Position Available

Title of Position: Camp Counsellor (Programming) or Camp Counsellor (Administrator)
Term: Approximately 2 months (25 June to 23 August 2010); exact dates to be confirmed
Location: Mostly fly-in only First Nations communities in northern Ontario
*Application Deadline: 1st deadline – 31 January 2010
                                           2nd deadline – 28 February 2010

*A note about the deadlines: Shortlisted candidates who submit their applications before the 31st January deadline will be offered interviews in the first phase (February onwards). Shortlisted candidates whose applications are received between the first and second deadlines will be interviewed in the second phase (March onwards). A number of job offers will be made at the end of each phase.

We are seeking mature, responsible, committed and self-motivated individuals to fill the positions of ‘Camp Counsellor (Programming)’ or ‘Camp Counsellor (Administrator)’ in the Aboriginal Summer Reading Camp program. The Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps began in 2005 as an initiative of the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Hon. James Bartleman. These literacy and mental wellness camps aim to promote a love of reading and learning, as well as increased self-confidence, amongst First Nations children and youth (between the ages of 6 and 15) living in isolated and/or fly-in only reserves in northern Ontario.

Camp counsellors (Programming and Administrator) will be expected to work in small, independent teams which usually include local First Nations camp counsellors, to deliver a diverse array of indoor and outdoor literacy-based camp activities in safe, caring and fun-filled environments. Camp counsellors must be prepared to demonstrate initiative and creativity to engage the community, and involve parents, elders and other community members in the camp curriculum. As this is a total immersion position, counsellors must also be prepared for a highly stressful and emotionally/psychologically challenging experience. Many communities are struggling with social challenges such as alcohol/substance abuse, as well as a host of other issues such as poor infrastructure and high costs of living. Camp counsellors will remain in the communities for the entire duration of employment, including weekends and holidays. Counsellors must also be prepared to share modest accommodations (up to 4 people in a small unit) and be comfortable with living in an isolated community with minimal access to the telephone and internet. In addition to regular work hours, camp counsellors will also be expected to volunteer an additional 5 to 10 hours each week.

ACCOUNTABILITY & REPORTING

Each team will be comprised of a camp counsellor (administrator) and several other camp counsellors (programming). Together, they will work very closely as a team under the remote supervision of a Frontier College Community Coordinator who is in turn responsible for reporting to the Program Manager.

Frontier College will also provide successful candidates with training prior to the start of camps.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Camp Counsellor (Programming)

• Day-to-day planning & organizing of camp activities
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of all camp participants during camp hours
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with community members, and soliciting their participation in the camps
• Maintaining accurate camp records as required
• Ensuring adherence to all program directives and guidelines
• Other duties as assigned by Frontier College

Camp Counsellor (Administrator)

• All duties and responsibilities as outlined above under ‘Camp Counsellor (Programming)
• Additional responsibilities:
  • Managing and maintaining camp budget and accounts, including all financial records
  • Ensuring that all camp documentation is maintained, and reported as required

SUGGESTED SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 18 years old
• A positive, friendly and approachable disposition
• Adaptable, self-motivated, responsible, enthusiastic, creative
• Superior planning, organizational and time-management skills
• Able to work with different personalities/working styles, even in challenging situations
• Strong situational problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Demonstrated experience working with groups of children/youth in a summer camp or literacy program setting is an asset
• Prior experience working with First Nation, Inuit or Métis individuals/communities or knowledge/familiarity with First Nations issues in Canada/Ontario is an asset
• Sensitivity that embraces the realities of differing culture, living environments and broader societal factors affecting Aboriginal communities
• Prior experience living and working in isolated and/or cross-cultural community settings is an asset
• Possess Standard/Emergency First Aid qualification which is valid for the entire duration of employment (Note: All accepted candidates who do not have their First Aid qualifications at the time of application/interview must obtain certification, at their own cost, prior to the start of employment)
• Lifesaver and/or Aquatic Safety Certification is an asset

TERMS & REMUNERATION

• $12.00 - $12.50 per hour
• 35 hour work week (The position will require camp counsellors to put in at least 5 volunteer hours per week beyond regular work hours)
• Pay will be issued bi-weekly/once every two weeks
• Frontier College will provide successful candidates with assistance for travel costs within Ontario.
• Shared, assigned housing is provided

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

New Applicants
       If you are applying to work at the camps for the first time:

1. Download and complete the following: “General Application Form”
2. Download and complete the following: “Questionnaire B.”
3. First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants are encouraged to self-identify.
4. Send your: (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) a completed “General Application Form,” and (4) a completed “Questionnaire B,” via post, fax or email to both locations listed below:

Returning Applicants
       If you have previously worked for the Aboriginal Summer        Camps before and are applying to work at the camps again:

1. Download and complete the following: “General Application Form”
2. Download and complete the following: “Questionnaire A”
3. Email, mail or fax your resume, cover letter, application form & questionnaire to both locations listed below:

Send in all applications to both:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For more information about Frontier College visit www.frontiercollege.ca.

Frontier College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace.  We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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