March Break Stem Camp Counsellor

**Summary**

Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI) is a Toronto based non-profit established to promote optimal early childhood development (ECD) and strengthen childcare and learning outcomes for Black African children ages 0-12 years.

In 2023, ECDI successfully launched a STEM Program (Solid Foundations for Future Innovators—SFFI) for children ages 6-12 years whose families had recently immigrated from Africa. Funding for this project is a result of the government of Ontario’s commitment to enhancing the quality, safety and cultural responsiveness of programming and services for newcomer children. The SFFI program is currently seeking STEM Camp Counsellors for our upcoming March Break camps.

**Four Locations**:

- Toronto/York (2 counsellors)
- Brampton (4 counsellors)
- Hamilton (4 counsellors)
- Kitchener (4 counsellors)

**Your Fit**
- You have lived experience as a person of African descent
- You are enthusiastic and love working with children
- You have a passion for STEM education and learning
- You have a keen interest in science experiments and marvel at the wonders of science
- You have exceptional group management skills (children 6-8 years or 9-12 years old)
- You enjoy organizing camp activities, including planning, setup and cleanup
- You respect health and safety procedures
- You want to develop your leadership skills

**STEM Camp Counsellor Responsibilities**

**Week 1**:

- Review prepared STEM Camp curriculum for designated age group and becoming familiar with the STEM activities
- Attend team meetings and orientation workshops for STEM Camp
- Prepare materials and items for STEM Camp activities
- Pack STEM kits and equipment that will be taken to your designated site
- Print instructional materials (e.g., class list, forms, instruction guides, etc)
- Participate in all training required for STEM Camp Counsellors
- Perform other duties as assigned by the manager

**Week 2**:

- Welcome children and families and document daily attendance (check-in and check-out)
- Create a fun, safe and welcoming atmosphere for campers
- Lead STEM and recreational activities that promote learning and personal growth and encourage inquiry and discussions
- Engage with each camper and answer any questions they may have
- Provide consistent and specific direction in the supervision of campers, and give support and guidance to campers in both individual and group settings
- Demonstrate an optimistic attitude, kindness and good decision-making
- Model appropriate behaviour and positive interactions
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of camp environment, equipment and materials
- Maintain confidential records and other administrative requirements
- Organize snacks and meals for campers
- Foster a positive camp atmosphere by encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and respect among campers and by treating all campers equally and fairly
- Be self-confident and able to accept and implement constructive feedback
- Follow all daily STEM Camp setup and cleanup procedures
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding camper progress and any concerns that may arise
- Carry out other reasonable duty request from the Camp Coordinator, Program Manager or a member of the Management Team
- ECE degree/diploma or OCT degree required
- 2+ years working with children in educational or recreational settings is preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with children of various ages
- Knowledge and understanding of STEM related topics
- A passion for educating and inspiring young minds through creative activities and mentorship
- Knowledge of child development and effective practices related to children 6-12 years
- Successful experience working with Black/African communities in Canada
- Experience facilitating a March Break or summer camp program preferred
- Demonstrate organizational and planning skills, with a strong capacity for self-direction and proactive approach to problem solving
- Client service-oriented mindset
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also demonstrating leadership qualities
- Must be able to commute to workplace location
- Applicants who are Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be prioritized

**What to expect**:
**Training week**: Monday, March 3 - Friday, March 7

**Time**: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (onsite in Toronto)

**Camp Week**: Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 15

**Times**: 8:00AM - 4:00PM or 10:00AM - 6:00PM (at your designated camp site)

*Please indicate in your resume/cover letter at which **location** you would like to work and include your **Vulnerable Sector Check**

**Hourly Wage**: $25.00/hour + vacation pay

**Deadline to Apply**: January 31, 2025

Join us this March Break as we create unforgettable memories for our campers

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 2 weeks

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
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