Our Summer Staff
Our Full time program team

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Chris Tompkins is the Managing Director of the Summer Camp. Before coming to Muskoka Woods, he served with young people in local community, school, church and camp settings. Chris is currently finishing a Master’s degree in Youth Development from Clemson University. His current graduate work enhances his ability to equip the staff to work in age-appropriate ways with all our summer guests. Current research and writing is positioning Chris as an acknowledged expert on youth. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys an afternoon with a big cup of coffee and a good book. Chris resides in Stouffville, Ontario with his wife and young daughter.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Victoria Cade started her time at Muskoka Woods as a summer guest. After she completed the CEO Leadership Program, she worked on seasonal staff for six summers. Victoria has an Honours Degree in Biological Science and also earned her Teacher’s College degree at the University of Toronto. Victoria’s extensive experience and personal warmth equip her to effectively serve both staff and guests. She lives in Mississauga with her husband Paul.

ARTS & ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Mark Groves has worked in his current position with Muskoka Woods since 2008. Previously, Mark worked for 8 years as a CPGA Golf Professional at Rosedale Golf Club in Toronto. He first attended Muskoka Woods in 1982 as a guest and was a summer staff member from 1991-1994. Mark lives in Aurora with his wife and their 3 daughters. He enjoys playing tennis, watching football and spending time up north at the family cottage.



A PROFILE OF OUR SEASONAL STAFF
Each summer, some of the finest young adults from around the world are hired to bring our program to life. Even though the majority of our 300 staff call Ontario home, an international flavour is established each season with over 50 staff from around the world.

With an on-site staff to guest ratio of 1:2, Muskoka Woods boasts one of the best supervision ratios in North America.

Counsellors are the primary care givers throughout the week. The counsellors at Muskoka Woods are typically university aged students, with the youngest being approximately 17 years ond. They are are hired for their ability and experience with children. Our WILD section (7-9 yr olds) has 2 counsellors and up to 10 guests in a cabin, J1 (10–11 yr olds) has 2 counsellors with a max of 10 guests and our J2 & SH guests (12-17 yr olds) will be in a cabin with 1 staff and up to 11 guests.

Instructors ensure the daily Arts and Athletics activities are FUN, safe and developmentally focused. A passion to teach and expertise in their specific area of instruction are the criteria for instructor selection. Where applicable, instructor qualification levels are acquired before camp begins and are important hiring considerations.

Hospitality staff members serve our guests in significant areas of camp life. Typically our youngest staff, they deliver top-level customer service in the kitchen, office, tuck shop, grounds and housekeeping departments.


HIRING & TRAINING
At Muskoka Woods, we take the safety of our guests very seriously and know that safety begins with hiring the right staff. We believe our staff are the best in the industry so you can rest assured that your children are in great hands. Each year, after interviewing approximately 500 of the over 1150 applicants, 300 individuals are selected to become part of our summer staff team. A high number of applicants allow us to be extremely selective in our interviewing and hiring process.

Most applicants are interviewed in a face-to-face interview. They are asked about their family, education, work experience, experience with kids and several behavioural-based questions. Out of province or international applicants are screened in the same manner over the phone or via Skype.

Each applicant is required to submit 3 written references. One of these references is checked through a phone interview with a Muskoka Woods staff member. All applicants are also required to undergo a police check. Whether they are new to Muskoka Woods or returning for another summer, the vulnerable sectors screening police check occurs each year.

All hired staff members are required to attend our Staff Development Week. Customer service standards, occupational health and safety and specific on the job training are standard topics covered during our training week. Instructors are also trained in executing Ornge's J-Smarts risk assessment tool.

The Muskoka Woods Human Resource team has received Praesidium training (Praesidium is the national leader in Child Risk Management) and work diligently to ensure the staff we hire provide a safe and fun experience for your children.