Employment at Camp

  

Each summer, Camp Rotary hires over 40 staff members to become a part of our dedicated, all-star team. Looking for applicants with:

  • A genuine interest in working with persons with disabilities
  • Must be hard working, work responsibly and independently
  • Passion for working in an exciting outdoors environment
  • Ability to teach, lead and supervise adults and children
  • Must have valid First Aid certificate.

If you have questions about specific positions or if you are interested in working at Camp Rotary, please read through our Pre-Employment Guide, and further instructions on how to apply can be found within this document! Emails can be directed to camp_director@camprotary.ca.

Staff FAQs

  1. What staff positions are available this year? Every year Camp Rotary hires over 40 staff to work all summer long. Jobs available to new staff, and returning staff include:
    • Resource Staff
    • Head Counselors
    • Cabin Counselors
    • Head Cook
    • Assistant Cook
    • Kitchen Staff
    • Lifeguards
    • Maintenance Staff
    • Student Nurses

  2. What qualifications do I need to get a job? We are looking for people who have a genuine interest in working in the outdoors and enjoy summer recreational activities such as canoeing, archery, hiking, sports and games. Successful applicants need to have good communication skills and must want to work in a team environment. Although not necessary, we look favourably on previous camping experience, good French and English language skills, and experience working with people with disabilities. Prior to final acceptance, all staff members will need current certification in first aid, and provide a negative Criminal Record Check.

  3. How much is the pay? A first-year staff member can expect to make about $3,700 over the course of the summer, which begins in late May and ends in late August. All staff are paid at the end of each camp session. This is as much as you could expect to make at a minimum wage job for the summer, but, of course, you would not have as much fun. Living accommodations, and all-you-can-eat meals are provided at no cost to the staff member. Instructor positions that require special skills and more programming experience (example: lifeguards and archery instructors), and therefore pay a higher salary. As compared to other camps across the country, we pay some of the highest salaries.

  4. What about time off? There is a 3 1/2-day break in between camp sessions, or for every 6 1/2 days of work. During these breaks, Camp Rotary is closed, but transportation to nearby Fredericton (where the university usually offers cheap rooms for rent) is provided for the staff. Transportation from Fredericton back to Camp Rotary is offered on the last morning of the break to start work. During each day of work, staff can often get a break during the mandatory camper rest hour, and during the evenings after campers go to bed. Staff are not allowed to leave the physical camp-site during the weeks worked, only in between sessions during breaks.

  5. Who are the campers? The campers at Camp Rotary come from across the province of New Brunswick and occasionally from other provinces. There are adult sessions for people aged 19 to 80+ years old and youth sessions for ages 5 to 18. Overall, Camp Rotary has campers attending each summer from as young as 5, to over 80 years old. Most campers who attend have some sort of physical or developmental disability, including disabilities as a result of Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Cancer, Down’s Syndrome and others.

  6. So what’s it like to work there, anyway? Any job at Camp Rotary demands hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication. It’s a tough job, but never boring and always rewarding. Staff members finish their summer with a tremendous sense of accomplishment, strong friendships, and a host of unforgettable memories. Camp Rotary is located on a breathtaking stretch of beach on Grand Lake, New Brunswick’s largest freshwater lake. The campsite includes over 20 acres of land which holds several buildings including camper cabins, a large meal hall, washroom and laundry facilities, recreation hall and more. Program areas include an archery range, heated outdoor pool, campfire area, nature trails, and lakefront canoeing site. Camp Rotary is one of the best maintained, and beautiful residential campsites in the Atlantic Provinces.

  7. Are there any extra benefits? Beyond the obvious merits of working at an outdoor summer camp, Camp Rotary offers many extra rewards. As an outdoor centre, which has been in existence for over 70 years, Camp Rotary has a tremendous reputation for exceptional service. This means working at Camp Rotary is an excellent resume builder. Employers recognize the integrity, enthusiasm, and responsibility it takes to be a staff member at our camp. The camp also offers an incredible hands-on experience for people looking to pursue careers in many fields such as nursing, social work, education, recreation, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and dozens of other human service vocations. An added bonus is the dynamic nature of the staff attracted to work at our camp. Summer breaks between camp sessions often see cool groups of staff who organize trips for camping, rafting, paintball, beach trips, etc. Also, the senior staff at Camp Rotary are very experienced and qualified camping professionals who provide active training in outdoor pursuits and inclusive recreation.


