Camp Counsellor Cover Letter Template (Canada)

Updated on August 4, 2026

A camp counsellor cover letter needs to show a camp director you understand what the job actually involves — full-summer availability, comfort living on-site with kids, and the certifications Canadian camps typically expect. Camp hiring runs on its own calendar too, with most seasonal counsellor positions filled well before the summer season begins.

The letter below is the editor. Tap any highlighted blank and type straight into it — your letterhead, the camp's details, your experience — and the letter reflows around what you write. Download it as a clean Word or PDF file with no sign-up and no watermark.

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Tap any highlighted blank in the document below and type straight into it.Free — no sign-up, no watermark

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position at . I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience working with young people to your camp for the upcoming season.

Experience with Youth

Certifications

I hold the following certifications: .

Availability

I am available for the full season, , and am able to live on-site for the summer: . I am also happy to provide a vulnerable sector check if required for the role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your camp this summer.

Sincerely,

What Canadian camps typically screen for

Most Canadian camps require a recent vulnerable sector check (criminal record check specific to work with children) before hiring — mentioning you're ready to provide one shows you already understand how camp hiring works. Standard First Aid and CPR certification (or an equivalent, and a National Lifeguard certification for waterfront roles) is also commonly expected, and camps generally want these completed through recognized, hands-on instruction rather than an online-only course.

Say you can commit to the whole season

Camps hire for a defined season, not an open-ended role, and a counsellor leaving partway through summer creates a real staffing problem. State your exact availability dates clearly, and if you're able to live on-site for the season, say so — many residential camps treat this as a baseline requirement, not a bonus.

The sections, explained

Opening: States the position and camp you're applying to, and where you found the opening.
Relevant experience with youth: Prior experience working with children or teens — camp, school, coaching, babysitting, or similar.
Certifications: Standard First Aid/CPR, National Lifeguard, or other relevant certifications.
Availability and background check: Your exact season availability and willingness to provide a vulnerable sector check, which most camps require.
Closing: A brief, genuine closing — no signature block or e-signature framing, since this is a letter, not a contract.

How to use this template

Type your letterhead and the camp's details. Fill the highlighted blanks at the top of the letter: your name, address and contact details, then the date, the camp's name and address, and the hiring manager if you know who it is.
Add your experience with youth. Type into the blank under Experience with Youth — relevant prior experience working with children or teens.
List your certifications. Fill the certifications blank with Standard First Aid/CPR, National Lifeguard or other relevant certifications.
State your availability clearly. Type your exact start and end dates for the season into the availability paragraph, and say whether you can live on-site.
Download and send. Download the finished letter as a Word or PDF file and attach it to your application.

Frequently asked questions

Should I mention a background check in my cover letter?

It's a good idea — most Canadian camps require a vulnerable sector check before hiring, so stating you're ready to provide one shows you understand the process.

What certifications should I mention?

Standard First Aid and CPR are commonly expected for all counsellor roles, and a National Lifeguard certification if you're applying for a waterfront position.

Do I need to sign this like a contract?

No — this is a cover letter, not a legal document. A simple, genuine closing ("Sincerely, [Your name]") is appropriate; there's no need for a formal signature block or e-signature.

Should I mention if I can live on-site for the summer?

Yes, if it's true — many residential camps treat on-site availability for the full season as a baseline requirement, and stating it upfront strengthens your application.

When should I apply?

Apply well ahead of summer — most Canadian camps fill seasonal counsellor positions months before the season starts, so don't wait until late spring.

Disclaimer

This template and guide are provided for general information only. Camp hiring requirements vary by camp and province, and change over time. Confirm the specific requirements with the camp you're applying to.