Counsellor in Training

Zajac Ranch Job Description – Counsellor in Training (CIT) Coordinator

Organizational Overview:

Located on the shores of Stave Lake in Mission, BC, just one hour east of Vancouver, Zajac Ranch for Children is situated on over 40 acres of pristine forested land. During the summer months, Zajac Ranch provides camps for children and young adults with chronic, life threatening and/or debilitating conditions. In the off-season, Zajac Ranch welcomes school groups and private rentals. Revenue raised from site rentals goes to supporting Zajac Ranch for Children summer medical camps.

Reporting to: Assistant Camp Director

Direct Reports: Wrangler's support CIT program

Position Type: Contract, Seasonal

Length of Contract: 2.5 months (June 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026) *some camp session exceptions apply due to private camps

Compensation: $150.00 per day; MANDT Relational and Technical Training & Certification; plus, meals and accommodation provided during camp sessions.

Number of Positions Available: 1

Opportunity:

The CIT Coordinator is a key member of the senior camp management team, responsible for designing and delivering the Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) program. This role focuses on developing CITs' leadership, social, and emotional skills while providing direct supervision. The coordinator collaborates with senior staff to set program goals, create materials, and source additional resources. Flexibility is essential to meet the varying needs of CITs. Additionally, the CIT Coordinator supports general camp operations, including staff breaks and crisis response, and reports regularly to the Camp Directors.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Programming Staff Supervision and Management (Summer):

· Facilitate training and programming for Counsellors-in-Training (CITs)

· Provide direct supervision and ongoing support to all CITs

· Plan and deliver dynamic leadership, social, and emotional skill-building programs tailored to the specific CIT group

· Identify and assign meaningful roles for CITs within camp to support skill development and contribute to camp operations

· Plan, lead, and adapt staff training sessions as needed

· Conduct regular check-in meetings with CITs to assess progress and improve program delivery

· Ensure clear and effective communication across all levels of camp staff and leadership

· Attend daily senior staff meetings to support overall camp coordination and decision-making

· Know, enforce, and adhere to all camp policies and procedures

· Conduct mid-summer and end-of-summer evaluations in collaboration with the Camp Director/Assistant Camp Director

· Actively contribute as part of the senior staff team to address day-to-day challenges and ensure a positive camp environment

Camper Care:

· Provides creative adaptations, modification, or alternative options for participants when needed and as appropriate, while simultaneously adhering to Zajac Ranch's policies and procedures

· Fosters an inclusive environment for all program participants.

· Communicates with parents/guardians to determine support needs and provide daily updates

· Reports on success and challenges of the program, including recommendations for the future, to supervisors.

· Utilizes emotional regulation, visual schedules and aids, positive behavior support strategies and other tools when needed to support campers in the enjoyment and successful participation of day-to-day camp activities.

· Maintains confidentiality of all participant information.

· Administers care in emergency and first aid incidents, exercising sound judgement and leadership, deferring to supervisors where appropriate.

· Other duties as assigned.

Safety:

· Help in Managing any emergency situations in the absence of the Camp Director/ Assistant Director and Nursing Director

· Help in Managing escalation of behavior management issues on site with director / assistant director.

· Promoting strong safety awareness among all staff

· Along with directors, planning and delivering all emergency procedure training with on-site staff.

· In rotation with the Camp Director / Assistant Director/ Unit Leaders, providing "On Call" coverage (can be contacted by phone or radio) from bedtime to Breakfast in case of emergency.

Off-Season Rental Groups:

· Along with Directors, managing preparations for incoming rental groups.

· Assisting with setting up for, serving, and clean-up process for meals.

· Facilitating Outdoor Education programs for groups as required.

· Checking in with groups to ensure satisfaction and that all needs have been met.

· Helping to manage clean-up process after departure of rental groups.

Qualifications:

· A firm belief in the value of summer camp for children with special medical needs.

· Bachelor's degree in camp administration, recreation, social work, education, or related field an asset.

· At least two years of camp administrative experience.

· Experience working with developmental disabilities, special needs, and behavioral management asset.

· Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

· Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Office and Camp Brain (camp registration system) are assets but not required.

· Ability to proactively manage multiple work tasks in a timely manner.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Not-for-profit experience an asset.

· Hold valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C or the ability to obtain.

· Possess and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.

· The CIT coordinator is required to live on-site; shared living quarters will be provided. CIT coordinator is expected to sleep in the same dorm area as the CITs when there are CITs on site.

· Experience in typical camp programming (canoeing/kayaking, ropes, archery, orienteering, etc.)

· NLS certification an asset.

· Experience in Leadership Programs and Leadership Development, ideally in a camp setting.

Joining our team as CIT Coordinator offers the opportunity for professional growth, competitive compensation, and a dynamic work environment. If you have the skills and experience required for this role, we invite you to apply today.

Zajac Ranch for Children is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation at any point in the application process, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We thank all interested parties, however only those invited for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Fixed term contract, Seasonal

Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $150.00 per day

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site gym
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Are you able to pass a Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Sector?

Work Location: In person