Camp Specialist - Recreation - Summer Camp

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for a Summer Camp Specialist in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by April 30, 2024.

Work Locations:

• North Area (Angus Glen C.C., Crosby C.C. and surrounding areas)
• East Area (Cornell C.C., Centennial C.C. and surrounding areas)
• South East Area (Aaniin & Rouge River C.C.)
• South West Area (Milliken Mills & Armadale C.C.)
• West Area (Thornhill C.C., Thornlea C.C. and surrounding areas)
• Chimo (Outdoor camp)

Work Period:

• Casual Training Schedule - June 1 to mid-June 2024 - Schedule to be determined
• Full time (35 hours per week) from June 27 to end of August 2024 - 100% in-person

Job Summary
Manages a group of campers in one of the City of Markham's Summer Camps with responsibilities including program planning, program delivery and administration. Program planning with a focus on either canoeing or high/low ropes. Supervises a group of 6-10 campers (pre-schoolers, children or youth). Coaches and mentors junior counsellors and volunteers.

Through effective leadership and programming, enables children and youth to develop skills, make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for the well-being of a group of campers under the guidance of the Camp Supervisor, ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates daily camp activities in canoeing or high/low ropes. Helps to ensure programming is adapted to camper needs with regards to safety, hygiene, weather, breaks etc.
• Closely monitors camper conduct and provides in-water supervision for some camps.
• Keeps attendance records and promptly reports absences to the Camp Supervisor. This includes knowing the location of each camper at all times during camp operation.
• Organizes, designs and writes lesson plans in conjunction with the Camp Supervisor.
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the camp. Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks.
• Ensures the well-being, safety and protection of each camper in his/her assigned group.
• Prepares and organizes program equipment and supplies for specialized program, reporting any inventory shortages to the Camp Supervisor.
• Ensures all participants are aware of upcoming events and schedule changes.
• Organizes and assists with set-up and clean-up of camp events, activities and programs.
• Follows City of Markham policies and procedures in program activities.
• Serves as a liaison with parents of campers, reinforcing City of Markham customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic).
• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise.
• Maintains positive, constructive relationships with camp staff and volunteers with the goal of meeting camper needs.
• Coaches and mentors junior counsellors, volunteers and campers.
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Camp Supervisor.
• Participates in camp orientation and training sessions, supporting the Camp Supervisor where necessary.
• Other duties as required

Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age by June 1, 2024.
• Currently enrolled in a secondary or post secondary institution
• Experience working with children; knowledge of child development, ie. student council member, leadership role on youth council, previous experience as a camp counsellor/jr counsellor or related
• Completion of counsellor in training/leader in training program would be an asset
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' required
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required
• Experience in the specialized field:
  1) Canoe Specialist: O.R.C.K.A. Flatwater Certification and National Lifeguard and demonstrated experience in canoeing
  2) High/Low Ropes Specialist: Level 1 Ropes Certification and demonstrated experience on high/low ropes

All required certificates must be in good standing by the end of May 2024.

Core Behaviours:

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Summer student applicants must be currently enrolled in a full time educational institution and must also be enrolled in a full time educational institution in the Fall. All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector screening checks as required for the City of Markham.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.