Apply Here Camp Registration Opens March 31
We’re excited to welcome your child to camp this summer!
Applications will open on March 31st at 4:00 pm. Once you have completed the application form, you will receive a message stating that your application has been added to the waitlist. We have set up the system this way so applications arrive in sequence, allowing us to review them on a first come, first served basis. As we review these applications and notice that information is missing, we will follow up with families as needed and ensure their place in sequence.
☀️ We are offering three 8-day sessions throughout July and August:
Session 1: July 12th-19th
Session 2: July 23rd-30th
Session 3: August 4th-11th
Summer Camp Hiring Has Started! Apply to work at our beautiful overnight summer camp
With competitive wages, a beautiful outdoor setting and meaningful work experience, Christie Lake Kids is an amazing summer job opportunity.
Interested candidates are invited to apply via email at camp@christielakekids.com. Please include an updated resume, a brief cover letter and specify the position(s) you are applying for. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The hiring team can be reached via email for any questions about the process and/or positions. Positions will remain posted until filled.
Interviews for positions are expected to begin early February and go through the end of March.
Christie Lake Kids’ Camp 2026 Job Descriptions
Click on the job title you are interested in to view the full job description.
Kitchen positions
Camp positions
About the Camp Christie Lake Kids Camp gives kids the chance to learn to swim, paddle a canoe, and experience the magic of the natural world year after year, creating lasting memories and lifelong skills.
Every year, children and youth aged 9 – 17 attend summer camp at our picturesque 88-acre camp near Perth.
On the surface, our summer program resembles that of many other camps. The difference is that our programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children living in low income households. Exceptional staff ratios allow for dedicated behaviour management, all activities are geared towards the development of physical and socio-emotional skills, and our programs are cost-free for families who are eligible.
During their time at camp, children learn core skills in the areas of swimming, canoeing, camping, ecology, art and drama, rock-climbing and leadership. Each summer campers earn a new, higher level of badge in each of these skill areas. In working through the program, children find they have accomplished things they never thought were possible, and are more resilient to face challenges in life. They have learned they can succeed, and they take this improved self-image back to their activities in the city.
Our camp programs do more than just provide children and youth with life-long memories. Our programs help develop emotional intelligence, communication and teamwork, empowering campers to grow authentically into their best selves.
Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your questions about Christie Lake Camp
Our camp is completely free and only available to children/youth whose families are living below the Low Income Measure (LIM) as defined by Statistics Canada.
Please reference our Program Eligibility document for more information.
Children and youth from 9 to 17 years of age can attend our summer camp program.
If you are new to Christie Lake Kids, please ensure you have read and understood our Program Eligibility document before you consider applying.
Christie Lake Kids requires all applications to be completed by a parent or guardian.
Applications are processed through our online portal, which will go live in March 2026.
If you have any questions about the application process or require support navigating the online portal, you can email us at camp@christielakekids.com or call us at 613-742-6922.
Our camp management team will start by reviewing your application; once it has been reviewed, successful applications will receive an email with more information regarding registration and which session they have been placed in. In the event that our program is full, your camper may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist campers are contacted whenever a spot becomes available, up until the first day of each session.
Once your camper has been registered or placed on the waitlist, you will be prompted to fill out our Camper Information Form and Medical Form in your account which helps us learn more about your camper and their needs. It is important that guardians take the time to submit these forms as they support our summer staff in ensuring that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. You will also receive our Parent Handbook which has all the necessary information about our camp program including what to pack, dates, drop-off arrangements, etc.
As a rule, visitors are not permitted when children and youth are onsite to attend camp or any educational or recreational experience in our care, with three category exceptions:
- The visitor is essential to provide care directly to a camper or staff, e.g, health, safety or wellness reasons.
- The visitor is providing training applicable to campers and/or camp staff.
- The visitor has received prior written permission (with min. 48 hours advance notice) from the Executive Director, Camp Director, Facilities Manager or Director, Fundraising and Communications for a business reason not captured in category 1 or 2. For example: vendors, construction or donor visits.
In 2026, our summer camp program will consist of 3 eight-day sessions throughout July and August.
Session 1: July 12th-19th
Session 2: July 23rd-30th
Session 3: August 4th-11th
Summer camp provides children and youth with a unique environment to build social and emotional skills by giving them an opportunity to make meaningful connections, build independence and become more confident. As a member of the Christie Lake Kids Camp community, campers develop skills such as teamwork, empathy and communication, boosting self-esteem and resilience. Our dedicated summer staff team ensures that camp is a space where all feel safe and valued.
Additionally, our programs provides clear goals for campers to work towards. We spend each session supporting campers through our programs and at the end of each camp session campers have the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills through various end of session activities. The model supports effective measurement of skill development, allowing campers to explore different areas, build confidence, and take pride in their skills and talents. Campers can also dive deep into their passions, giving them a sense of ownership and achievement.
Parents and guardians submit an application form and in the form there is an opportunity to indicate their child’s preference. Due to the number of registrations received, completing an application does not guarantee a spot. Campers are notified by writing if their application is successful and only then is the week of their placement confirmed.
Raising the hiring age to 18+ allows us to meet safety requirements, such as police record checks, and strengthens the quality of mentorship and leadership provided to campers. Providing paid positions helps attract and retain committed individuals who view camp as a meaningful job rather than a short-term volunteer experience.
Camp will still be accessible to teens through our Leadership program, which is an opportunity for them to learn, grow and excel amongst their peers with targeted and age appropriate programming.
The new Christie Lake Kids Camp CIT program offers young people aged 15-17 is an opportunity for youth to develop their leadership skills in a supportive and educational camp environment. It provides a space for youth to learn, connect, and grow with intentional goals. Youth learn to make decisions, solve problems, and work with peers and mentors in a low-pressure environment, fostering personal and social growth. It also encourages personal development, skill-building, and creates a safe space for self-expression.
Youth who attend this camp are more likely to transition into future leadership roles at Christie Lake Camp and beyond, helping build their resume and future opportunities. We will also sign off on 30 volunteer hours.
We made this change based on feedback from families and camp staff alike. 8-day sessions makes camp a bit more accessible for campers who struggle with being away from home; a factor that has been present with campers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, first-time campers are more likely to feel comfortable with a shorter session, encouraging them to return for future seasons.
We will be keeping the magic of our camp with traditional games and activities that make camp special. Opening and closing campfires, Key master, Jail break, Guinness, Midway, and Wet and wild for example. These programs hold a special place in our heart and have so for more than 100 years, so we will make sure every camper gets to experience traditions of CLK Camp.
Over the past few years we have used formal feedback channels annually with parents, guardians, campers and camp staff alike with the goal of bringing their ideas to life the following summer. Incorporating the voice of those we serve is very important to us. Our goal is for everyone to be safe, learn new skills and make memories for a lifetime. Camp has continued to evolve over the past 100 years but keeping key traditions intact is what makes Christie Lake Camp so special!