Summer Day Camp Leader

Nanaimo Science offers summer day camps for school-aged children throughout late-June, July and August. Our Outreach Educators/Summer Camp Leaders help run our camps, planning and delivering activities with children, making sure they are having a fun time while learning

Supervised by the Executive Director, our team of Summer Camp Leaders will work in pairs with small groups of children (max 20 children per group). You will receive a full week of paid training time, which will include hands-on testing of activities and equipment used during camps, site visits of camp spaces, behaviour management strategies helpful to work with children, and first aid training if not already certified. Summer Camp Leaders will shadow experienced team members for a gradual-entry to their position, and have access to a full library of lesson plans and science supplies/equipment for program delivery.

People who have worked for Nanaimo Science in the past have enjoyed the team-based atmosphere we provide. Camp Leaders are given support throughout their work terms, and are well-prepared to handle both day-to-day situations and emergencies. You will gain excellent hands-on teaching experience and expand your science knowledge through our wide range of camp themes.

While we provide consistent structure to each week of camp, the individual days will be unique and give Camp Leaders the opportunity to work on new activities with children regularly. Camp themes are fun and unlike any others available in Nanaimo - from LEGO Robotics, to Science + Art, and camps focused on every area of science - Nanaimo Science is as fun a place to work as it is to go to as a camper

Daily prep-time before and after camps will ensure that Camp Leaders have the opportunity to stay organized and coordinate with their team-mates. Regular check-ins with the Executive Director will ensure you have all the supplies and support needed to make things run smoothly. Daily outdoor time during lunch is great for both campers and Camp Leaders alike, and with most work days ending at 3:30 PM (or 5:00 PM for the occasional week), your evenings and weekends will be open for summer relaxing and fun.

Nanaimo Science offers consistent schedules and opportunities for future employment. Although the Camp Leader position is a fixed-term contract, there is the potential to come back for multiple summers and help shape camp themes or create new activities. Part-time or casual work is also sometimes available during the school year for past Camp Leaders.

Most of all, the opportunities we create for children to explore new areas of science and inspire them to learn is extremely rewarding There is nothing like the feeling of watching a camper’s face light up when their stomp rocket soars through the air at just the right angle, or watch doubt turn into determination with the realization that the craft they thought looked too complicated is within reach

**Daily tasks will include**:

- Preparing materials prior to the beginning of each camp
- Leading children through STEM/science activities during camps, sharing knowledge about the activities and promoting curiosity through hands-on learning.
- Leading children in recreational activities including outdoor games and crafts
- Taking responsibility for the welfare and learning of children, supporting children with diverse needs with a range of provided learning approaches.
- Building relationships with all campers by showing compassion, empathy and understanding.
- Providing feedback on strengths/weaknesses of activities to the Executive Director.
- Working with colleagues and volunteer (teenaged) helpers
- Assisting with post-program organization and resupply of materials, and maintaining cleanliness of the camp facilities.

**Responsibilities include**:

- Ensuring the safety and security of children at all times.
- Working with colleagues to ensure age-appropriate activities are delivered, and that educational content is presented accurately.
- Communicating with the Executive Director for any activity feedback, equipment or materials needs, issues with regards to children attending camp, or any other matters.

**This position is best suited to a person who is**:

- University student or recent graduate enrolled in a Science, Engineering, Technology, Environmental Studies, or Education program.
- Experienced at working with young children (ages 6-12) in a coaching, Scouts/Girl Guides leader, or previous camp leader environment.
- Cheerful, patient and compassionate with kids, and able to think quickly/improvise when needed.
- A great communicator who can collaborate well with colleagues and share responsibilities, and support others when team-teaching.
- Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or refugee in Canada, who is between 19 to 30 years of age (as per Canada Summer Jobs funding regulations).

**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months

**Salary**: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 - 40 per week