Program Director

Location: Live on-site Camp Kandalore – Algonquin Highlands

Contract Dates: June 17th – August 26th, 2025, room & board included

Reports to: Assistant Director – Programs and Leadership Training

Our Team

Our team is highly engaged and committed to excellence in camping and outdoor and experiential education. Working at Kandalore means you believe in supporting a camp culture that values participation, kindness and respect, and the power of the outdoors for young people.

The Camp
Founded in 1947, Kandalore has a longstanding reputation as one of Canada’s premier overnight summer camps. We offer campers an unmatched in-camp experience, starting from age 6, with an in-camp activity program designed to introduce and build new skills each day.  

Our in-camp activity program is an essential part of our identity, and the experience provided at Kandalore. We are proud of the level of expertise and variety of in-camp activities that we offer to campers to support their development. 

Please learn more about us at www.kandalore.com/.

Job Outline    

Camp Kandalore is looking for a creative, organized and enthusiastic individual to join our Summer 2025 Senior Staff team as the seasonal Program Director. This is an exciting role oversees the day-to-day programming of approximately 300 campers and 70 staff, across 30+ activities, amongst eight program areas with corresponding Program Managers.

The successful applicant will work to facilitate impactful experiences for our campers through our in-camp activities. This individual will be directly responsible for the safety, enjoyment and learning of all campers during the activity periods and management of eight Program Managers (PMs) and an activity staff team of 70 counsellors. This individual will be positive, camper-centric, adaptable, team-oriented and able to thrive in a busy camp atmosphere.   

Our Program Director will be responsible for the organization, management and facilitation of the day-to-day program and enforcement of all safety policies and procedures in accordance with Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and other activity specialty association standards. Duties include scheduling and staffing activities for six activity periods per day, developing skill-based programming, assessing and managing risk, ensuring a culture of safety and inclusivity, managing behavioral issues, and mentoring staff and campers. 

This position includes room and board, and a fantastic summer at camp. As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required. 

Minimum Qualifications:

·       Minimum 2 years of experience as summer camp staff

·       Standard First Aid and CPR-C

·       Bronze Cross certification or higher

·       Experience in a programming role

·       Experience working with children

·       Experience in a camp leadership role preferred

·       Pleasure Craft Operator Card and experience driving boats preferred

·       Other activity-based certifications such as CUI, WSWO, ORCKA are an asset, instructor-level certifications preferred

Responsibilities:

·       Oversee the management and smooth operation of all in-camp activities, prioritizing camper and staff safety, meeting or exceeding OCA standards, and fun.

·       Plan and organize the daily camp schedule, ensuring all campers can participate in activities.

·       Assign staff to lead activities, balancing camper and staff needs, skill levels, and program requirements.

·       Supervise and support Program Managers (PMs) across various program areas, ensuring effective facilitation of activities.

·       Ensure proper camper-to-staff ratios and coordinate coverage for absent staff.

·       Collaborate daily with PMs, the Special Programs Director and other senior staff to address program concerns and ensure smooth operations.

·       Track program supplies, manage inventory, and ensure timely orders for necessary materials.

·       Foster a positive camp environment, participating in camp-wide events and contributing to overall camp success.

How To Apply

If you or someone you know wants to learn and grow this summer, please apply online at: Join Our Team | Kandalore if a position is posted, we are still actively seeking candidates, and you are welcome to apply.

Your application matters to us and we will review it carefully. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

We work to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices as an integral and foundational part of Camp Kandalore’s culture and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills making us better together.

Do You Need an Accommodation?

Camp Kandalore is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the Hiring Manager if you require accommodation.

As a condition of employment, a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.