Summer Camp Assistant

Summer Camp Assistant

The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a volunteer- and member-based charity in Mississauga that provides programs to the community in nature and environmental education, natural areas stewardship/conservation and gardening.

The Summer Camp Assistant (SCA) will co-deliver nature-based day camp programs for children ages 6 to 11, reporting to the Education Manager (EM). Day Camp provides active, engaging, and meaningful outdoor experiences to enhance wellbeing, and grow knowledge and skills in biodiversity, conservation and gardening. Day camp will be staffed by the EM and SCA and supported by volunteers. The SCA will be involved in planning, delivering, and reporting on camp activities as well as directly supervising campers and volunteers. This is an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic, fun-loving and creative person interested in a career in nature-based education.

This high-quality program will take place in Riverwood’s beautiful natural spaces and gardens right in the heart of Mississauga, with an indoor base at Chappell House.

Position Responsibilities:

Assist with planning and delivery of day camp programs that include games, crafts and outdoor activities that support nature connection, skills and knowledge development;
Take a flexible approach to program delivery and be prepared to adjust as needs require;
Foster a positive and inclusive camp culture by role modeling flexibility, resilience, caring concern and fun energy;
Ensure the health and safety of campers including monitoring behavior and addressing incidents and emergencies with support from the EM;
Teach safe use of tools appropriate to activities;
Assist with the training and supervision of day camp’s secondary school volunteers;
Interact positively with partners, funders, and members of the public while delivering camp programs;
Prepare and/or purchase camp activity materials in advance;
Track tasks, manage timelines, keep records and other camp administration as required;
Provide First Aid to campers and/or volunteers as required;
Support a volunteer team caring for turtles and aquaria;
Arrive prepared and on time for work.
Skills and Qualifications:

Prior experience working with children in a camp or recreational setting;
A demonstrated ability to develop, plan and deliver fun, safe, age-appropriate activities for children;
A passion for the outdoors accompanied by knowledge of local biodiversity and a proven ability to assess environmental risks;
A motivational and inspiring leadership style for children and teens;
An ability to respond to campers’ varied, changeable needs in a flexible and creative way with a caring, patient approach;
A clear communication style and strong interpersonal skills for working with campers, caregivers, volunteers, co-workers, and the public;
A demonstrated ability to collaborate on planning, program delivery and administration;
Experience supporting children with diverse needs is an asset;
Ability to work from home on days when camp is not in session an asset;
A valid Vulnerable Sector Check is required, or the ability to acquire one;
Training in emergency first aid and CPR is an asset, or training will be provided.
Working Environment and physical/sensory demands:

Outdoor environment: The position requires the ability to safely lead participants over uneven and hilly terrain and under a variety of weather conditions;
·        Indoor environment: Typical office and office equipment, shared space and artificial lighting;

·        Lengthy periods of standing during public events and program activities;

Ability lift up to 35 lbs (16 kg);
·        Proficiency with operation of various equipment, including computers and office devices (e.g., photocopier, telephone, etc.);

Deliverable:

·        A professional, written report documenting and evaluating the summer camp program including key learning and recommendations.

Because this position would be supported by a Canada Summer Jobs Grant, applicants must:

Be between 18 and 30 years of age
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Start date is expected to be July 8th with an end date of August 30th.  The hourly wage is $17.55 per hour; 37.5 hours per week; work-week is Monday to Friday, and office hours are 8:30-4:00.

Apply

Interested candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter which fully describes your experience by email (PDF format only) by June 21st, 2024 to:

Brian Packham

Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org

The Riverwood Conservancy thanks everyone for applying but resources allow us to reply only to those candidates who are selected for an interview.

We strive for a workplace that reflect the diversity of the community we serve in and which we live.  Applicants requiring accommodation for an interview because of a disability or medical need are asked to make their needs known in advance.  Information received related to accommodation requests will be treated with c