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Summer Camp Instructor Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Climbing Team Lead

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$24.81 - CA$31.38/hr

... the spring/summer academic term. To ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for students and ... Camp orientations and belay tests - top rope and lead Sign out rental equipment and ensure it is ...

Summer Camp Instructor information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$7

$15

$26

How much do summer camp instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer camp instructor in Calgary, AB is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer camp instructor?

Summer Camp Instructors are individuals responsible for leading and supervising activities at summer camps for children and teenagers. They plan and facilitate recreational, educational, and social programs that promote personal growth, teamwork, and fun. Instructors ensure the safety and well-being of campers, act as role models, and often specialize in areas like sports, arts, nature, or adventure. They also help resolve conflicts, maintain camp rules, and create a supportive, engaging camp environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer camp instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Camp Instructor, you need strong leadership, group management, and activity planning skills, often supported by experience working with children and relevant certifications like CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with camp management software, safety protocols, and outdoor equipment is typically required. Outstanding communication, patience, and adaptability help instructors connect with campers and handle dynamic situations effectively. These skills ensure a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by summer camp instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Summer Camp Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children, adapting activities to different age groups and abilities, and handling unexpected situations like weather changes or minor conflicts. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are key to navigating these challenges. Building rapport with campers, collaborating closely with fellow instructors, and maintaining a positive, energetic attitude help create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.

What is the difference between Summer Camp Instructor vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Camp InstructorSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid certification, background checkCPR/First Aid certification, background check
Work EnvironmentLeading activities, teaching skills, supervising groupsSupervising campers, enforcing rules, assisting instructors
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, recreational programsSummer camps, youth programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, responsibilitiesSimilar roles, responsibilities, qualifications

While both Summer Camp Instructors and Summer Camp Counselors work in summer camp environments and often share certifications like CPR and background checks, instructors primarily lead activities and teach specific skills. Counselors focus on supervising campers, enforcing rules, and supporting instructors. Both roles are essential for a successful camp experience, but their responsibilities differ in focus and scope.

Infographic showing various Summer Camp Instructor job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 35% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,651 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Camp Leader

Calgary, AB • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Organization Overview:

At Vivo, we are a charitable enterprise on a mission to raise healthier generations in Calgary and beyond. We want Canadians of all ages to achieve their optimal health at home, school, work and play. We're creating local, evidence-based solutions to support individuals and whole communities be more active and connected by charting a course to make 10% shifts - shifts in people's lifestyles, shifts in the care and design of communities and shifts in decision making at organizational and government levels. 

With the support of new experiences and innovative built environments created with and for the community, their success stories will be proof of our mission in action. They'll serve as powerful motivation for others, in Calgary and across the nation, to make their own changes for life. 

Role:

Your role will begin with an extensive 35-hour training week to understand and uphold the values, expectations and customer service standards of Vivo. As a camp leader, you are responsible for performing the day-to day instruction and delivery of summer camps for children age 3-12 years old. Your days will include facilitating activities in multiple environments including the gymnasium, pool, rock climbing wall, Play Hub, and the surrounding neighborhood, and indoor park. You will create and connect with our customers, community and fellow employees in ways that are impactful in driving and advancing our cause. You'll engage with passion and be accountable to Vivo customers and the Vivo Summer Camps team to deliver strong results and impact of our camp vision: Play + Explore + Connect.

Vivo has 8 different camps to offer this summer:

Vivo Variety: A dynamic day camp blending movement games and creative arts in Vivo's fun, engaging spaces.

Chilly Champions (ice skate): A beginner-friendly skating camp focused on building skills, confidence, and friendships through guided practice.

Water Wonders: An interactive water-themed camp filled with games and aquatic fun, no swim level required.

Calm Explorers: A sensory-friendly camp tailored for children needing a calm pace, promoting confidence and social-emotional growth.

Climbers Quest (climbing wall): An exciting indoor climbing camp where kids learn techniques, build strength, and overcome challenges.

Athlete Academy: A multi-sport camp that boosts athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence in a fun and supportive setting.

StongHER: A girl-centered camp empowering participants through sports, strength-building, and self-discovery.

StrongHIM: A boy-centered camp focused on teamwork, leadership, and resilience through sports and mentorship.

Please indicate your preference of camp based on your skills, abilities, and passions.

Reports to: Camp Lead & Active for Life Coordinator

Hours: 35-40 hours per week, starting end of June 2026 to August 2026. Varies from 7:15am-5:45pm with a paid 30 minute break

Responsibilities:

Actively participate in a 35 hour Vivo Instructor training week at the end of June

Take ownership of instruction, facilitation, lesson set-up, lesson plan implementation, attendance taking, and use of equipment and teaching aids during the camps

Sign in and sign out of camp participants using Vivo's protocol

Deliver active effective supervision, risk assessment, best practices and duty of care to camp participants

Safely deliver and modify activities provided to you in multiple environments.

Facilitate an active, social, inclusive and engaging learning environment for children under your supervision. Both spontaneous and intentionally planned to ensure constant engagement of children. 

Mentor one or more volunteers/co-workers every week using best practices outlined in Vivo's instructor training

Handle any daily disciplinary concerns with a professional manner, and consulting with your direct supervisor for next steps

Reach out to families one week in advance welcoming them to camps and addressing any questions or concerns they may have

Create meaningful touchpoints for parents/guardians every day by welcoming them to camp and discussing their child's day at camp

Genuinely understand and reflect Vivo's values and mission into each camp experience

Daily rotation between different duties including pre-shift preparation, post-shift cleaning, pre summer camp care, and post summer camp care, and weekly team debriefs

Maintaining health and safety standards, first aid incidents, and equipment inventory

Champion of Vivo's best practices and role model to volunteers/co-workers and fellow instructors

Evaluating experiences by providing regular verbal and written feedback/documentation in the form of observation sheets, interviews, etc. to direct supervisors  

Seek direction, ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with direct supervisor and fellow team members. 

Share individual passion in sports and activities to show ability in advocating for healthier generations 

Demonstrate upbeat, approachable and engaging personality in order to create a welcoming space and a sense of community for camp participants

Maintain and exceed Alberta Camping Association standards and best practice

Camp employees must formally authorize another qualified staff member to act on their behalf during their absences from camp. If the Camp Lead is unavailable the Active for Life Coordinator will be onsite and in their absence, the School and Camp Manager will be available. Safety warden will also be onsite for emergency support.

Qualifications:

Current Intermediate (Standard) First Aid and CPR-C/AED certifications

Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search within the past 3 years (current staff); 2 months (new staff)

Legal adult age to comply with the Alberta Camping Accreditation

Knowledge in delivery and modification of play, sport/science/art/outdoor based programs will be considered an asset 

Background in the field of physical literacy/child development studies/physical education/kinesiology/art/general science/outdoor leadership/environmental tourism considered an asset  

Strong written and verbal communication

Minimum 2 years' experience, instructing or volunteering with children's programs 


Employment Type: CONTRACTOR