Summer Camp Jobs in Ontario at Sparrow Lake Camp
Sparrow Lake Camp is a small, close-knit community with about 60 staff and 120 campers each summer. For staff, that means a genuine family atmosphere—where you’re known, supported, and able to build real relationships. For campers, it means consistent care and strong connections with staff who truly get to know them and make a lasting impact.
Many of our staff return year after year, but we’re always excited to welcome new people who want to be part of something meaningful. If you’re looking for a summer job where your work matters, your relationships are real, and your days are full of purpose, Sparrow Lake Camp may be the place for you.
Some of the summer positions available each year include:
Counsellors
The friend-makers of camp. Cabin Counsellors help campers build friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and feel at home at camp. They bring energy, warmth, and care to each day while ensuring every camper feels safe, supported, and included. Part fun aunt or uncle, part mentor, part steady presence, Counsellors play a central role in shaping each camper’s experience.
This role carries real responsibility. Cabin Counsellors provide daily care and supervision, support emotional wellbeing, model positive behaviour, and help prevent and resolve conflicts in partnership with camp leadership.
Most Counsellors also spend part of each day as activity instructors, connecting with campers beyond their own cabin and contributing to Sparrow Lake Camp’s close-knit community.
This role is for you if you:
Enjoy working with children and being part of a team
Take responsibility and safety seriously
Are patient, kind, and attentive
Lead with both energy and empathy
Are eager to learn and grow over the summer
Activity Instructors
The fun-makers of camp. As an Activity Instructor, you bring energy, creativity, and leadership to some of the most memorable parts of the camp day. From the heights of the ropes course, to the waterfront, to our creative and skill-building spaces, you help campers try new things, build confidence, and have fun in a safe, supportive environment.
This role comes with real responsibility. Activity Instructors plan and lead engaging programs, supervise campers closely, and adapt activities to different ages, abilities, and comfort levels. You’ll model positive behaviour, encourage participation, and work closely with Cabin Counsellors and camp leadership to support campers’ overall wellbeing.
Some instructor roles require specialized training or certifications. All waterfront staff must hold current lifesaving certifications, including LSS Bronze Cross or higher, and are expected to maintain high standards of safety, awareness, and professionalism at all times.
Administrative & Leadership Staff
The camp-makers. Our Administrative and Leadership Staff are the people behind the scenes who make camp run smoothly every day. From organizing buses and building activity schedules, to delivering mail, troubleshooting logistics, and making the inevitable town run for more water balloons, this team keeps everything moving.
These roles require organization, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility. Administrative and Leadership Staff support campers and staff alike by managing communication, coordinating schedules, solving problems as they arise, and keeping camp systems running safely and efficiently. They work closely with counsellors and instructors to ensure everyone has what they need to focus on what matters most: caring for campers.
Kitchen Staff
The fuel of camp. Our Kitchen Staff keep camp running by making sure everyone is well-fed, energized, and cared for throughout the day. With three meals and two snacks served daily, the kitchen is one of the busiest—and most essential—places at camp.
Kitchen team members work together to prepare and serve nutritious, kid-friendly meals, maintain cleanliness and food safety standards, and accommodate dietary needs with care and attention. This role requires teamwork, reliability, and pride in doing important work that directly supports campers’ health and wellbeing.
Site Maintenance Staff
The caretakers of camp. With many of our historic buildings approaching 100 years old, there is always meaningful work to be done to keep one of the world’s oldest summer camps safe, functional, and well cared for. Our Maintenance Staff are the stewards of this place, helping preserve a rich tradition of camping in Ontario while supporting the day-to-day needs of a busy summer community.
Maintenance team members handle repairs, upkeep, and improvements across camp, respond to issues as they arise, and work proactively to ensure facilities and grounds are safe for campers and staff. This role requires practical skills, problem-solving, attention to safety, and a willingness to learn.
Medical Staff
Our healers and steady caregivers. The Healthcare Team at Sparrow Lake Camp provides essential medical care and support for campers and staff. Our nurse and assistant nurse are calm, trusted presences—caring for everyday health needs, managing medications, and supporting overall wellbeing.
Each summer, we employ one nurse and an assistant , both of whom work on site throughout the season as the camp’s primary healthcare providers. They work closely with camp leadership, counsellors, and families, and bring professionalism, discretion, and genuine care to camp life.