Camp Thunderbird Counsellors:

• Counsellor
• Out-Trip Counsellor
• One-on-One Support Counsellor
• Leadership Development Counsellor

Location: YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island Outdoor Centre/Camp Thunderbird (Sooke, BC)

Vacancies: 25-30*

Placement: May or June until Sept 1, 2023

Wage: $131.46 -145.49/day (Commensurate with certifications, experience and position). No charge for Room and Board.

*NOTE: These positions are dependent on government funding, BC Provincial Health Orders and Guidelines (related to the COVID–19 pandemic) and sufficient registration levels.

Nature and Scope:

Our staff love working with children and are committed to providing quality camping experiences for children and youth, while demonstrating the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness. We build healthy communities by leading and sharing outdoor and wilderness experiences with children ages 5 through 17. Our 1200 acres of wilderness and commitment to camping excellence ensure that children leave with increased confidence and self-esteem, new skills, and a deeper appreciation of the importance of the natural environment. Camp Thunderbird offers canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, orienteering, ropes courses, swimming, mass games, campfires and drama games. All staff participate in daily cleaning, maintenance, and janitorial duties

Successful applicants will be energetic, motivated, organized, and capable of creating a positive sense of belonging for all participants. Staff will be required to live on-site during our program season in rustic accommodation. Counsellors share accommodation and eat all meals with campers who sleep at camp. The requirement/availability of staff accommodation is dependent on continued approval of BC Health Authorities and standards set by the BCCA – if overnight camps are affected by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, staff will need to have local accommodations.

This casual/seasonal position is entitled to an individual YMCA-YWCA membership and 4% vacation pay.

Responsibilities:

• Enthusiastically lead campers in all activities and provide for the individual and group needs of children in their care, up to 24 hours/day.
• Adhere to YMCA Camping and BCCA accreditation standards in program and service delivery
• Promote, incorporate and role model the YMCA-YWCA core values in all program activities
• Organize and instruct group activities and games, create lesson plans, participate in program delivery and campfires; adjust programs and make changes as required
• Ensure the safety of all participants
• Demonstrate, promote and role model exceptional interpersonal skills, and a love of working with children and youth

• Assist with other camp related duties, which could include the maintenance of site and

equipment, kitchen duties (when in service), cleaning and janitorial work

Qualifications Required for All Positions:

• Clear Police/RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Experience working with children
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR C or higher
• Current Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard (NL) certification is valued (those with NL will earn a

higher wage than those with equivalent experience but without NL).

• The YMCA-YWCA has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all staff

and volunteers to be fully vaccinated (minimum 2 doses of vaccine).

Additional Qualifications

Counsellors and One-on-One Support Counsellors:

• Experience working with children in a day or overnight camp, childcare, educational or

recreational setting

• Completed High School with post-secondary education/courses an asset
• Current Wilderness First Aid an asset
• Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing certifications an asset
• One-on-One Support Counsellors will likely work ¼ of their summer in this role

Out-Trip and Leadership Development Counsellors:

• Extensive experience working with children in wilderness environment required
• Completed High School required, with post-secondary education/courses an asset
• Current SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide Certification required
• Current 40-hour Wilderness First Aid and CPR C required

Competencies:

• Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
• Commitment to Health and Safety
• Communication
• Creativity and Innovation
• Teamwork

To Apply: Please send an application form, cover letter and resume, identifying the specific position(s)

you are applying for, to:

Human Resources

YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island

Email: hr@vancouverislandy.ca

Please Note:

1. Application Deadline: This posting will close when suitable candidates have been found.

2. Please indicate in your cover letter how you heard about this position.

3. We thank all applicants, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island is an equal opportunity employer.