Why Our Camp Counsellors Make TRCA Summer Camps So Special
At TRCA, we run day and overnight camps at eight beautiful education centres across the region, and the people who make these camps unforgettable are our incredible Camp Counsellors.
Our counsellors aren’t just staff, they’re mentors, role models, and the heart of every camp experience. They connect with kids, teach important skills about nature and history, and make sure every day is full of fun and discovery.
In 2024, more than 3,000 campers joined us at TRCA camps, supported by 54 dedicated Camp Counsellors and over 100 volunteers.
TRCA camps would not be possible without the energy, creativity, and compassion of our Camp Counsellors.
From canoeing to baking, from biking to hiking, from dip-netting to dip-dyeing, from band-aids to high fives, these enthusiastic staff members are the heart and soul of camp life.
Many Camp Counsellors return to TRCA each summer to connect with children, learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and make an impact in their community.
Some Counsellors started out as program participants in camp, the Riversong program, or the Conservation Youth Corps, and are now sharing their passion with a younger generation.
Highlights from the camp teams in 2024:
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- At Claremont Nature Centre, counsellors played an 11-week-long game of Gotcha!, keeping campers and staff active and laughing all summer.
- Bruce’s Mill launched brand-new summer camps designed by enthusiastic counsellors, welcoming kids in the Stouffville area to connect with nature.
- At Lake St. George, counsellors helped first-time campers gain confidence while learning wilderness skills and enjoying lake activities.
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- At Albion Hills, counsellors brought campers to Lakeview Splash and introduced them to disc golf, creating fun, friendly competition.
- Tommy Thompson Park counsellors introduced kids to local birds and fishing workshops right on Lake Ontario’s shores.
- Kortright‘s team taught campers about local wildlife like toads and salamanders, and partnered with the McMichael Canadian Art Gallery to blend nature with art.
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- At The Village at Black Creek, campers baked 19th-century recipes on a wood-burning stove, learning history through hands-on fun!
- New to Claireville Summer Camps in 2024: a camper badge system inspired by counsellors, encouraging kids to earn badges in Wilderness Survival, Art in Nature, and more.
Training and teamwork make it all possible.
Before summer starts, our counsellors complete two weeks of hands-on training covering everything from outdoor skills to inclusion and bullying prevention. They also join an all-camp training day to connect with staff across sites and learn from experts.
Throughout the summer, counsellors plan and lead themed activities, from Forest Magic and Wilderness Survival to History Explorers, creating memorable experiences for campers of all ages.
What do parents say?
Parents rate our camp staff 4.63 out of 5 and praise counsellors as “amazing,” “wonderful,” and “incredible.” Most importantly, 89% say their child’s knowledge about nature grew during camp, and 97% would recommend TRCA camps to friends.
Thank You to Our Camp Counsellors
We’re so grateful to the counsellors who bring kindness, energy, creativity, and care to every camp day. They listen when kids need support, cheer on their successes, and inspire confidence and friendship.
TRCA camps are special because of these dedicated people, places where kids feel safe, valued, and excited to come back year after year.
Thinking about camp for your child?
Explore our summer camp programs https://trca.ca/summer-camps/ and meet the counsellors who will make your child’s summer unforgettable!