Staff Testimonials

Paul Black, past Student Union President, Acadia University; staff member 1994-96, volunteer 1997-98:

“The summers I spent working at Camp Rotary represent some of the most fun and educational times of my life. Working with individuals who face and overcome a myriad of challenges every single day of their lives has inspired me to attempt to do the same”.

Jeffery Sparks, Human Resources Analyst, Andersen Consulting (Toronto); camper 1984-90, staff member 1991-96:

“Camp was my life, and always will be part of it. My best and longest-lasting friendships started there. It was great being able to help others with disabilities in ways that I was helped. The leadership and personnel skills I developed while at Camp have played a vital role in my career.”

Kara Reid, Occupational Therapist, Stan Cassidy Center for Rehabilitation; camper 1991-92, staff member 1993-96:

“I can not imagine what my life would have been like without Camp Rotary. The knowledge that I acquired while at camp helped me decide what I wanted to be in life, as well as help give me the kind of skills and experience employers look for when hiring. “

Nicole Irving, Nursing Staff, Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital, staff member 1994-97:

“Working at camp was an incredible amount of fun, and an amazing learning experience. My work at Camp Rotary was instrumental in helping shape my future course in life. The luckiest people on earth get to work at Camp Rotary.”


Cabin Counsellor

General Responsibilities include:

Provide leadership, guidance, and care as a team of staff to a cabin group of eight to twelve campers. To participate in the general planning of camp programs.

Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently;
  • Ability to teach, lead and supervise adults and children
  • A genuine interest in camp, and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aid certificate prior to the beginning of camp.
  • Bilingualism is an asset;

Cleaning Staff

General Responsibilities include:

Ensure that camp washrooms and administration building are kept clean and that sanitary standards are kept at a high level to meet Department of Health regulations. To have the responsibility for maintaining the cleaning all camper laundry, as well as camp blankets, towels, etc.

Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently;
  • Some knowledge and experience in cleaning i.e. clothes, dishes, washrooms, etc;
  • Have WHMIS /chemical safety
  • A genuine interest in camp, and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aid certificate prior to the beginning of camp.

Lifeguard

General Responsibilities include:

To operate safe swimming sessions, geared to a variety of ages and level of ability. The emphasis should be on fun and learning. To act as a lifeguard during all organized swimming and work as part of the cabin staff ream in a cabin during non-swimming times.

Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently;
  • Must have NLS Certification (Pool and/or Waterfront)
  • Ability to teach, lead and supervise adults and children
  • A genuine interest in camp and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aid certificate prior to the beginning of camp

Assistant Cook

General Responsibilities include:

Assist in preparation of entire Food Service for the camp operation; assist Head Cook in keeping kitchen and dining hall clean and sanitary.

Qualifications:

  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently;
  • Experience assisting in cooking and food preparation for large groups is an asset;
  • Supervisory skills;
  • A genuine interest in camp and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aid certificate prior to the beginning of camp

Assistant Nurse

General Responsibilities include:

Assisting in the planning and carrying out a program of health and safety for all campers and staff.

Qualifications:

  • Be completed at least 3rd year of BSc. nursing degree prior to the beginning of camp, or be a Registered Nurse;
  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently
  • A genuine interest in camp and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aird and CPR certification;
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Bilingualism is an asset;

Student Nurse

General Responsibilities include:

Assisting in the planning and carrying out a program of health and safety for all campers and staff.

Qualifications:

  • Be completed at least 2nd year of BSc. nursing degree prior to the beginning of camp;
  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently
  • A genuine interest in camp and working with persons with disabilities;
  • Must have valid First Aird and CPR certification;
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Bilingualism is an asset;

Head Counselor

General Responsibilities include:

On a set rotation for each session, act as either; an Instructor and lead morning sessions, Cleaning Staff and ensure the washroom facilities are kept up to standards, or as Assistant (to the) Program Director for the week, and assist with everything program related, and in cabins if needed! Each person will have at least one week in the roles outside of instructing.

Qualifications:

  • Leadership experience in an organized camp setting (preferably Camp Rotary)
  • Ability to teach, lead, supervise.
  • Knowledge of all camp activities and how to adapt activities for all abilities and ages.
  • A genuine interest in camp, and working with persons with disabilities.
  • Must be able to work responsibly and independently.
  • Must have valid First Aid and CPR certificate.
  • Bilingualism an asset