Recreational Program Associate – Sunday House

(Lifeguard Certification Required)

Location: Port Carling, Muskoka

Schedule: Sunday House Runs Every Sunday, July 6 – August 24, 2025. You’ll also participate in a paid training day June 29th. 

Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (August 3: extended to 11:00 PM)

Pay: $28/hour (includes paid training on June 29)

Application Deadline: Rolling

About Sunday House

Every Sunday this summer, our family’s lakeside home in Port Carling becomes something more. It becomes Sunday House.

Each Sunday morning, begins with a ritual. We hang an orange towel over the railing at 8:00 AM. It’s our quiet signal to friends, neighbors, and guests that the house is open, the espresso machine is on, and the day has begun. That towel is a symbol of warmth, welcome, and a certain kind of Muskoka magic, the kind you don’t find just anywhere.

Sunday House is our way of creating an intentional summer community. We host a morning of swimming, paddling, and play, followed by an afternoon of shared food and connection. The experience is designed with care and fueled by unreasonable hospitality: knowing names, remembering the little things, and making guests feel truly at home

About the Role

We’re hiring a small team of Recreational Program Associates to anchor our Sunday programming. You’ll rotate through roles; including lifeguarding, teaching swimming, leading paddling sessions, coordinating outdoor games, and supporting overall guest experience.

This isn’t your average waterfront job. You’ll be helping kids learn to swim, guiding canoes with nervous beginners, remembering families by name, and offering sunscreen before being asked. You’ll play a key part in making Sunday House feel safe, warm, and unforgettable.

Responsibilities:

  • Rotate duties with fellow associates each Sunday (lifeguarding, swim instruction, paddling, games, guest support)

  • Lead individual and small-group swim lessons for children aged 1–16

  • Supervise waterfront activity zones, ensuring open-water safety

  • Instruct guests in basic canoeing and kayaking, with a focus on beginner comfort and safety

  • Facilitate dryland games and creative activities for kids and families

  • Support hospitality efforts: welcoming guests, assisting with lunch, helping with setup or transitions

  • Participate in paid training/setup day on Sunday, June 29

  • Work extended hours on Sunday, August 3 for a signature midsummer event (7:00 AM – 11:00 PM)

Required Qualifications

  • National Lifeguard Certification (Canada)

  • Experience canoeing and kayaking

  • Demonstrated experience working with children in aquatic or recreational settings

  • Confidence in open-water environments (lake setting)

  • Friendly, proactive presence and strong communication skills

  • Have local accommodation and reliable transportation to and from Sunday House (Port Carling) each week

Preferred / Asset Qualifications

  • Swim Instructor Certification

  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card (motor boat license)

  • Smart Serve certification

  • Experience teaching yoga or other structured movement/creative activities to children or adults

  • Prior experience in camp, community, or hospitality environments

Logistics

Location: #14-1211 Foreman Road, Port Carling, Ontario

Weekly Shift Start: 7:00 AM sharp for team setup

Team Breakfast: 7:30 AM lakeside each Sunday (before guests arrive)

Breaks: One 30-minute unpaid break per regular Sunday; two 30-minute breaks on August 3

Training Day: Sunday, June 29 (paid)

Extended Day: Sunday, August 3 (7:00 AM – 11:00 PM)

What Makes This Role Special

At Sunday House, we believe small touches make a big difference. Whether it’s hanging the orange towel to start the day, remembering which kids are nervous in the water, or offering a warm welcome to a new family—you’ll help create a space where everyone feels seen and cared for.

You won’t be alone. You’ll be part of a thoughtful, joyful team that shares responsibilities and values presence, initiative, and hospitality in everything we do.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to spend their summer by the lake doing meaningful work with real people in a one-of-a-kind setting.

How to Apply

Before applying, please take time to explore what makes Sunday House special:

  • Start by reading the information at SundayHouse.ca

  • For bonus points, check out the book Unreasonable Hospitality and its core principles, it’s at the heart of everything we do.

Once you’ve decided this role is for you, send an email to sundays@orangetowel.com. Think of this email as your first act of hospitality, a chance to show us you understand what it means to pay attention to the details.

In your message, please include:

  • Which role you’re applying for

  • Who you are

  • What certifications and experience you bring

  • Why this role speaks to you

  • One idea for something you could do to make Sunday House extra special for a guest

We can’t wait to hear from you.