Adventure Program Facilitator

The mission of Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre is to provide a welcoming, peaceful gathering place where diverse groups of people experience life-giving connections with God, one another, and nature.

We strive to live out our mission statement in our hiring practices, welcoming and encouraging applications from diverse groups of people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates. Please let us know how we can help you in the application and hiring process.

The Adventure Program at Hidden Acres has three main areas: the climbing tower, the low ropes course and team-building/initiative task activities. It is offered as a part of the overall program that school groups and summer campers participate in. The goals of the Adventure Program is to challenge campers to overcome fears, develop problem-solving skills, learn how to work well in a team setting, gain self-confidence and self-awareness and, of course, to have fun

The Adventure Program Facilitator role will be combined with another role such as cabin leading, maintenance or housekeeping. When programs are running and the climbing tower and/or low ropes course are open, the focus of the role will be on the safe operation of these areas. When those program areas are closed, the focus will shift to their other role. For more information about the Cabin Leader, Maintenance or Housekeeping roles, see the corresponding job descriptions.

Requirements for all Staff

• While the program is running, living on site is an expectation and room and board are provided.
• Motivated to make a difference and have a positive impact on our society and community.
• Has a genuine love for, and interest in, working with children, including those who have emotional, physical, behavioural, or developmental special needs, in an inclusive summer camp program.
• Has knowledge of the Christian faith and is willing to work supportively in a faith-based setting.
• Is able to find a healthy balance between following directions and taking initiative to see what needs to be done and do it.
• Is able to find a healthy balance between working hard to accomplish what needs to be done, achieving personal goals, motivating others to have fun while having fun yourself, and contributing to meeting the mission of Hidden Acres.
• Demonstrates flexibility, an ability to change tasks or directions with ease, and a willingness to assist cooperatively in a variety of tasks and programs as time allows.
• Displays patience, a commitment to working well with others, and the ability to solve sometimes complex problems. This is all done while maintaining a positive attitude towards others and assigned tasks.
• Models excellent leadership behaviours and participates in all aspects of camp life.
• First Aid, CPR and/or lifeguarding qualifications (NL certification or higher) are an asset, but not required.
• Is able to participate in our two Staff Orientation events: May 1-2 and June 21-26

Requirements for the Adventure Program Facilitator

• Has a knowledge and understanding of group dynamics and has the ability to organize and lead groups of campers while they participate in adventure programs.
• Has an awareness and/or knowledge of how to use adventure activities (e.g. initiative tasks, trust and team-building activities, climbing tower, low ropes, etc.) to achieve the goals of the adventure program listed above.
• Has experience operating a climbing tower with rappelling program, low ropes course and all of the relevant equipment that is required for their operation (certification such as ACCT Level 1, 2 or Challenge Course Manager etc. are an asset but not required) or has a willingness to be trained on site.
• Previous experience or knowledge of the sport of rock-climbing is an asset, but not required.
• Comfortable working at heights

Responsibilities of the Adventure Program Facilitator

• Prior to school groups and camp starting, read reports from past Adventure Program Facilitators and plan a safe and meaningful adventure program according to the campers' ages and abilities. Use of the adventure program model is encouraged in this planning.
• Assist the Program Director with training staff in the adventure programs along with the use of the climbing tower and low ropes course.
• Participate in and implement the planned program for both the spring schools in May and June, as well as the summer camp programs in July and August.
• Alongside the Program Director, maintain and organize all climbing equipment and logs and make recommendations for equipment purchases, as well as ensuring pre-use and monthly inspections are completed and logged.
• Assist in other tasks as assigned by the Summer Camp Director, during the spring season.
• Be available to help in other areas of the camp program as a member of the staff team as needed.
• Submit a written report, due within two weeks of camp ending that includes a description of your program area of responsibility, an evaluation of the programs, a summary of the equipment usage logs, a final inventory of supplies and recommendations for the next year.
• The Adventure Program Facilitator is responsible to the Summer Camp Director and Program Director and works with the Summer Program Coordinator to coordinate the scheduling of the Adventure Program activities.

Notes: A completed Hidden Acres Staff application and a current police record check for the vulnerable sector are required before starting any staff position at Hidden Acres.

Job Type: Seasonal

Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $406.00-$508.00 per week

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Work Location: In person