Day Camp Counsellor

**About us**

Camp Sunrise is an inclusive day camp for children and young adults located at the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre in Puslinch, ON. Our goal is to develop the full potential of children and adults with special needs through therapy, education, horse riding, recreation, and life skills programs, farm-related and social activities..

At Sunrise, we embrace inclusion. Sunrise offers integrated day camps for children and adults aged 5 - 13+. We provide structured programming and activities involving: horse riding lessons, horse care, swimming, low ropes challenge course, archery, crafts and games, nature based activities and theme days. Our welcoming family atmosphere places emphasis on teamwork and respect for others.

Reports to: Camp Coordinator and/or Executive Director

Status: Full-time seasonal contract position

Contract Dates: June 19th
- August 29th, 2023* (Counsellor training: June 19th - June 30th 2023, Camp Starts: July 4th, contract ends August 29th. Ability to start earlier in June for co-op students to ensure we reach the required number of hours).

*time off cannot be granted as we rely heavily on counsellors to supervise their assigned groups

Skills and Experience Required:

- Minimum age of 18 years of age
- First Aid/CPR (must be current as of June 2023)
- Prior work with children, including those with special needs
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Enthusiastic, creative team player

Beneficial to have:

- Education relating to child development, social work, psychology, sociology, therapeutic recreation or similar
- Background in nature/ animal and/ or arts related programming
- Horse experience

Other Requirements or Information:

- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Limited housing available on-site upon approval

Expectations:

- Ensure that a high quality program is maintained throughout the summer
- Assist with planning camp activities ensuring that all activities are appropriate for each age / ability groups and in keeping with the values and mission of the camp
- Organize and lead a variety of camp activities each day
- Assist in riding lessons / pony rides for assigned group, as directed by lesson instructor
- Participate in bi-weekly group debriefs and individual meetings with the Camp Coordinator
- Ensure that high safety standards are upheld throughout the summer
- Help to ensure a clean, organized and safe camp environment is maintained at all times
- Adhere to all Sunrise policies and procedures (copies of which will be supplied during pre-camp training) to meet the standards of the Ontario Camps Association and Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association
- Be responsible for the safety of your assigned group during all activities, and know the whereabouts of each child at all times
- Communicate any incidents or concerns immediately to the Camp Coordinator or Sunrise staff
- Contribute towards building a strong and inclusive camp team to ensure a positive camp environment
- Work in close cooperation with other counsellors, the Camp Coordinator and Sunrise staff
- Behave according to Sunrise’s mission and vision to contribute towards our inclusive atmosphere
- Provide guidance, encouragement and leadership to Leaders-In-Training (LITs)
- Be proactive in encouraging positive behaviour and teamwork in campers and co-workers to contribute towards our mission
- Be an excellent role model for campers and LITs at all times (ex. follow dress code, use appropriate language, maintain positive attitude, emphasize teamwork, etc.)
- Be flexible and willing to “fill in” wherever needed

Sunrise is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

Expected start date: 2023-06-19