CAMP CHIEF HECTOR YMCA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES SPRING/SUMMER 2013 PO Box 250, Exshaw, Alberta, Canada, T0L 2C0 Phone 403.673.3858 Fax 403.673.2179 www.ymcacalgary.org
At Camp Chief Hector YMCA, we are proud of our work and the opportunities that we provide for children and youth. Working at camp is both hard and satisfying. We are an award-winning organization that has built the trust of our families over many years. Joining this team is a significant commitment, with long-lasting benefits. Our contracts run seasonally and there are a wide variety of opportunities available at our site. Our pay scale runs from $200 - $300 a week for counselling and resource staff and is based on previous experiences and qualifications. Section Director and Coordinator staff wages are based on the years of experience that they have in their field. Room and board is included. All residential camp staff provide 24 hour care to campers. Days off vary for specific positions but, in general, staff have one day off per week (or the equivalent of one day per week through time blocks off). Job Postings will be on the YMCA Calgary website starting on October 2 nd. Jobs are posted on an as needed basis after October 2 nd. Interviews for 2013 positions begin on October 15 th. Hiring is ongoing until all positions are filled. Contract Dates: Spring Coordinators*: April 24 th June 14 th Program Staff*/Horse Staff*: April 26 th June 14 th Counselling Staff: April 30 th June 13 th Outdoor Program Support Staff*: April 12 th June 23 rd *may be subject to change Summer contracts start at 2pm Section and Program Area Directors: June 25 th - August 31 st Leadership I, Pioneer, Gray Jay and Horse Staff: June 27 th - August 30 th Kananaskin, Higher Ground, Waterfront, Health Centre, Outripping and Craft Staff: June 29 th - August 30 th Bowfort and Mistaya Staff: July 1 st - August 16 th Hector 6 Day Camps Staff: July 1 st August 30 th Day Camp Staff: July 1 st August 2 nd Family Camp Leaders: August 18 th August 30 th During staff training week, July 5 th is a full day off. Campers arrive for opening day July 7 th.
How to Apply: NEW STAFF For prospective staff who are new to Camp Chief Hector YMCA, please apply with a resume and cover letter quoting the job title you are applying for based on our job postings on the YMCA Calgary website. If you are applying for more than one season, please send in only one application package and quote both seasons job titles in the cover letter. RETURNING STAFF For prospective staff who have worked at Camp Chief Hector YMCA before, please apply with a resume and cover letter that answers the following questions: 1. Why would you like to work at Camp Chief Hector YMCA again? 2. What have you been doing since you last worked here? 3. What positions are you interested in for 2013? Why do you feel that those positions are suitable given your skills and experiences? 4. Why do you think that those positions are a good fit, given your job performance and feedback from the last season that you worked at Camp? If you are applying for more than one season, please send in only one application package and quote both seasons job titles in the cover letter. What is tipi living like? During the spring and summer seasons, counselling and program staff live in tipis. These historic dwellings are equipped with floor boards, bunk beds and a fire pit in the middle, and are quite cozy even during cool nights. Spring and summer counselling staff live in tipis with their campers. Counsellors with the Sunship Earth program in the spring and Bowfort staff in the summer may occasionally live in cabins with their campers. Resource staff, program staff, and support staff live in tipis with other staff members. Site services staff members (kitchen and maintenance) live in indoor accommodations on site.
