Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2026 – Key Guidance for Camps

Written By Matt Wilfrid

Guidance for Canadian Camps for Applying for the Canada Summer Jobs Program

Program Context

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) continues to be one of the most important youth employment investments available to Canadian camps. The 2026 Federal Budget includes a meaningful expansion of the CSJ funding envelope, increasing the total number of positions available across the country.

This increase follows sustained advocacy by the Canadian Camps Association (CCA) and provincial associations, who have highlighted the significant leadership development, community benefit, and workforce training opportunities that camps provide.

Full program details and application access:

🔗 Canada Summer Jobs Program & Employer Portal https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/youth-summer-job.html

📅 Application Deadline: December 11, 2025 at 11:59pm 

The Role of MPs – and Why Building a Relationship Matters

MPs play a significant role in the CSJ process.

After applications are reviewed and scored by departmental staff, each MP receives a briefing and provides the final recommendations for which organizations in their riding should receive funding. (Scoring rubric included below)

This means:

  • Understanding your MP’s priorities is essential

  • Camps should introduce themselves and share the impact of their programs

  • MPs value clear, community-based information that helps them make informed recommendations

Suggestions:

  • Request a brief meeting with your MP (virtual or in-person)

  • Share the role your camp plays in the region

  • Show how your proposed CSJ jobs support their stated local priorities

  • Invite them to visit camp during the summer

  • Keep them updated periodically throughout the year

Camps that maintain positive relationships with their MPs often find stronger strategic alignment in the CSJ process.

To find your MP:

Canada Summer Jobs 2026 – Scoring Rubric Summary

* Some of these areas will be check boxes and some will need to be included in text fields. 

Objective 1: Provide Quality Work Experiences (30 points)

  • Above minimum wage – 10 points

    • If you have a role that you can allocate to this application that is paid even incrementally above provincial minimum wage it allows for more points to be allocated to this section.

  • Retention after CSJ period – 5 points

  • Supervision plan – 15 points

    • On-site vs remote

    • Frequency (daily/weekly)

    • Supervisor experience (>2 years scores highest)

    • Type of feedback (formal + informal)

    • Job-specific training and evaluation

Objective 2: Support Skill Development (40 points)

  • Mentoring plan – 13 points

    • One-on-one or team mentoring

    • Frequency (weekly scores highest)

    • Mentor experience (>2 years scores highest)

    • Professional development support

  • Transferable skills development – 27 points

    • Communication, teamwork, leadership

    • Problem-solving, initiative, adaptability

    • Assessed through Tasks & Responsibilities

Objective 3: Support Youth Facing Barriers and Respond to Priorities (30 points)

  • Youth facing barriers – 10 points

    • Recruitment focus

    • Barrier-reduction measures (meals, accommodation, transportation, certifications, gear)

  • National priorities – 10 points

    • Environmental sector

    • Green jobs/climate-related roles

    • Technology/digital/AI exposure

    • Construction/housing-related experience

  • Local priorities – 10 points

    • Alignment with your MP’s constituency priorities

    • Additional points for multiple priorities

Important Notes on the 2026 Application Structure

The 2026 CSJ portal includes two areas for written content:

  1. Job Description Section

    • Tasks & Responsibilities

    • Local Priorities Supported

  2. Project Details Section

    • Begins with “Describe your organization’s activities”

Because the text fields are limited, clarity and precision are essential.
The goal is to ensure your responses provide reviewers with evidence that aligns with the program’s assessment criteria.

Tips for the Job Description Section

1. Tasks & Responsibilities

Use this field to give a clear, detailed snapshot of what the youth actually does each day.
Focus on tasks that demonstrate:

  • Safety and risk awareness

  • Engagement with campers

  • Leadership and responsibility

  • Preparation and delivery of programs

  • Facility or equipment use

  • Problem-solving and teamwork

Clarity and specificity help reviewers understand the value and substance of the role.

2. Local Priorities Supported

This is a required field and increasingly influential in funding decisions.

Tips:

  • Identify your local MP’s priorities and reflect them directly.

  • Use language that mirrors the MP’s stated focus areas.

  • Demonstrate how your camp’s jobs advance those local goals (youth skills, equity, rural development, mental health, etc.).

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Reminder: To find your MP & Local Priorities

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Tips for the Project Details Section

1. Describe Your Organization’s Activities

This is your opportunity to provide context—help reviewers understand:

  • Who you serve

  • The communities you impact

  • Your mission and values

  • The scale and scope of your programming

2. Community Need

Highlight why these roles matter in your region:

  • Youth employment and leadership development

  • Seasonal labour shortages

  • Rural or remote community needs

  • Mental health and social connection for young people

  • Accessibility and equitable recreation

3. Quality Job Experience

CSJ places strong emphasis on the value of the youth experience.
Useful points to highlight:

  • Training and onboarding

  • Certifications

  • Mentorship and supervision

  • Leadership growth

  • Skill development

  • Reflection and evaluation practices

4. Supports for Youth Facing Barriers

Describe tangible supports that help youth succeed:

  • Meals and/or accommodation

  • Transportation or rural access

  • Financial support for certifications

  • Gear or uniform provision

  • Inclusive employment practices

5. National Priority Alignment

If your project aligns with any of the National Priorities listed in the application, ensure you make that connection in this section.

In Conclusion….

The Canadian Camps Association wishes all camps success as they prepare their 2026 Canada Summer Jobs applications. Camps provide powerful learning, leadership, and employment opportunities for youth across the country, and CSJ continues to be a key contributor to this mission. If you require further support, please reach out to your provincial association or the CCA.

Matt Wilfrid https://gocamp.pro/matt
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