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Summer 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 ... Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 and/or Top Rope ...

Summer Instructor information

What are Summer Instructors?

Summer Instructors are educators who lead classes, workshops, or activities during the summer months, typically in camps, schools, or community programs. Their role involves teaching specific subjects or skills, supervising participants, and creating a positive and engaging learning environment. Summer Instructors often work with children or teenagers, helping them develop new abilities and enjoy enriching experiences while school is out of session.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Instructor, you need subject matter expertise, experience working with children or teens, and often a relevant degree or teaching certification. Familiarity with classroom management systems, curriculum planning tools, and first aid certifications is typically valued. Strong communication, creativity, and adaptability help instructors engage students and handle diverse learning needs. These skills ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment that promotes student growth during summer programs.

What are some common challenges Summer Instructors face when managing groups of students?

Summer Instructors often manage diverse groups of students with varying interests, energy levels, and learning styles. Balancing engaging activities while ensuring safety and maintaining discipline can be challenging, especially in outdoor or hands-on environments. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are essential to address these challenges, encourage participation, and create a positive learning atmosphere. Collaborating closely with co-instructors and support staff can also help manage group dynamics and ensure program goals are met.

What is the difference between Summer Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsTeaching certification or relevant subject expertiseHigh school diploma or equivalent; some camps may require specific skills
Work EnvironmentClassroom or educational setting, often with structured curriculumOutdoor or recreational setting, focusing on activities and supervision
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational programs, summer academiesSummer camps, recreational organizations, youth programs
Common Search & ComparisonSummer Instructor vs Camp Counselor

While both roles involve working with children during summer, Summer Instructors typically focus on teaching specific subjects in educational settings, requiring relevant credentials. Camp Counselors usually supervise recreational activities in outdoor environments, emphasizing supervision and engagement. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right summer role based on skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor jobs in Calgary, AB? The most popular types of Instructor jobs in Calgary, AB are:
Infographic showing various Summer Instructor job openings in Calgary, AB as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

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