Day Camp Counsellor

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•St. Thomas, ON

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Day Camp Counsellor will instruct, plan, implement and supervise the summer day camp program as well as supervise children. Within the context and mission of the Salvation Army St. Thomas Citadel, work cooperatively with other day camp staff in all aspects of the summer day camp program.

Requirements

Completed a minimum of grade nine (9).
Prior volunteer and/or work experience working with children in a day camp setting preferred.
Current, valid Standard First Aid and CPR Certification is an asset.
Strong leadership, planning and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to change.
Ability to learn quickly and use initiative.
Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and the ability to exercise good judgement.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively, patiently, and effectively.
Able to help support other camp staff with children’s individual behavioral needs.
A desire to be creative and innovative showing initiative with limited supervision.
Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member.
Must comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures, and associated legislation.
Be Enthusiastic and Approachable – Present an upbeat and pleasant personality with a helpful attitude towards all.
Be a Problem Solver – Remain calm under pressure and deal with any situation wisely and selflessly and anticipate problems and opportunities and develop effective solutions.
Be a Good Listener – Have a desire to create a safe space and be attentive to the needs of others.
Be a Servant-Hearted – Have a servant attitude, being flexible and willing to pitch in and assist as part of the team.
Be Willing to Grow – Be a teachable person of integrity.
Passionate for building relationships with youth and children which is aligned with The Salvation Army Core Values, Hope, Service, Dignity, and Stewardship.
Undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry etc.).
Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
Submit as required a Police Record Check (vulnerable sector check) that is acceptable to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion.
Applicants must meet Canada Summer Jobs program eligibility requirements, including age and legal status criteria.
Must be aged 15 to 30 years at the beginning of the employment period.
Must 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.
Must have a valid Social Insurance Number.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Current, valid Standard First Aid and CPR Certification is an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensure the ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual focus is applied to all program initiatives.
Create a welcoming and safe space for individuals and families where they can explore their practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
Through conversation and prayer, shares the hope and love of Jesus in a manner that supports and respects the faith journey of our campers.
All programming is to be relationally focused, support transformational change, and support the social, emotion, and spiritual needs of campers.
Ensure a spiritual dynamic, and focus, in all programming, including facilitated access for campers to pastoral services and other church-based programs.
Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
Implement the day-to-day operations of the program, which includes (but is not limited to) recreational games, crafts, Bible lessons, and other scheduled events.
Supervise and interact with and support all day camp campers.
Participate in the Summer Day Camp mentoring program for Day Camp staff and campers.
Lead and/or assist in check in/out, attendance, concessions, music, craft and recreation.
Assist day camp coordinator in securing daily supplies.
Monitor and provide leadership to campers during both large and small group activities.
Inform Day camp coordinator of any staff or camper issues.
Stay with assigned groups during field trips as required.
Prepare Snacks for Day Campers.
Clearly communicate directions for program activities.
Ensure the highest standard of health and safety for all campers, volunteers, and staff.
Assist with ensuring the emotional wellness and personal development of campers.
Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Support campers to develop socially, mentally, and spiritually.
Know and act in accordance with policies and procedures of The Salvation Army to ensure the safety and confidentiality of participants and information.
Act in cases of urgency or emergency in alignment with camp policies and procedures.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned, i.e., set-up, and camp cleanup.
Create and maintain a list of reports required for health and safety compliance purposes.
Support external reporting requests as needed.