What and where is the nearest town? The town of Canmore is located 20 minutes (by car) west of the Camp Chief Hector YMCA. Canmore is a great place to spend some time off. You can find restaurants, laundromats, a hospital and medical clinics, grocery stores, and quaint mountain tourist shops. If you drive an extra 20 minutes west from Canmore, you get to Banff National Park and the town of Banff. Calgary is the nearest city, and it is about a 60 minute drive east of camp along the Trans Canada Highway. How do I get to camp at the start of my contract? At lunchtime on the day each contract starts, we will have scheduled pickups in Canmore. If you are flying to the Calgary International Airport, there is a shuttle bus company (The Banff Airporter) that makes regular trips to and from the Calgary Airport and Canmore. You may not arrive on-site early for your contract start date so make your travel arrangements accordingly. We recommend staying at The Hostel Bear in Canmore if you arrive a few days before your start date. Where can I do my laundry? There are coin-operated washers and dryers on site, and laundromats in Canmore. The facilities at camp are handy, but camper laundry will always have priority over staff laundry while we are in session. The laundromats in Canmore are big and you can get lots of loads done at a time. At all places, you provide your own soap and coins. It is $4 to wash and dry a full load. When and how can I make phone calls and check my email? We have pay phones and landlines for staff members to use a long distance phone card is required. Phone calls can be made from site phones or personal cell phones only when you're on time off and out of view of campers. We have computers at each lodge that are available for staff to check e-mail during time off. Staff are also welcome to bring cell phones and laptop computers to use on time off. How does time off work? Days off work differently for each season at camp. Spring staff have every Friday night and weekend off and for summer staff it differs by section. If you are working one week camps in the summer, campers visit from Sunday to Friday. These staff are off work Friday night and Saturday every week. If you are working with a two-week program, your campers are here from Sunday to the next Friday. You have every second Friday night and Saturday off. During the time that the campers are here, you have 24 hours of time-off to take in two "blocks of time" that fit with your schedule. There will also be 24 hours during the session that your partner is off as well. Those working 27-day or 56-day sessions will arrange time-off with their supervisors. A number of staff choose to go home on time off while others choose to stay at a hostel in Canmore or just relax around camp; you are welcome to stay here on time off. What you choose to do on time off is up to you. In general, staff tend to become good friends quite quickly and time off is enjoyed together. A number of staff come with vehicles but taxi s can also come here from Canmore (a van costs $40 each way). We start on Sunday mornings at 8:00am for breakfast and finish at 3:30pm on Fridays (5pm for Day Camp staff).
You are not allowed returning to camp on time off if you have had more than two drinks (you need to legally be able to operate a motor vehicle). If you choose to drink more than two alcoholic beverages, other sleeping arrangements need to be made. When campers are on-site, one counsellor can leave the tipi each evening once campers are in bed and enjoy some staff socializing/personal time from 9pm 10:30pm. This extra time off must take place on-site and only in the middle of the session (both counsellors need to be present in the tipi on the first and last night of each session). Spring counsellors are single staffed and remain in the tipi each night. What equipment should I bring? Counsellors Warm sleeping bag (a rating of -7 is recommended) Pillow Blanket (to use at our Grand Council closing ceremony each session) Personal toiletries 2 towels (one for showering and one for swimming) Durable and waterproof rain jacket and pants since days are spent outside rain or shine, staying warm and dry is essential Warm clothes long underwear tops and bottoms and wool/fleece clothing Toque and mitts Comfortable camp clothing (pants, shorts, t-shirts, socks, pajamas, long sleeved shirts, underwear, etc). NO CLOTHING WITH ALCOHOL OR OFFENSIVE SLOGANS; NO CLOTHING THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED TOO REVEALING (ie: short shorts, low tops that reveal cleavage, ultra low rise pants, etc. We are role models for our campers) Bathing suit (a one piece bathing suit; bikini is not suitable for a residential camp environment) Comfortable shoes to walk around in running or hiking shoes, sandals Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and hat At least one water bottle Flashlight or headlamp Daypack/backpack Hiking pack 60-80L (we have some to lend out but recommend bringing your own) Children s story books for bedtime A Rubbermaid bin for personal storage in the tipi (waterproof and keeps smoke smell off clothing) Outtripping Equipment (required for Mistaya, Kananaskin, Pioneer and Leadership staff only) Large overnight pack (60-80L with an internal frame) Sleeping pad or Thermorest Hiking boots or shoes Durable plastic outtripping dishes (bowl, mug, spoon) Pocket knife Gaiters (Pioneer and Leadership counsellors)
For international staff coming to join us at Camp Chief Hector YMCA, previous staff have found that it costs significantly less to purchase outdoor equipment like sleeping bags in Canada. We recommend Mountain Equipment Coop where you can order on-line and have it shipped to Camp to be waiting here for your arrival. