Volunteers
Volunteers make a world of difference in the lives of our campers. Each summer, students and community leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area give generously of their time and skills to make valuable contributions to life at camp.
Volunteers work directly with our campers under the supervision of our counsellors and leadership staff. They assist with the facilitation and leadership of camp activities, and are given opportunities to lead some programs on their own (with staff supervision).
Toronto Met Day Camp volunteers are a minimum of 16 years of age, and are secondary school students or graduates. They have a passion for working with children and youth, and many have previous experience working with young people.
Volunteer opportunities are available for a minimum of one week per person, and volunteers are expected to be available for the full Camp day (8:30am – 5:00pm). A full week of volunteer service means that high school aged volunteers receive 40 hours that they can put towards the volunteer hour requirement to receive their secondary school diploma.
1. Make a difference in your community
- Make a child's summer special
- Be a positive role model for a young person
- Demonstrate the importance of giving back
- Help a child fall in love with learning & physical activity
2. Connect with others
- Make new friends from diverse backgrounds
- Increase your social and relationship skills
- Learn to motivate others
- Have fun being part of a team
3. Good for your mind and body
- Foster self-confidence
- Exercise – days at Camp are active!
- Develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Gain communication skills, a huge benefit that can be used in all aspects of your life
- Volunteering is proven to reduce stress, and increase feelings of optimism and joy
- Being involved in something that makes a difference is rewarding and feels good!
4. Develop professional skills
- Learn valuable job skills
- Gain experience if you are interested in being a teacher, youth worker, recreational professional, or coach
- Find out that you have skills you may not have realized that you possessed
- Understand the needs of others, and develop empathy and compassion
- We can provide letters of reference after you volunteer – just ask us!
Volunteers are required to attend a day-long orientation that is held in June. The orientation provides an overview of the Day Camp program, opportunities to develop camper leadership skills, and reviews in detail the role of volunteers within Day Camp. Orientation dates are confirmed in the Spring.
Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations for accessibility at any point during the application process, please let us know.
Toronto Metropolitan University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Volunteer applications are to be completed online. You can find the volunteer application by visiting torontometdaycamps.campbrainstaff.com (external link) .
We appreciate each applicant’s interest in a position with us. Only those new volunteer applicants being considered for a position will be contacted for an interview.
Volunteer Role
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum 16 years of age
- Experience working or volunteering with children is strongly preferred
- Experience as a camper, camp volunteer, or camp staff member in any camp setting is preferred
- Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with campers, parents/guardians, and staff
- Demonstration of ability to help with facilitation of safe, fun, creative, and educational children’s camp activities
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Strong, positive leader and role model
- Successful completion of a criminal background check (to be submitted by volunteer)
Program Volunteers work directly with our campers under the supervision of our full-time Counsellors and Leadership staff. They assist with the facilitation and leadership of Camp activities, and are given opportunities to lead some programs on their own (with staff supervision).
Specific responsibilities include:
- Assist Counsellors in developing fun activities for campers
- Assist Counsellors in preparing, implementing, and participating in Camp activities
- Provide opportunities within the group experience that allow for success of individual campers and the group
- Be aware of any health issues or general concerns expressed by the Seasonal Camp Coordinator, Health & Wellness Lead or camper family prior to the start of camp
- Assist with supervision during all aspects of the campers' day including morning drop off, activity rotations, lunch, snack, and pick up at the end of the day
- Assist with instruction of campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, etc.
- Ensure camper safety throughout the day
- Provide leadership and instruction to activities as assigned
- Set the example for campers and others including cleanliness, punctuality, and sportsmanship
- Follow and enforce Day Camp rules as outlined in the Staff, Volunteer, and Camper Codes of Conduct
- Assist in creating and maintaining a culture of belonging, pride and excellence in Athletics facilities by providing excellent customer service to campers, families, and guests
- All other duties as assigned or required
Application Process:
Volunteer applications are to be completed online. You can find the volunteer application by visiting torontometdaycamps.campbrainstaff.com (external link, opens in new window) .
As part of the online application, please submit:
- A cover letter
- Your current resume
- Copies of any and all current qualifications / certifications
Supporting documents can be submitted using CampBrain.
We appreciate each applicant’s interest in a position with us. Only those new volunteer applicants being considered for a position will be contacted for an interview.