Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age and finished Secondary 5. 

Yes, all camp programs are run in both official languages. We have as many French as we do English campers. Counsellors must be able to converse with their campers in either language and programs animators must be able to animate all activities fluently in both languages.

You need an interest in or previous experience working with children/young adults. You do not have to have any experience working with people who have special needs, although it is considered an asset. Camp Massawippi will provide you with all the training you will require. It is highly recommended that all staff be certified in CPR or First Aid before their contracted start date. Those applying for waterfront positions must have a current National Lifeguard certification and Nurses must be part of their professional order.

Campers vary in age between 6 and 30+ years. All the campers have a physical disability (motor, hearing, or visual impairment). The most common disabilities are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida, although we welcome lots of other types of physical disabilities. Some campers are deaf or hearing impaired, some are blind or visually impaired and many are multi-handicapped. Most of our campers use wheelchairs. All campers have a means of communication either verbal or non-verbal. The campers come from all over Quebec, Nunavik and some from across Canada. 

There is a management team of 3 people working year-round and all other staff members are university/college students or recent graduates hired for the summer season. All Staff members must be bilingual. There are approximately 60 staff members hired at the Summer Camp in Ayer’s Cliff and 25 at the Day Camp in Montreal.

Camp Massawippi encourages everyone to apply. However, working at camp can be very strenuous. Each of the candidates must be able to perform all the tasks related to the job position, including: transferring campers, pushing wheelchairs, personal care and hygiene, etc. Applicants who require attendant care are required to provide their own attendant care.

Most staff members are either counsellors, program animators or lifeguards.

As a Counsellor-Caregiver, you will work as a member of a cabin team and be responsible for a group of campers. Cabins are divided by age group and sex. There will be approx. 8 campers and 4-6 staff in each cabin. Together your team will be responsible for providing all the care for the campers, this can include; dressing, feeding, bathing, toileting and transferring, accompanying the campers in all their activities, getting to know your campers, and being a positive role model. Being a counsellor is one of the most rewarding, but potentially challenging, jobs at camp.

Program Animators are the “life of camp”! You must be dynamic and energetic. You plan and lead all camp programs. There are four activity periods each day and you may run a program in all activity periods. You will also animate large group activities, theme days, and special events. When not programming, you will be assisting in your assigned camper cabin.

The waterfront is one of the most popular places on camp! As a lifeguard, you are expected to assure the safety and security of the campers/staff during all aquatic and nautical activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, pontoon boat rides, tubing, waterskiing, etc. You will also be expected to animate activities at the beach. All lifeguards must have their National Lifeguard certification and Pleasure Craft License. When not lifeguarding, you will be assisting in your assigned camper cabin. 

ALL camp staff are involved in camper care. 

Accommodations are provided for everyone who works at the Summer Camp in Ayer’s Cliff. If you are a counsellor, programs animator or lifeguard, you will live in the camper cabins in an adjoining room. These rooms hold 6 staff in bunk beds. Coordinators and Health Staff live in separate housing on the site. As Camp Massawippi is an overnight camp, all seasonal staff live on-site.

The consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs is prohibited on camp property and while you are working and on your paid time off. Smoking is prohibited on camp property. There is a designated smoking area outside of the site. Camp Massawippi strictly enforces this policy and has ZERO TOLERANCE for any infractions. If a staff member is caught with alcohol or drugs on site, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs their contract will be terminated immediately.

Working at a sleepaway camp is very hard work and it can be very tiring. You are ‘on duty’ almost 24 hours per day. Every day you will have scheduled free time. The camp sessions are 6-12 days long and you will generally have 2–3 days off between sessions. Everyone leaves camp between sessions. If you have a wedding or special event, you should advise the HR Manager at the time of hire to request this time off. He will do his best to accommodate your request, however, it is expected that you will be available for Staff training (pre-camp) and the session dates per the job description.

If you are looking to make a fortune, working at a summer camp may not be for you! However, if you are looking for a challenging, fun job that requires you to personally invest to offer young people magical and unforgettable moments with lots of love and happiness as your reward, this is the right place! Salaries are based on the position applied for (see job descriptions). You will be paid every 2 weeks per the pay schedule, either via direct deposit or by cheque.  In addition to your pay, you will receive room and board.

There is a computer in the Office that you may use but most staff bring their own laptop or tablet. The internet is accessible on most of the site, however some areas of camp have better Wifi access than others. Cell phone reception is good. Cell phones and personal electronic devices are to be kept in the staff cabins and can only be used during free time. Camp Massawippi is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

All staff undergo 50-60 hours of training to prepare for the campers’ arrival. It is a time to learn the camp routine, learn your roles and responsibilities, plan for the summer, get to know each other and to become a strong working team. This is an intensive time that will require all your energy, learning capacity and concentration. It is time to familiarize yourself with the camp, the programs, and to learn everything you need to know about the campers. You will be trained in PDSB and camper care (feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and continence). Good preparation means that when the campers arrive, you will be ready. Take some time before you arrive to think about things you can share at camp – stories, games, funny costumes, skits, and songs to teach the group.

You can contact Camp Massawippi at 819-838-4707 or toll-free at 1-866-838-4707 or via email at [email protected]