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about this process. A link to Mountain Equipment Coop can be found below. What is the policy on smoking, alcohol, and drug use at camp? We have a zero-tolerance policy for all of the above. While you are at camp or involved in a camp activity, our policy is that you will not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs, nor be under their effects, nor have performance suffer by having used these products. If you choose to use these products, or if you have any in your possession, your contract will be terminated immediately. Helpful links Mountain Equipment Coop (outdoor clothing and equipment) www.mec.ca The Hostel Bear (accommodation in Canmore) www.thehostelbear.com Bow Valley Weather Reports Bow Valley Weather Forecast Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine (first aid course descriptions) www.adventuremed.ca Banff Airporter (transportation from the airport to Canmore) www.banffairporter.com Flying between Canadian cities: West Jet www.westjet.com; Air Canada www.aircanada.com A typical day at Camp 7:30am Wake up, and Early Morning Club for those who would like to be active before breakfast 8:15am Table setters - two members of each group go to the lodge to set their group s table 8:15am Flag raising - groups gather around their section s flagpole and sing O' Canada 8:30am Breakfast, introduced by a song of thanks 10:00am Morning programming 12:15pm Table setters 12:30pm Lunch 2:00pm Afternoon programming 5:15pm Table setters 5:30pm Supper 6:45pm Freebies - a rotating choice of activities for campers to choose from, and evening activities 8:30pm Snack and Appreciations. Time to get ready for quiet time
SPRING POSITIONS (all staff must be a minimum of 18 years of age for spring work): Hector Spring School or Sunship Earth Counsellor April 30 th June 13 th Counsellors for both of these programs work with students in Grades 5 and 6 who come to camp with their schools. Both programs include games and initiatives, exploring the natural area around camp, and taking care of the students during the day and at night while they are at outdoor school. These counsellors are required to have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification. Outdoor Experiential School Counsellor April 30 th June 13 th The Outdoor Experiential School program focuses on developing leadership and teamwork skills in Junior High and High School aged students in the outdoors. Counsellors facilitate this through activities such as teambuilding initiatives, elements at the high ropes course, hiking, canoeing, and working with horses. These staff members are required to have a Wilderness First Aid (minimum 24 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification. A Waterfront and/or Moving Water Canoe Instructor certification is highly recommended. Coordinators April 24 th June 14 th and Program Staff April 26 th June 14 th All three spring programs are lead by a coordinator with the help of program staff. These staff members support counsellors, students, teachers, and parents and are role models in the camp community. Coordinators and program staff have had many seasons of camp experience and are required to have a minimum of a Standard First Aid and CPR C certification. For coordinators and program staff working with the Outdoor Experiential School program, priority is given to applicants with a Waterfront and/or Moving Water Canoe Instructor certification and/or a challenge course facilitator certification, or applicants willing to obtain the necessary certifications before the start date of the contract. Outdoor Program Support Staff April 12 th June 23 rd (start and end dates can be flexible) These staff work a four to five day work week supporting the various clients and programs that run over the weekends. These staff need to have a dynamic skill set to work with a wide variety of clients. Contact Steve MacDonald for more information smacdona@calgary.ymca.ca. Kitchen Staff April 26 th June 14 th* Camp Chief Hector YMCA is looking to fill a variety of positions in our food services department. Kitchen staff help Cooks to prepare food, bake, clean work stations and serve three meals per day to groups ranging from 100-600 people. These positions are paid with an hourly wage and kitchen staff live in indoor accommodations. It is preferred that spring kitchen staff also work a summer contract.
SUMMER POSITIONS (all staff must be a minimum of 18 years of age, or turning 18 in 2013): Day Camp Counsellors July 1 st August 2 nd Day Camp Counsellors are based out of our Bowfort Lodge. Day Camp campers (aged 6-11) are escorted by these staff to and from Canmore each day on a school bus. While at camp, these staff members are responsible for facilitating programming, caring for campers, and supporting our residential camp programs in the evening. These staff may have the opportunity to join our residential camp team after the Day Camp Counsellor contract is complete at the end of July. All staff must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification and must be over 18 years of age at the start of the contract. Bowfort Counsellor July 1 st - August 16 th Bowfort counsellors lead groups of campers aged 7-11 who come to camp for 6-day sessions. These staff enthusiastically lead residential campers in all activities and care for the individual and group needs of the children. Most residential camp groups participate in an overnight campout - camping experience is beneficial. Bowfort Counsellors may have the opportunity to extend their contracts for the last two weeks of August to join us as Family Camp Leaders. All staff must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification. Family Camp Leader August 18 th - August 30 th Family Camp Leaders are returning staff with several seasons of experience working at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. These staff members join us for our last two weeks of camp to facilitate program areas, lead hikes, care for young children and provide outstanding customer service. Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' required. Hector 6 Day Camps Counsellor July 1 st August 30 th All 6 day Kananaskin camps (campers aged 12-13) running out of Hector lodge have their own staff team and section director. This section does not go on overnight trips and is a great section for staff that are great with kids that have minimal experience with outtripping. Standard First Aid and CPR C required. Mistaya Counsellor July 1 st August 16 th The Mistaya section is for campers aged 10-11 who come to camp for 6-day and 13-day sessions. Mistaya Counsellors energetically lead all camp activities and games, as well as a three-day backpacking trip. As Mistaya campers are young and often new to camp, counsellors are attentive to individual and group challenges and successes. Outtripping experience and experience working with children are very beneficial to this position. Mistaya staff must have a Wilderness First Aid (minimum 24 hour) and CPR 'C' certification.
