Restriction-free summer camps return with staffing shortages
Summer camp time is around the corner, and with kids anxious to enjoy a restriction-free season, staffing is proving to be challenging.
According to the Ontario Camps Association, staffing shortages are being felt across the province.
"With two years off, it was a bit of a challenge because we had a lot of our counsellors in training, a lot of our leaders in training who maybe had to leave to different fields or who wanted to explore different opportunities," said Rachel Kent with the camp association.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Pandemic restrictions limited capacity at camps from 450 campers per week to 80, leaving many left out.
This year, thousands of youngsters from five to 16 will participate in outdoor, overnight activities, making up for the lost time.
"One thing we did realize is now more than ever kids need camp kids needs to be outdoors, they need to be off screens and phones and technology," said Dylan Knibbe, boys camp director at Pioneer Camp in Muskoka.
Registration is open for several camps across Simcoe Muskoka, including Pioneer Camp.
Employment opportunities for camp staff are available on the online job board found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Saskatoon mother accused of faking death says she 'was left with no choice'
A Saskatoon mother who stands accused of faking her own death, as well as her son's, and illegally entering the U.S. is defending her actions.

Well-known Brampton, Ont. real estate agent, media personality savagely attacked outside home
A well-known real estate agent and media personality in Brampton, Ont. was viciously attacked in broad daylight in his own driveway by three men, two of whom appeared to be wielding an axe and a machete.
Canadian army veteran charged with murder after mass shooting in Belize nightclub
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran has been charged with murder in connection to a mass shooting in Belize that left two people dead and eight others injured.
Dutch farmer protests and what's happening in Canada, explained
The ongoing protests in the Netherlands, by farmers opposed to their government’s plan to slash nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, have drawn attention to Canadian farmers’ concerns over an emissions reduction target set by the Canadian government. But the policies set out by the Dutch government and the Canadian government are fundamentally different, experts say.
Doctors call for action as growing number of Canadians dying from common food preservative
Doctors are among those calling for tighter regulation of sodium nitrite as a growing number of Canadians are dying after intentionally ingesting unsafe quantities of the common food preservative in its pure form.
Donald Trump 'took the Fifth.' What does it actually mean?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump showed up Wednesday for questioning under oath in New York's civil investigation into his business practices. But he quickly made clear he wouldn't be answering.
B.C. actress hit in the chest by bullet in L.A. shooting last month
A B.C. performer is recovering after taking a bullet to the chest in Los Angeles last month.
Two children at centre of Sask. Amber Alert found safe in South Dakota, suspect arrested
The Meade County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota said it has arrested the man wanted in connection with an Amber Alert in Saskatchewan.
Social media model arrested in Hawaii on murder charge
Law enforcement in Hawaii on Wednesday arrested social media model Courtney Clenney on a charge of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon.