Director/Assistant Directors
Number of Positions Available: 1
As a key member of the HOC Directing Team, the Staff Development Director plays an essential role in leading, supporting, and enhancing the success of HOC’s CIT (Counsellor-in-Training) and LIT (Leader-in-Training) programs.
The Staff Development Director must be able to provide clear goals and lesson plans, execute engaging lessons and hands-on learning experiences, and provide constructive feedback to participants. This role includes facilitating and delegating activity and theory sessions, as well as planning and leading a four-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park (once per session) and a one-night camping trip with LITs (once per session). The Director also oversees the completion of all CIT and LIT evaluations to ensure consistent growth and accountability. In addition to program leadership, the Staff Development Director provides ongoing mentorship to HOC’s first-year staff, supporting their transition into their camp roles and promoting confidence, responsibility, and teamwork.
The Staff Development Director provides mentorship to all staff and CIT/LITS by upholding the values and guidelines of HOC’s Child Care Practices, creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for future camp leaders.
DAILY / WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Role Specific Responsibilities
- Reinforce the camp philosophy, policies, and standards by acting as a role model to the CITs/LITs and being an active participant in the camp community.
- Provide leadership and guidance to CITs/LITs as well as assume responsibility for their supervision and discipline.
- Improve the effectiveness of the CIT/LIT programs by establishing clear and concise goals.
- Ensure CITs/LITs provide care to our campers that reflects the standards and guidelines of HOC's Child Care Practices.
- Create and execute CIT/LIT programming that is age-appropriate, productive, and fun.
- Communicate with all CITs prior to their camp arrival.
- Facilitate or delegate all CIT/LIT activities, theory/development, and mentor sessions.
- Establish strict guidelines and monitor CIT/LIT sleeping quarters and their cleanliness.
- Organize and supervise two 4-day CIT out-trips to Algonquin Park, and two Saturday night LIT out-trips on HOC Property.
- Work with the Counselling Director to provide mentorship to all first-year HOC Staff.
- Provide formal evaluations (verbal or written) to all CITs each week and ensure their mentor completes evaluations for the last 2 weeks of the program.
- Provide formal verbal evaluations to all CITs & their parents at the end of their session.
- Provide formal written take-home evaluations for all LITs at the end of their session.
- Award and record community service hours for all LITs/CITs and provide proof in a community service letter and check-out package.
- Be available to assist Directors as required or when the instructional schedule allows.
- Sr Staff Team Responsibilities
- Accept responsibilities to maintain the Master Camp timetable.
- Ensure that proper equipment use and safety rules are followed by staff.
- Create and execute camp programming that is age-appropriate, productive, and fun.
- Attend and assist in organizing and facilitating sessions and programming for Staff Orientation Week in late June.
- Attend the Senior Staff Training Weekend in the spring.
- Be an active member of our Emergency Response Team, taking a leadership role in the training of camp procedures.
- Carry an assigned radio and be available in case of an emergency at all times.
- Assist with all required Sunday camper check-ins.
- Make any transportation runs (ie. Clinic / Hospital) that are required, provided that you are free at the time.
- Complete a Program report and update manuals at the end of the summer.
- Complete weekly Sr Staff duties as scheduled. (Sr. Staff on Duty Rotation) Approximately 1-2 duties per week, depending on availability.
- The Staff Development Director can expect between 8-10 hrs of scheduled duties daily, not including other duties as assigned based on program needs.
ALL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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 in order 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 where each staff member will receive essential employment information and training for a successful summer experience.
- Leadership and participation in camp-wide special events (Evening Programs, All Camp Activities, Campfires, and Friday Finale) and weekly meetings are 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.
- Weekly Staff Hockey & Water Skiing.
- Time off will be scheduled on an as-needed basis up to the equivalent of a weekend off. Sunday Check-Ins are a mandatory part of the Staff Development Director’s job responsibilities, and therefore, time off will be scheduled around this. Time off must be scheduled in advance with the Assistant Director(s).
- Time off daily - depending on weekly schedule.
- Access to program and recreation equipment.
- 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.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD
Staff Orientation / Training: TBD
Employment Period: June 22, 2026 – August 22, 2026
Optional Employment: May & June 2026, Week #9 August 23 – 29, 2026
Wages: Summer wages vary depending on the age, qualifications, and experience of applicants. Room and board are included.
QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
Qualifications:
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary program in recreation management, education, early childhood development, physical education, or personnel management.
- Experience supervising or teaching children; camp experience an asset.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Enthusiastic, energetic, and community-minded.
- Willing to participate in all camp-related activities.
- Outdoor camping and tripping experience (preferred).
Certifications:
- Valid G driver’s license.
- Bronze Cross (NL preferred).
- Emergency First Aid & CPR-C (Standard First Aid preferred).
- Respect in Sport certification.