Working At Camp Kennebec FAQs

Do I Need Any Special Training for Working at Camp Kennebec?

Working at Camp Kennebec is an exciting, meaningful way to spend your summer. We require people with many different skills and accept applications from men and women, aged 18 or older, who are eligible to work in Canada, who have a broad range of experiences and talents. While experience working with kids, teens and adults with special needs is an asset, we also value your experience working at other summer camps, or with other child or teen after school, weekend or summer programs.

Do I Need Any Special Clearance to Work as a Camp Counsellor?

Yes. As a condition of employment, you must provide Camp with a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Check, available through your local police department, as well as proof you are able to work legally in Canada through a valid Social Insurance card or the equivalent.

Are There Any Positions at Camp That Require Certification?

If you are considering working at Camp Kennebec in a medical or nursing position, we require that all your certifications are current and prior experience in a summer camp is an asset. The head of waterfront position requires current NLS certification. Other heads of activities like high ropes and horse back riding may require other forms of certification and experience.

How Long Is A Typical Camp Contract?

Your contract will be for up to nine weeks, which includes one week of in-camp training, prior to camper’s arrival. All staff receive days off throughout the contract period and rotating activity periods and evenings off.

Is There An Opportunity for Employment That Lasts Longer Than 9 Weeks?

We typically require several staff members to help set up camp for a few weeks in June and to help with rental groups after camp ends. Please let us know if you are available.

Where is Camp Kennebec located?

Camp is located just outside Arden, Ontario off of Highway 7 between Tweed and Perth, Ontario. Arden is less than 2 hours from Ottawa, 4 hours from Montreal, 3 hours from Toronto and about an hour from Kingston.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

"I believe that my son and my other children grew more in 2 weeks of camp each year (more than school or therapies combined) because of the staff caring enough to help them grow. They see the person each child is, and who they can become." — Parent

WHAT CAMPERS ARE SAYING

"I like all the new counsellors. I met new people. It was an awesome experience. Camp means a lot to me. I love it!" — Camper

WHAT COUNSELLORS ARE SAYING

"I’m incredibly glad that I chose to work at camp this summer. I’ve had many great summers before, but I think I can honestly say that this was a summer of a lifetime. I wouldn’t want to miss all the experience I gained and the people I met!" — Counsellor

WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING

"I have referred families to Camp Kennebec for years, and those families that look into Camp Kennebec have wonderful experiences. As campers begin to outgrow their stay at our inclusive day camp, I am always looking for camp programs that they can grow into. Camp Kennebec is among the top camps that I recommend for our campers and families when a child who requires more support and/or modifications than a traditional overnight camp can offer. The feedback that I receive from our families and campers, who take advantage of all Camp Kennebec has to offer, is extremely positive."

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

"This camp and all of the staff are so amazing. It is incredible the love, compassion and enthusiasm you all show for the campers (and their families). Having our son recognized by name as soon as we arrived at camp this summer, made him feel so welcomed." 

WHAT CAMPERS ARE SAYING

"I learned to knee and waterboard as well as tubing. They are somethings I have never done before and really enjoyed learning to do them." — Camper

WHAT COUNSELLORS ARE SAYING

"There is no place that I have felt more like myself, ever. I immediately felt at home and that feeling has not changed in four years, if anything it has only gotten stronger. This is a place that EVERYONE should be able to experience, to just laugh and play and be a kid." — Counsellor

WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING

"Camp Kennebec allows children with ADHD and other special needs to become confident and independent. Novel activities and social situations allow children and teens to conquer fears, develop friendships, learn how to communicate, resolve disagreements. The overall message a summer at Camp offers is that campers can be successful and autonomous individuals no matter what they encounter throughout their lives." — Expert

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

"It’s a great camp for kids with special needs. The application process gave me the confidence in knowing that they have a screening process to meet the needs of the campers and it’s not about filling spots!" — Parent

WHAT CAMPERS ARE SAYING

"I am so happy to be here. I love my new friends. Next year we will all be in the same cabin again!" — Camper

WHAT COUNSELLORS ARE SAYING

"At camp, I learned to become flexible and just have fun. I spent my summer outside helping children have an amazing summer! What more could you ask for?" — Counsellor

WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING

"I grew up, and I mean that in the complete sense, at Camp Kennebec when it was still a camp for all children. Kennebec was not just a camp but indeed a second family for me and thousands of others who were joined in a huge Kennebec extended family. The care, imagination and absolute commitment to each child as an individual could not be surpassed. Our summers were magical and every Kennebecer still feels connected to his/her peers, even 45 years later. When Kennebec evolved into a Camp for special needs students I, as a special needs teacher in my professional life, could only admire the complete dedication and Kennebec commitment that went into each child. Now, as a school board commissioner in the West Island area of Montreal I meet parents of special needs students who tell me of their children's experiences at Kennebec when they find out that I went there too. I am not surprised at all to hear how Kennebec changed their lives because it changed mine." — Expert

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

"He felt confident and happy each and every day. It was clear to us that all the staff really tried to connect with him and make him feel respected, important, and valued. He started talking about going back to camp, the minute we pulled out of the gates. I had high expectations and you definitely met my expectations for him. Thank you!" — Parent

WHAT CAMPERS ARE SAYING

"It's not just about the time we spend here in the summer, I have friends that I talk to during the year now. I start counting down to camp on the first day of school." — Camper