Kananaskin Counsellor June 29 th - August 30 th Kananaskin counsellors are co-leaders for groups of 12 and 13 year old campers who come to camp for 13- days. Campers who are 12 years old will participate in a 3-day backpacking trip, a day-long horse program, and a day-long river canoe experience. Kananaskins who are 13 years old choose between a 4-day hike, a 4- day canoe trip, or a 3-day horse program at Gray Jay. Counsellors are paired with a canoe or hike specialist for those camps. Kananaskin counsellors also lead all camp activities and games. All Kananaskin staff must have a Wilderness First Aid (minimum 24 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification. Kananaskin Hike/Canoe Counsellor June 29 th - August 30 th Kananaskin outtrip counsellors have significant outtripping experience - either in backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains or leading river canoe trips. Canoe counsellors have a Paddle Alberta Level 1 Tandem Moving Water Instructor certification (or equivalent) and hiking specialists will have experience backpacking with campers and on their own. With input from their counselling partners, these staff members are in charge of the trip-specific risk and group management decisions while on trip. Kananaskin Hike/Canoe counsellors colead groups of 13 year old campers who come to camp for 13 days, and are involved in all camp activities. A Wilderness First Aid (minimum 40 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification is also required. Pioneer Hike Counsellor June 27 th - August 30 th Pioneer hike counsellors co-lead groups of 14-15 year old campers who come to camp for 13-day sessions. These groups are based out of our main site. During each session, counsellors lead a 6-day backpacking trip as well as most in-camp activities. Pioneer hike counsellors have significant experience leading multi-day backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains. Pioneer hike counsellors will have completed a backpacking certification during staff training. A Wilderness First Aid (minimum 40 hour course) and CPR 'C' is required. Pioneer Canoe Counsellor June 27 th - August 30 th Counsellors leading the Pioneer canoe programs will be based out of our main site and lead groups of 14 or 15 year old youth on 5 or 7 day river canoe trips. These staff members have significant experience leading river canoeing trips, Paddle Alberta Level 1 Tandem Moving Water instructor certification (or equivalent) and Wilderness First Aid (minimum 40 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification. Pioneer canoe staff will also lead and participate in many in-camp activities with their co-counsellor and group of campers. Gray Jay Pioneer and Senior Shotungwa Counsellor June 27 th - August 30 th Gray Jay Pioneer programs are for 14-15 year old youth who come to camp for 13-day sessions. Throughout the summer, these counsellors will be involved with the Pioneer hike option, the Pioneer hike/horse option, and the Senior Shotungwa option. Gray Jay staff have significant experience leading multi-day backpacking trips with youth and will complete a backpacking course in staff training. Experience working with horses is also valuable. All staff must have a Wilderness First Aid (minimum 40 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification. Leadership I Counsellor June 27 th - August 30 th Leadership I programs are month-long programs for 16 year old youth. All programs involve teaching and modeling backcountry leadership skills. Leadership I staff have extended experience leading youth in the outdoors and many relevant certifications with a minimum of a 40 hour Wilderness First Aid certification.
Health Centre Staff June 29 th - August 30 th Health Centre staff provide a professional and caring approach to the health of both campers and staff. This staff team also focuses on the prevention of illness and injuries. Health Center staff administer camper medications, maintain professional records, and correspond professionally with families and with our health care partners. These staff members must have at least a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification and a commitment to camper care. Horse Staff June 27 th - August 30 th Members of the horse staff team lead half-day and day-long arena and trail rides for our campers and are counsellors for our horse programs. All horse staff will rotate between these roles. While working leading rides, other duties include helping care for individual and herd health and completing daily chores. As a counsellor for the Shotungwa programs, horse staff will be co-leading the group of campers and teach horsemanship skills. They will also be involved in all other aspects of camp with the group. The horse program is based out of our main site and Gray Jay camp. Main site horse staff must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification and Gray Jay horse staff must have a Wilderness First Aid (minimum 24 hour course) and CPR 'C' certification. Sac Dene Counsellor June 25 th - August 31 st Sac Dene is our summer-long canoe trip for 17 year old youth. Sac Dene leaders have many years of outdoor leadership experience and certifications. Contact dsaul@calgary.ymca.ca for more information. Lifeguard June 29 th - August 30 th Our lifeguard will have the opportunity to work with a variety of youth, all with varying skills and abilities. The lifeguard is expected to provide the safety and supervision required to meet and exceed industry and YMCA Calgary standards. The successful candidate will be motivated and flexible, and have a current NLS certification with Standard First Aid and CPR C. Higher Ground Staff June 29 th - August 30 th Higher ground staff facilitate experiences for campers at the high ropes course, team swing element, flying squirrel element, climbing tower, and Hector tower. These staff members must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification. These staff eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, and facilitate early morning and evening activities.
