WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CAMP AK-O-MAK COUNSELLOR OR STAFF MEMBER?
Since 1928, Camp Ak-O-Mak has been an internationally renowned swimming and sports camp for girls aged 7-16. Located in the beautiful Parry Sound region of Ontario, Canada, Camp Ak-O-Mak is surrounded by miles of unspoiled forests and freshwater lakes and is the perfect setting for a traditional, Canadian, summer camp programme. Camp Ak-O-Mak offers young girls a unique, outdoor program of swimming, open water swimming, triathlon and sprint canoe/ kayak racing for children of all athletic abilities, novice to experienced. In addition to these “pillar” sports, Ak-O-Mak offers instruction in more than 25 other sports and activities which include (but is not limited to) mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, running, baseball, soccer, archery, tennis, beach volleyball, field hockey, fencing and water polo.
A critical component of the Camp Ak-O-Mak experience is the camp counsellor. Each season, we select stellar young women who demonstrate values consistent with those of Camp Ak-O-Mak: respect for oneself and others, the ability to demonstrate a positive attitude when facing a challenge, and the desire to help young girls develop self-confidence. The Ak-O-Mak counsellor is a fun-loving individual that is athletically-minded and enjoys living/playing in a rustic wilderness setting. She possesses a positive attitude and especially loves working with children. She may also possess some athletic ability herself and, after on-site training, is able to teach the fundamentals of her sport(s) to the campers. The Ak-O-Mak counsellor recognizes the importance of her role in maintaining the safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care and in delivering an outstanding camp experience. Counsellors receive a base salary with incremental bonuses according to their qualifications or the number of official certifications they possess. A salary bonus is also paid to counsellors committing to the full camp season which is 10 weeks in duration, commencing mid-June and finishing on the Labour Day weekend.
Examples of credentials would include (but not limited to):
- First Aid certification (mandatory)
- Life-guarding (NLS, Bronze Medallion, etc.)
- Boaters license (optional)
- Sailing or canoeing certification
- Coaching certification in any sport (optional)
- Aerobics / fitness instructor
- Other qualifications assessed on an individual basis i.e.: drama, photography, etc.
The Ak-O-Mak counsellors are important role models/mentors for their campers and should therefore be 18 years of age or older. They live with their campers in rustic cabins with 2-3 counsellors per 8-12 campers depending on the age group. Ak-O-Mak camp counsellors agree to a code of conduct while in the employ of the company which includes no smoking, drinking or the use of non-prescription drugs. Counsellors are frequently privy to campers’ personal information and therefore sign a confidentiality agreement upon hiring.