Kinder Camp Director of Centre In The Square Performing Arts Summer Camps

We are looking for a Kinder Camp Director who is a caring, organized and an enthusiastic leader to facilitate program delivery of the Kinder Camp Summer Program. Kinder Camp is an introduction to performing arts skills for 4-5 year olds. Campers develop skills through movement exercises, creative play and games and work towards bringing a story to life in a short play with song & dance to share in front of family and friends at the end of each weekly session.

Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Kinder Camp Director will oversee program planning and program delivery for the eight-to-ten-week Summer Camp programs. Through strategic leadership and programming, the Kinder Camp Director will enable children to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for day-to-day operations of Kinder Camp, ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality. The Kinder Camp Director will manage a group of 25-30 campers and directly supervise and coach approximately 5-7 staff including Program Supervisors, Counsellors and Volunteers.

The Kinder Camp Director may also be required to participate in the recruitment interviews for Kinder Camp Program Staff.

About the Summer Camps

Reiterating CITS’ goal to provide access to live arts to youth of all ages to an inclusive and diverse learning experience, the Summer Camps will foster creativity, a fun and meaningful learning experience for ages 4-12. The Kinder Camp for ages 4-5 will establish skills in performing arts by bringing a storybook to life while taking part in activities such as movement games, dancing, singing, and other fun. In the Junior Stars Camp for ages 6-8, campers will be introduced to performing arts basics, including acting, singing, and dancing. The CentreStage Camp for ages 9-12 will lead the way for performance and creative processing skills. Participants will learn lines, cues, blocking, choreography, singing, and more.

Kinder Camps culminate with a showcase of the campers’ skills through the storybook. Junior Stars and Centre Stage Camps culminate into a live fully staged show for friends and family to enjoy.

Detailed Job Description

• In conjunction with the overall program objectives outlined by the Camp Director, the Kinder Camp Director will design and implement a detailed program outline for the Kinder Camp Program that will include weekly themes, costume, prop and set lists, daily program schedules, age-appropriate musical choices, activity outlines and learning outcomes for campers through each week of camp (with no two weeks being the same)
• Participate in orientation and training sessions, supporting the Director Team and Camp Director where necessary. The Kinder Camp Director will be required to develop team training for the Kinder Camp Supervisor and Counsellors that will build a strong team dynamic and engage each member
• Provides a detailed program outline including a costume, prop and set list, daily program schedules, activity outlines and learning outcomes for campers
• Implements the program and schedules for Kinder Camp with the support of supervisors, counsellors and volunteers, including the creation of a 20 minute performance piece with all program participants to be performed for family and friends on the last day of camp
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the program. Evaluates situations for potentials risks to the safety, protections and well-being of campers and staff, pro-actively taking mitigating actions to address such risks
• Ensures supervision of campers at all times to provide a safe and enjoyable experience by being mindful of camp attendance, ratios, and by adhering to Centre In The Square’s camp policies and procedures. Work with team of Camp Supervisors and Counsellors as well as Director Team to effectively and in a timely manner communicate in regards to all aspects related to facilities, staffing, participants, equipment, supplies or anything that would impact the quality and safe delivery of day to day operations
• Coaches and provides daily direction/feedback to a group of 5-7 Camp Supervisors & Counsellors, ensuring the program goals are met
• Fosters a positive learning environment where people feel included as members of a team and are motivated to work towards common goals
• Assists in the writing and delivery of mid and final staff evaluations for the Kinder Camp Supervisor and Counsellors
• Ensures programming is inclusive and that program adaptations are considerate of camper needs, health and safety and Centre In The Square camp policies and procedures
• Serves as a liaison with parents, reinforcing Centre In The Square’s customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic)
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Camp Director
• Responsible for attendance records as well as participating in sign in and sign out procedures
• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise
• Reports all incidents promptly and accurately to the Camp Director using incident report forms and processes. Maintains camp documentation, including camper information forms, permission and waiver forms, attendance records, incident reports, etc...
• Responsible for effective and efficient communication to all stakeholders including parents, campers, staff and special guests
• Identify and request camp supplies in accordance to Centre In The Square policies and budget
• Provide feedback and future recommendations to the theatre upon conclusion of the camp

Work Dates

Summer Camp: July 7 – September 5, 2025 (Prep & Training starts in May)

Summer On-site Staff Training: week of June 23, 2025

About Centre In The Square

Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to leading Kitchener-Waterloo Region premier live destination. With over 140 annual events, Centre In The Square showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural and entertainment landscape with live performances of all genres. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the performing arts centre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, Centre In The Square offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.