Volunteer jobs in Stratford, ON

About InnovOak School

InnovOak School is a rapidly growing, innovative private school focused on providing strong academic rigor alongside innovative teaching practices. We pride ourselves on creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where students develop the tools, skills, and mindset to succeed academically and thrive in life. Our commitment to building happy, motivated students ensures that they are prepared for a bright future.

We are a Ministry Inspected Independent School for Grades JK-12, granting both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and our own Honors School Graduation Diploma (ISHGD). We offer a unique, blended curriculum that incorporates the Ontario Curriculum, Cambridge, Singapore Math, and LifeREADY principles, ensuring that our students develop the academic, emotional, and social skills needed for future success.

At InnovOak, we are dedicated to creating an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. As part of our team, you will contribute to shaping the future of education in a dynamic, supportive, and collaborative school culture.

About The Role

InnovOak Summer Camp is looking for enthusiastic, responsible, and reliable Volunteer Camp Counsellors to support our summer programs. This is a great opportunity for high school students, post-secondary students, recent graduates, or anyone interested in teaching, childcare, recreation, coaching, leadership, or other child-focused careers. Volunteers will work alongside experienced camp staff and teachers while gaining hands-on experience with children, building skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, supervision, and problem-solving. As volunteers demonstrate responsibility and initiative, they may have opportunities to help lead activities, support campers, and take on greater responsibilities.

• Volunteer Camp Counsellors support daily camp operations and help create a positive, safe, engaging, and memorable experience for campers.
• This is an active role that requires professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a willingness to participate fully in camp activities. Volunteers are expected to be positive role models for campers and contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Depending on experience, confidence, and demonstrated readiness, volunteers may have opportunities to take on increasing levels of responsibility throughout the summer.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist camp staff and teachers with daily camp activities, games, sports, crafts, challenges, and special events.
• Help supervise campers during indoor activities, outdoor activities, transitions, and free-choice periods.
• Support camp directors with daily operational needs and program delivery.
• Assist with activity setup, cleanup, organization, and preparation of materials.
• Help maintain a positive, welcoming, and supportive camp environment.
• Build positive relationships with campers and encourage participation in activities.
• Support campers who may require encouragement, assistance, or guidance during activities.
• Help monitor attendance, track camper whereabouts during transitions and activities, and assist with daily group organization and routines.
• Assist with camper arrival and dismissal procedures.
• Cover lunch supervision and support staff during breaks when required.
• Help ensure camp spaces remain organized, safe, and ready for activities throughout the day.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating responsibility, cooperation, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Assist in resolving minor camper disagreements and seek support from camp leadership when needed.
• Help welcome new campers and ensure all participants feel included in camp activities.
• Support special events, theme days, field trips, and guest activities when scheduled.
• Observe and communicate important information about campers to camp leadership and teachers.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, and positive leadership throughout the camp day.
• Work collaboratively as a dependable member of the camp team.
• When appropriate and under the direction of camp leadership, take responsibility for supervising a group of up to 12 campers.
• Contribute ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to help create a positive camp experience for all participants.
• Be willing to assist wherever needed to support a successful camp experience.

What You Will Gain

• Valuable volunteer hours.
• Practical experience working with children.
• Experience working alongside practicing teachers and experienced camp staff.
• Leadership and teamwork experience.
• Exposure to camp operations and program delivery.
• Opportunities to build confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and workplace habits.
• Strong experiences to include on resumes, scholarship applications, college applications, university applications, and future job applications.
• Opportunities to take on increasing levels of responsibility based on performance and readiness.

Future Opportunities

We view this opportunity as more than a summer volunteer position. For the right individual, it can be the beginning of a longer-term relationship with InnovOak.

Because of the size and structure of our summer camp, this position is volunteer-based. However, successful volunteers who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, initiative, strong judgment, and a positive attitude may be considered for future opportunities as their experience, relationship with the school, and overall fit continue to develop.

We view our volunteers as members of the team and believe in investing time and mentorship into individuals who demonstrate a genuine interest in working with children and contributing positively to the school community.

Depending on school needs and individual performance, future opportunities may include positions such as:

• Summer Camp Leadership Roles.
• After School Care Staff.
• Early Childhood Assistant positions.
• Student Teacher and Practicum Placements.
• Junior Instructor and Program Support Roles.
• Classroom Support Roles.
• Other part-time, seasonal, and school-year opportunities as they become available.

While participation in the volunteer program does not guarantee future employment, it provides an excellent opportunity for both the volunteer and the school to determine whether there is a strong long-term fit. Many successful careers working with children begin with meaningful volunteer experiences, strong mentorship, and a willingness to contribute wherever help is needed.

The Ideal Candidate

• Enjoys working with children.
• Is dependable, punctual, and professional.
• Demonstrates maturity and good judgment.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Is willing to learn and accept feedback.
• Takes initiative and looks for ways to contribute.
• Demonstrates positive leadership and role modelling.
• Communicates respectfully with campers, staff, and families.
• Wants to gain meaningful experience rather than simply accumulate volunteer hours.

Position Details

• Volunteer position.
• Opportunities available for part of the summer or the full summer.
• Suitable for secondary students, post-secondary students, and recent graduates.
• Ongoing support, mentorship, and coaching provided.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain practical experience working with children.
• This position offers an opportunity to contribute to a positive summer experience for children while developing skills, experiences, professional references, and relationships that may support future educational and career opportunities.