Waterfront Staff June 29 th - August 30 th Our waterfront staff facilitate the daily operations on Chilver Lake. While at the waterfront, staff work with counsellors to teach campers various canoeing skills, waterfront safety, proper gear usage and care, voyageur canoeing and supervise waterfront games, activities and swimming. A Standard First Aid certification is required along with a Waterfront Canoe Instructor certification and an NLS. These staff members must be committed to enforcing policies and standards set by the YMCA and the camping industry. These staff eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, and facilitate early morning and evening activities. Camp Craft and Children s Garden Instructors June 29 th - August 30 th The Camp Craft team engages campers in our natural history with hands-on and exciting skills. Activities that the camp craft staff supervise include fire-making, atlatl throwing, walking stick carving, making natural tea, harvesting edible wilds, and baking outtrip foods such as bannock. These staff also supervise and facilitate the Children s Garden program. This includes caring for our greenhouse, weeding, watering, planting, harvesting, and educating campers on vegetable gardens. These staff must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification and a significant amount of experience in this field. These staff eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, and facilitate early morning and evening activities. Nanny and Arts and Crafts Instructors June 27 th August 30 th The four Arts and Crafts team members facilitate creative sessions that focus on learning artistic skills and completing a useful finished product. Arts and crafts projects include sketching and painting, crocheting, plaster masks, beaded key chains, bracelets, hair wraps, making pillow pals, and bead work. These staff also rotate through being our camp nanny and cares for the children of some of our full-time staff. Child care is done during the day and these staff support residential camp programs in the evening. These staff eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, and facilitate early morning and evening activities. This position requires a Standard First Aid and CPR C certification and individuals who can remain flexible and accommodating with a dynamic schedule. Staff will rotate between working with 7 year old twins and/or a 1½ year old. Outripping Staff June 29 th - August 30 th The Outtripping Centre is the hub of packing for outtrips and cleaning up after wards. Staff members in this area help groups to find the right gear and help with packing their food and cleaning. Outtripping staff members re-inventory equipment and food, and maintain a work-site that reflects professional food-safe practices and professional driving standards. Drivers are needed to shuttle groups to and from their trip destinations. Outtripping staff must have a Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification. Drivers must provide a Driver's Abstract and have taken a Defensive Driving course or have a valid Class 4 license. Section and Program Area Directors June 25 th - August 31 st Section Directors, Program Area Directors and Assistant Directors are leaders and role models in the camp community. Directors may supervise between 6 and 40 staff members. They are able to act as a professional liaison between the camp and its various partners - families, land managers, and YMCA Calgary. They have many years of camp experience and certifications relevant to their position with a minimum of a Standard First Aid and CPR C. These staff eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, support early morning and evening activities, support camper needs, make parent phone calls and evaluate counsellors.
Gray Jay Cook June 27 th - August 30 th Each summer, Camp Chief Hector YMCA hires a Cook to run the food services portion of our Gray Jay site. This position requires a high level of organization, creativity, motivation and work ethic, and a keen interest in living and cooking at a remote, off-grid site. Kitchen Staff June 25 th August 30 th Camp Chief Hector YMCA is looking to fill a variety of positions in our food services department. Kitchen staff help Cooks to prepare food, bake, clean work stations and serve three meals per day to groups ranging from 100-600 people. These positions are paid with an hourly wage and kitchen staff live in indoor accommodations. Seasonal Maintenance May 13 th August 30 th The Seasonal Maintenance staff works directly with the summer camp department and reports to the Camp Director. This position will complete tasks such as: repairing canoes, painting and staining buildings, small carpentry projects, tipi maintenance and creative projects. For more information please contact Doug Saul dsaul@calgary.ymca.ca. This staff member will live in a tipi with other resource staff and will be expected to work residential camp hours. They will eat meals with tipi groups, assist groups during transition times, and help to facilitate early morning and evening activities. A Standard First Aid and CPR C certification is required, as well as a clean drivers abstract and a full license.